Electro-Mechanical Technician Career
Electro-mechanical technicians assess, operate and maintain a variety of electro-mechanical equipment, including robotic, automated and similar unmanned equipment. Due to the scope of this career, electro-mechanical technicians must have a knowledge of mechanical technology, electricity and electronic circuits.
Electro-mechanical technicians may work on their own but generally assist electrical and mechanical engineers in their duties. Computer, manufacturing, energy and communications are just a few of the industrial environments where electro-mechanical technicians may work.
Electro-Mechanical Technician Career Snapshot
An electro-mechanical technician may work in office settings, factories, manufacturing facilities or various production sites. Although the work may have them working with toxic or hazardous materials, using protective gear minimizes health risks. Electro-mechanical technicians usually work a 40-hour week but may be required to work overtime if the company needs a project completed quickly or if repairs are required.
Further details on a career as an electro-mechanical technician are listed below (statistics from the May 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):
is the estimated annual pay for electro-mechanical technicians.
increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.
have an Associate’s degree while 30% Post-secondary certificate.
Electro-Mechanical Tech Education
To become an electro-mechanical technician, an individual must complete at least an associate degree or postsecondary certificate program, which can be found at community or technical colleges and generally take about two years to complete. For best career opportunities, the individual should complete a program that’s accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Candidates can also obtain certification through the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technology or the International Society of Automation. This career requires a strong background in science and math.
Electro-Mechanical Tech Job Duties
In addition to assisting engineers in repairing, upgrading, installing and maintaining, electro-mechanical systems, the technician will also read and interpret blueprints or machine schematics while also testing, analyzing test results, and preparing reports. They use specialized instruments, soldering equipment and various hand tools. Technicians also calibrate pneumatic and hydraulic assemblies.
Electro-Mechanical Tech Salaries
The BLS reports that the average annual wage for electro-mechanical technicians was about $53,340 in 2015. The lowest ten percent earned $33,580 while the top 90 percent earned more than $84,000 that year. Geographic location, training, experience, certifications earned and type of company are all factors that can affect earning potential. Electro-mechanical technicians who further their education can also earn higher wages.
Electro-Mechanical Tech Job Outlook
Electro-mechanical technicians are expected to see little to no change in job growth from 2014-2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). As manufacturing companies continue to design and build new machines and projects, electro-mechanical technicians will continue to be in demand. The increasing use of renewable energies will also provide job opportunities for the electro-mechanical technicians.
Electro-Mechanical Technician Skills & Traits
| Electro-Mechanical Tech Skill Set: | Required Abilities: | Tools Used by Electro-Mechanical Techs: | Typical Work Activities: |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Operation Monitoring • Monitoring • Monitoring • Troubleshooting • Critical Thinking | • Control Precision • Arm-Hand Steadiness • Finger Dexterity • Near Vision • Problem Sensitivity | • Hex keys • Digital multimeters • Pressure indicators • Signal generators • Stripping tools | • Communicating with Others • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment • Controlling Machines and Processes • Documenting Information |
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