Introduction
From elevators and HVAC systems to industrial machinery and electric vehicles, electric motors and switches are everywhere. These components are the “muscles and control centers” of countless machines, and when they break down, productivity stops.
That’s where electric motor and switch assemblers and repairers come in. These skilled tradespeople build, install, test, and repair motors, generators, controllers, and switches that power modern industry.
If you like hands-on work, enjoy problem-solving, and want a career in the heart of electrical and mechanical systems, this could be an excellent path.
What Do Electric Motor and Switch Repairers Do?
Day-to-day responsibilities include:
- Inspecting motors and switches for wear, defects, or malfunctions.
- Disassembling motors to identify faulty parts.
- Repairing or replacing components such as coils, bearings, or wiring.
- Rewinding armatures (a specialized skill for restoring motors).
- Assembling new motors or switches for industrial use.
- Testing repaired equipment with meters, gauges, and diagnostic tools.
- Maintaining records of work for compliance and warranties.
This role combines elements of electrical engineering, mechanical repair, and craftsmanship.
Skills You’ll Need
The work requires precision, patience, and technical ability:
- Electrical knowledge – Understanding currents, circuits, and insulation.
- Mechanical aptitude – Comfort with gears, bearings, and moving parts.
- Problem-solving ability – Diagnosing malfunctions in complex systems.
- Attention to detail – Repairs often require microscopic precision.
- Manual dexterity – Handling delicate coils and small components.
- Safety awareness – Working with electricity requires strict safety practices.
Education & Training
The training pathway is specialized but accessible:
- High school diploma or GED – Required.
- Vocational or trade school – Courses in electricity, electronics, or motor repair are highly valuable.
- On-the-job training – Most repairers learn under experienced technicians.
- Certifications – Optional but beneficial (e.g., electrical safety, OSHA training).
- Apprenticeships – Some employers offer structured training programs.
This role often attracts people who start in general electrical work and move into motor specialization.
2025 BLS Salary and Job Outlook
The figures below are U.S. national estimates. Wages refer to May 2025; job growth and annual openings refer separately to the 2025–2035 BLS employment projections.
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
Related O*NET occupation: Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers (49-2092.00). BLS reporting code: 49-2092.
Scope: These figures describe the full BLS occupation listed above, which may include other specialties and job titles. BLS does not publish a separate estimate for this exact guide title.
- Median wage (May 2025): $56,210 per year.
- Mean wage (May 2025): $58,610 per year.
- 10th percentile wage (May 2025): $37,100 per year.
- 25th percentile wage (May 2025): $45,190 per year.
- 75th percentile wage (May 2025): $69,090 per year.
- 90th percentile wage (May 2025): $85,200 per year.
- OEWS employment estimate (May 2025): 14,450. This estimate excludes self-employed workers.
- Employment in the projections base year (2025): 16,100.
- Projected employment (2035): 16,800.
- Projected employment change (2025–2035): 4.4%.
- Projected annual openings (2025–2035 average): 1,400. Openings include employment growth and workers leaving the occupation; they are not all newly created jobs.
Wage percentiles describe the distribution of wages, not guaranteed entry-level or experienced-worker salaries. National figures can differ from pay in a particular state, industry, or employer. OEWS wages do not include self-employed earnings. The projections employment estimates use a different coverage basis and may include self-employed workers.
Sources: BLS May 2025 national OEWS wage estimates; BLS 2025–2035 occupational projections, Table 1.2; BLS OEWS coverage and definitions.
Job outlook:
- However, industries like manufacturing, renewable energy, and electric vehicles will continue to need specialists.
- Those skilled in modern automation and high-efficiency motors will see the strongest demand.
Work Settings
Electric motor and switch repairers work in a variety of settings:
- Manufacturing plants – Repairing motors that run production lines.
- Utilities – Maintaining generators and switches for power delivery.
- Repair shops – Specializing in motors for commercial or industrial clients.
- Construction and HVAC companies – Installing and servicing large motors.
- Independent contractors – Providing motor and switch services directly.
Work environments are usually industrial shops or customer facilities, often involving heavy lifting and detailed bench work.
Career Growth Opportunities
This field offers practical and rewarding growth paths:
- Senior technician – Handling advanced motor rebuilds.
- Specialization – Focusing on rewinding, high-voltage motors, or EV systems.
- Field service engineer – Traveling to repair motors on-site.
- Shop supervisor – Leading a motor repair department.
- Business ownership – Starting your own motor and switch repair shop.
Would You Actually Like It?
This is a career for people who enjoy hands-on, detail-oriented technical work. It can be physically demanding but also provides stability and pride in craftsmanship.
You’ll probably enjoy it if you:
✅ Like fixing and building electrical devices.
✅ Enjoy problem-solving and precision work.
✅ Prefer steady, structured trade work.
✅ Don’t mind working in industrial environments.
You might not enjoy it if you:
❌ Prefer office or computer-based jobs.
❌ Dislike repetitive tasks or fine-motor work.
❌ Aren’t comfortable working around electricity.
My MAPP Fit
Here’s where the MAPP Career Assessment is valuable.
Motor and switch repairers often align with MAPP profiles emphasizing mechanical aptitude, precision, and problem-solving. If your results show motivation for technical, structured, and detail-focused work, this could be an excellent match.
👉 Is this career path right for you? Find out Free with the MAPP Career Assessment.
