Career comparison
Electric Motor Repairer vs. Electrician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Electricians earn more at the median ($63,190 vs. $56,210), while electric motor repairers usually get to work faster (Several months to a year of training). Electric motor repairers test, rewind and rebuild electric motors, generators and power tools. Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, panels and equipment safely to code.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Electric Motor Repairer | Electrician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $56,210 ($27.02/hr) | $63,190 ($30.38/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $37,100 – $85,200 | $42,640 – $108,510 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +4.4% (about as fast as average) | +9.2% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 1,400 | 72,700 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | Several months to a year | 4–5 years (paid apprenticeship) |
| Key credential | EASA training | Journeyman electrician license |
| Work setting | Repairers work in motor shops, factories and field service.. | Electricians work indoors and outdoors at construction sites, homes, businesses and factories. |
What each job does
Electric Motor Repairer
- Test motors for faults
- Disassemble motors
- Rewind coils
- Replace bearings and brushes
- Balance rotors
Electrician
- Read blueprints, schematics and electrical plans
- Install conduit, wiring, panels, breakers, receptacles and fixtures
- Inspect and test electrical systems with meters and testers
- Troubleshoot and repair faults in circuits, motors and controls
- Follow the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local codes
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, problem-solving, and indoor work. They sit in different fields, mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing and skilled trades & construction, but share transferable skills such as patience and problem-solving.
Which should you choose?
Choose electric motor repairer if…
- I like how motors work
- I’m patient
- I like precision
Choose electrician if…
- I like working with my hands and solving technical problems
- I’m comfortable with math and following detailed diagrams
- I respect safety rules, and follow them every time
Still torn? Take the Electric Motor Repairer fit quiz and the Electrician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, electric motor repairer or electrician?
Electricians earn more at the median: $63,190 versus $56,210 for electric motor repairers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Electric Motor Repairers typically train faster (Several months to a year) than electricians (4–5 years (paid apprenticeship)).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects electricians to grow +9.2% from 2025–35, compared with +4.4% for electric motor repairers.