Electrical Mechanics
(NOC 7333)
in All Trades and TransportationElectrical mechanics maintain, test, rebuild and repair electric motors, transformers, switchgear and other electrical apparatus. They are employed by independent electrical repair shops, service shops of electrical equipment manufacturers and maintenance departments of manufacturing companies. Electrical mechanics may specialize in working with certain types of apparatus, such as electric motors or transformers, or in performing certain functions, such as winding coils.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a small percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are not expected to be a major contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Electrical Mechanics most commonly work full-time hours. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 64% of Electrical Mechanics who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $57,670. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$53,808
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$20.35
Median$34.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Electrical mechanics maintain, test, rebuild and repair electric motors, transformers, switchgear and other electrical apparatus. They are employed by independent electrical repair shops, service shops of electrical equipment manufacturers and maintenance departments of manufacturing companies. Electrical mechanics may specialize in working with certain types of apparatus, such as electric motors or transformers, or in performing certain functions, such as winding coils.
Job duties
Electrical mechanics perform some or all of the following duties:
- Test and observe electrical, electronic and mechanical components and systems using testing and measuring instruments.
- Troubleshoot and repair electric motors, transformers, switchgear, generators and other electro-mechanical equipment.
- Replace or recondition shafts, bearings, commutators and other components.
- Wind, assemble and install various types of coils for electric motors or transformer.
- Perform static or dynamic balancing of armatures or rotors by welding, brazing or soldering electrical connections and by aligning and adjusting parts.
- Test and repair or replace faulty wiring or components in electrical switchgear.
- Test repaired motors, transformers, switchgear or other electrical apparatus to ensure proper performance.
- Perform some machining to recondition or modify shafts, commutators or other parts.
- Perform on-site servicing and repair.
Sample job titles
- electric motor mechanic
- electric motor repairer and tester
- electric motor systems technician
- electrical mechanic
- electrical mechanic apprentice
- power transformer repairer
Skills
This work requires an understanding of the principles of electricity and a mechanical aptitude. You should be able to follow instructions and perform detailed work. Patience and the ability to be methodical are required when testing motors and equipment. Analytical skills are required to determine what is causing equipment to malfunction and decide on the necessary repairs. A background in high school mathematics and the sciences is helpful. You should also have good motor coordination, physical strength, and stamina. Power transformer repairers must be able to work at heights.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school is usually required.
- Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some college or industry courses in electrical mechanics is usually required for trade certification.
- Trade certification as an electric motor system technician is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to qualified electric motor system technicians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Other considerations
Workers may be self-employed and provide services as needed to their clients. Therefore, earnings may vary throughout the year and depend upon the person's ability to attract and retain customers. Although specialization may occur, workers in this group are required to be proficient in repairing all electrical apparatus. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Northern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Construction
Utilities
Other Industries
Rubber, Plastics & Chemical Manufacturing
Transportation and Warehousing
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
65+
35-44
15-24
25-34
55-64
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
Top levels of education
Trades certificate
$36,328 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$44,782 median annual incomeLess than high school
N/AHigh school
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trades certificate
$40,890 median annual incomeHigh school
$28,089 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$39,023 median annual incomeLess than high school
$25,753 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,972 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Electrical/electronics maintenance and repair technology - Other
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program not listed above that relates to Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology.
Institutions providing this program
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This job is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, however, a certificate is not needed to legally work in this job.