Why We Love It
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$43,760Potential Avg. Salary
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3.6%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Growing IndustryCareer Attribute
Electric motor mechanics conduct routine maintenance on and repair vehicles with electric motors. These vehicles use electricity as either a sole or hybrid energy source, so electric motor mechanics may be required to conduct maintenance on both traditional motors and new electric-powered engines.
Recommended Schools
What is an Electric Motor Mechanic?
The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in electric motor mechanic roles:
- Discuss concerns with customers and perform diagnostic tests to determine needed repairs
- Perform routine inspections to identify maintenance needs before more severe problems occur
- Repair components of engines, transmissions, brakes, exhausts, and other vehicle systems
A Day in the Life
Electric motor mechanics spend their days diagnosing and repairing vehicles that are powered by either fully-electric motors or by both gas and electric motors. Because hybrid cars utilize both gas and electric motors, electric motor mechanics may need to be able to repair the parts and components of both types of power systems. Their work begins by discussing needs and problems with customers. This may lead to conducting routine maintenance, or it may lead to performing more complex repairs.
Electric motor mechanics perform many of the same tasks as gas motor mechanics. They change oil on hybrid cars, replace air filters, refill fluids, align tires, and replace windshield wipers. When more complex repairs are needed, electric motor mechanics are usually dependent on computer diagnostic systems to aid in finding the source of the problem. Because electric cars are commonly run off of computer systems, often the car itself can identify what issues it is experiencing.
Once the electric motor mechanic discovers the source of the problem, he/she must conduct repairs. Electric motor mechanics use a variety of tools to perform repairs. They use basic hand tools like wrenches, more complex power tools like grinders, and electric repair tools like soldering equipment. They may also be required to re-wire electrical systems, test systems with voltmeters, clean corrosion from batteries, and replace acid in battery cells to ensure it meets concentration specifications.
Typical Work Schedule
Most electric motor mechanics work full-time schedules. Depending on the type of repair shop they work for, evening and weekend work may be required. Often, mechanic shops are open for repairs in evening and on weekends to accommodate customer work schedules. Additionally, overtime may be common in this role to ensure all repair and maintenance work is completed on time.
Projected Job Growth
In recent years, the cost of electric-powered cars has decreased, interest in renewable energy vehicles has increased, and electric engine technology has advanced to make electric-powered vehicles operate as well as gas-powered cars. All of these things have increased interest in and demand for electric motor vehicles, and as sales of these vehicles increase, more electric motor mechanics will be needed to perform routine maintenance and repairs.
Typical Employers
Electric motor mechanics commonly work for car dealerships, auto repair shops, and auto parts stores. Some may also be self-employed and own their own car repair shops, or conduct maintenance and repairs on a freelance basis for individual clients.
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How To Become an Electric Motor Mechanic
Because electric motor mechanics work with electric systems, finding work in the field typically requires additional study after high school. Some aspiring electric motor mechanics pursue certificates in electric vehicle technology. Offered by community, trade, and vocational schools, these certificate programs offer both theoretical and practical training in the field. Students learn how electric motors work, understand their basic components, and are taught how to perform repairs and routine maintenance.
Associate’s degree programs in electric vehicle technology are also available. These programs take longer to complete than certificate programs—typically requiring two years of full-time study—but provide more thorough educations in repairing electric- and gas-powered engines. By completing an associate’s degree, students may be more competitive for open electric motor mechanic roles even without prior professional experience, and may qualify for higher-paying jobs.
Beyond the education needed, most new electric motor mechanics receive on-the-job training. They may spend a few weeks or months assisting an experienced electric motor mechanic before performing maintenance and repairs independently. After working in the role for a few years, you can also sit for an exam offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). If passed, this exam leads to formal certification and may enable you to find and secure high-paying jobs in the field.
Electric Motor Mechanic Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$31,680Average
$43,760High Range
$69,520National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$15/hrAverage
$21/hrHigh Range
$33/hrHow do Electric Motor Mechanic salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Electric Motor Mechanic's can make an average annual salary of $43,760, or $21 per hour. This makes it an Above Average Salary. On the lower end, they can make $31,680 or $15 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#473 Nationally for All Careers
Highest Education Among Electric Motor Mechanics
- 0% Doctorate
- 0.8% Masters
- 7% Bachelors
- 14.5% Associates
- 27.5% College
- 39.2% High School
- 10.9% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
19,3002024 Est. Jobs
20,000Job Growth Rate
3.6%Est. New Jobs
700How does Electric Motor Mechanic job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 700 jobs for a total of 20,000 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 3.6% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Below Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#494 Nationally for All Careers
What Companies Employ The Most Electric Motor Mechanics
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial and industrial machinery and equipment (except automotive and electronic) repair and maintenance | 4,400 | 200 | 0% |
| Household appliances and electrical and electronic goods merchant wholesalers | 3,300 | -100 | 0% |
| Self-employed workers | 1,800 | 200 | 0% |
