Maintenance electrician jobs are a crucial component of any industrial operation. Maintenance electricians are responsible for keeping the machinery and electrical equipment in good working condition. They repair or replace malfunctioning parts, assess and troubleshoot electrical problems, and typically work in an industrial setting.
These jobs are diverse and may require different skill sets, depending on the type of maintenance electrician role. The majority of the maintenance electrician jobs are task-driven, which means the maintenance electrician must perform a variety of tasks in an efficient manner.
Tasks involved in Maintenance Electrician Jobs
Typical duties for maintenance electricians can include:
-Performing electrical maintenance on machinery, control systems, and electrical distribution systems to ensure they operate properly and efficiently.
-Following preventative maintenance schedules to keep machines operating smoothly.
-Inspecting electrical components, such as wiring, switches, and circuit breakers, to diagnose and repair problems.
-Replacing or repairing electricity-powered systems components and equipment that are damaged or not working properly.
-Using test equipment, such as voltmeters, ohmmeters, and oscilloscopes, to diagnose electrical problems.
-Keeping records of maintenance and repairs, including the date of work, how long it took, and what was done.
People who work as maintenance electricians must be able to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. They must be detail-oriented, have great problem-solving skills, and have excellent attention to detail. A good maintenance electrician must also have strong communication skills as they’ll usually be working with different departments, engineers, and management.
Requirements for Maintenance Electrician Jobs
Maintenance electricians are generally required to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers, however, will require a technical degree, electrical apprenticeship, or a state license. In addition, maintenance electricians must have experience working with industrial or commercial electrical systems and the ability to troubleshoot and repair a wide range of electrical equipment.
Experience with Programmable Logic Controllers PLCs more commonly referred to as automation controls and drives systems is a significant plus. Familiarity with National Electrical Codes NEC and basic computer skills are also essential.
Career Prospects in Maintenance Electrician Jobs
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS reports that employment of electricians, including maintenance electricians, is projected to grow by 8% over the 2019-2029 decade. The median annual wage for electricians was $56, 180 in May 2020 with the highest 10 percent earning more than $98, 720.
The salaries and benefits for maintenance electricians typically differ depending on the employer and industry. For instance, electricians working in the Federal Executive Branch generally earn the highest median wage, at $85, 240 per year. Meanwhile, electricians working in the wholesale electronic markets usually earned a median pay of $72, 580.
Some companies have programs for their maintenance electricians to optionally join an apprenticeship program, which can be a great way to enter the field and gain more experience.
Final Thoughts
The demand for maintenance electricians is constantly growing, making this profession an ideal choice for those with an interest in electrical systems and machinery. With the proper educational background and hands-on experience, maintenance electrician jobs can provide a great career with excellent growth prospects.
Becoming a maintenance electrician requires a lot of dedication and hard work, but it’s also a rewarding job that allows you to make significant contributions to the operation of your business. If you enjoy tinkering with machinery, fixing problems, and have a keen interest in electrical systems, then maintenance electrician jobs might be the right career choice for you.