Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers: Salary, Career Outlook, and How to Get Started (2025)
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers earned a median salary of $56,210 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That translates to roughly $27 per hour, with the typical range spanning from $37,100 at the 10th percentile to $85,200 at the 90th. This occupation employs about 14,450 workers across the U.S., repairing and maintaining everything from industrial motors to power saws.
How much Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers earn
The median annual wage for electric motor, power tool, and related repairers is $56,210. The mean wage is slightly higher at $58,610, reflecting some high earners pulling up the average. Entry-level workers (10th percentile) make around $37,100, while experienced top earners (90th percentile) can reach $85,200. Pay varies significantly by industry and location, with the highest concentration of jobs in manufacturing, repair and maintenance services, and wholesale trade.
Pay by state
Where you work heavily influences your paycheck. Illinois tops the list with an average annual wage of $79,320, followed by Wisconsin ($75,550), New York ($66,710), California ($66,040), and Connecticut ($63,970). At the lower end, Oklahoma pays an average of $38,880, Alabama $38,430, and Tennessee $36,240. If you're willing to relocate, targeting high-paying states can boost earnings by over 100% compared to lower-paying ones.
How to become Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairer
Most employers prefer a high school diploma or equivalent, combined with technical training or an apprenticeship. Many repairers learn on the job or through vocational schools, community colleges, or union programs that offer coursework in electronics, motor theory, and safety. Certification from organizations like the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) or the International Society of Automation (ISA) can improve job prospects.
- Complete high school or GED.
- Enroll in a vocational or community college program in electrical/electronics repair (1-2 years).
- Seek an apprenticeship or entry-level position to gain hands-on experience.
- Consider certification (e.g., ETA Certified Electronics Technician) to stand out.
- Licensing is not usually required, but some states mandate licenses for specific equipment repair.
Job outlook
Employment for electric motor, power tool, and related repairers is projected to grow 3.4% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The BLS expects roughly 1,700 job openings each year over the decade, largely due to the need to replace workers who retire or transfer out. Demand will remain steady as industries require maintenance of existing equipment, though automation and more efficient motors may temper growth.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest paying state for electric motor repairers?
Illinois pays the highest average wage at $79,320, followed closely by Wisconsin at $75,550.
Do electric motor repairers need a college degree?
No. Most require a high school diploma and technical training, often through a vocational school or apprenticeship. Certifications can help but are not mandatory.
Is electric motor repair a growing field?
Yes, it's growing at 3.4% over 2024-2034 (about as fast as average), with about 1,700 job openings per year.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers data.