Career comparison
Electrician vs. Industrial Electronics Repairer
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Industrial electronics repairers earn more at the median ($74,090 vs. $63,190), while industrial electronics repairers usually get to work faster (Training program plus a year or more on the job of training). Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, panels and equipment safely to code. Industrial electronics repairers repair the electronic controls that run industrial machines.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Electrician | Industrial Electronics Repairer | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $63,190 ($30.38/hr) | $74,090 ($35.62/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $42,640 – $108,510 | $46,840 – $105,590 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +9.2% (much faster than average) | +0.3% (little or no change) |
| Openings per year | 72,700 | 4,700 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training time | 4–5 years (paid apprenticeship) | Training program plus a year or more on the job |
| Key credential | Journeyman electrician license | ETA Certified Electronics Technician |
| Work setting | Electricians work indoors and outdoors at construction sites, homes, businesses and factories. | Repairers work in factories, repair shops and field service.. |
What each job does
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
Industrial Electronics Repairer
- Troubleshoot control systems
- Repair circuit boards
- Replace components
- Test PLCs and drives
- Calibrate equipment
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, problem-solving, and indoor work. They sit in different fields, skilled trades & construction and mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing, but share transferable skills such as problem-solving and logical thinking.
Which should you choose?
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
Choose industrial electronics repairer if…
- I like electronics
- I solve logic puzzles
- I stay calm when lines are down
Still torn? Take the Electrician fit quiz and the Industrial Electronics Repairer fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, electrician or industrial electronics repairer?
Industrial Electronics Repairers earn more at the median: $74,090 versus $63,190 for electricians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Industrial Electronics Repairers typically train faster (Training program plus a year or more on the job) 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 +0.3% for industrial electronics repairers.