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>Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Majors
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
Repair, maintain, or install electric motors, wiring, or switches.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $28K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $36K
Median Salary: $46K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $59K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $74K
Demand
Core Tasks
Inspect and test equipment to locate damage or worn parts and diagnose malfunctions, or read work orders or schematic drawings to determine required repairs.
Measure velocity, horsepower, revolutions per minute (rpm), amperage, circuitry, and voltage of units or parts to diagnose problems, using ammeters, voltmeters, wattmeters, and other testing devices.
Reassemble repaired electric motors to specified requirements and ratings, using hand tools and electrical meters.
Verify and adjust alignments and dimensions of parts, using gauges and tracing lathes.
Lift units or parts such as motors or generators, using cranes or chain hoists, or signal crane operators to lift heavy parts or subassemblies.
Record repairs required, parts used, and labor time.
Repair and rebuild defective mechanical parts in electric motors, generators, and related equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
Adjust working parts, such as fan belts, contacts, and springs, using hand tools and gauges.
Disassemble defective equipment so that repairs can be made, using hand tools.
Steam-clean polishing and buffing wheels to remove abrasives and bonding materials, and spray, brush, or recoat surfaces as necessary.
Lubricate moving parts.
Read service guides to find information needed to perform repairs.
Set machinery for proper performance, using computers.
Cut and form insulation, and insert insulation into armature, rotor, or stator slots.
Inspect electrical connections, wiring, relays, charging resistance boxes, and storage batteries, following wiring diagrams.
Maintain stocks of parts.
Reface, ream, and polish commutators and machine parts to specified tolerances, using machine tools.
Scrape and clean units or parts, using cleaning solvents and equipment such as buffing wheels.
Test equipment for overheating, using speed gauges and thermometers.
Assemble electrical parts such as alternators, generators, starting devices, and switches, following schematic drawings and using hand, machine, and power tools.
Bolt porcelain insulators to wood parts to assemble hot stools.
Solder, wrap, and coat wires to ensure proper insulation.
Rewire electrical systems, and repair or replace electrical accessories.
Add water or acid to battery cell solutions to obtain specified concentrations.
Clean cells, cell assemblies, glassware, leads, electrical connections, and battery poles, using scrapers, steam, water, emery cloths, power grinders, or acid.
Pour compounds into transformer-case terminal openings to seal out moisture.
Rewind coils on cores in slots, or make replacement coils, using coil-winding machines.
Test conditions, fluid levels, and specific gravities of electrolyte cells, using voltmeters, hydrometers, and thermometers.
Weld, braze, or solder electrical connections.
Remove and replace defective parts such as coil leads, carbon brushes, and wires, using soldering equipment.
Hammer out dents and twists in tools and equipment.
Drain and filter transformer oil and refill transformers with oil until coils are submerged.
Repair and operate battery-charging equipment.
Seal joints with putty, mortar, and asbestos, using putty extruders and knives.
Sharpen tools such as saws, picks, shovels, screwdrivers, and scoops, either manually or by using bench grinders and emery wheels.
Inspect batteries for structural defects such as dented cans, damaged carbon rods and terminals, and defective seals.
Test battery charges, and replace or recharge batteries as necessary.
Position and level battery cells, anodes, or cathodes, using hoists or leveling jacks, or signal other workers to perform positioning and leveling.
Clean, rinse, and dry transformer cases, using boiling water, scrapers, solvents, hoses, and cloths.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Mechanical
85%
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
English Language
65%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Production and Processing
65%
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Administration and Management
61%
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Customer and Personal Service
61%
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Mathematics
60%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Education and Training
58%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Public Safety and Security
53%
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Engineering and Technology
52%
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Clerical
51%
Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
Top 10 Skills
Repairing
83%
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Equipment Maintenance
78%
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Troubleshooting
78%
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Critical Thinking
75%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Equipment Selection
75%
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Quality Control Analysis
75%
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Complex Problem Solving
73%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Operations Monitoring
70%
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control
65%
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Active Listening
63%
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Top 10 Abilities
Finger Dexterity
80%
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Near Vision
78%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Problem Sensitivity
78%
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Manual Dexterity
75%
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Arm-Hand Steadiness
73%
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Information Ordering
70%
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Deductive Reasoning
65%
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Hearing Sensitivity
65%
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Inductive Reasoning
65%
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Visual Color Discrimination
65%
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Top 10 Work Activities
Getting Information
87%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
87%
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
85%
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
85%
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
83%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
83%
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
83%
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Controlling Machines and Processes
82%
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Processing Information
82%
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
81%
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Detailed Work Activities
Read work orders or descriptions of problems to determine repairs or modifications needed.
Inspect mechanical equipment to locate damage, defects, or wear.
Reassemble equipment after repair.
Measure equipment outputs.
Repair defective engines or engine components.
Rebuild parts or components.
Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
Communicate with coworkers to coordinate installations or repairs.
Maintain repair or maintenance records.
Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
Lubricate equipment to allow proper functioning.
Read technical information needed to perform maintenance or repairs.
Inspect electrical or electronic systems for defects.
Clean equipment, parts, or tools to repair or maintain them in good working order.
Braze metal parts or components.
Test mechanical equipment to ensure proper functioning.
Smooth surfaces of objects or equipment.
Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
Install insulation in equipment or structures.
Cut materials according to specifications or needs.
Assemble electrical components, subsystems, or systems.
Bolt objects into place.
Solder parts or connections between parts.
Rewire electrical or electronic systems.
Repair electrical components.
Fabricate parts or components.
Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning.
Prepare compounds or solutions to be used for repairs.
Seal gaps or cracks to prevent leakage or moisture intrusion.
Remove parts or components from equipment.
Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
Remove dents from equipment, materials, tools or structures.
Repair electronic equipment.
Sharpen cutting or grinding tools.
Level machines or equipment.
Work Context
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
Frequency of Decision Making
How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
Exposed to Contaminants
How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
Spend Time Standing
How much does this job require standing?
Coordinate or Lead Others
How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
Contact With Others
How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
Education
Interests
Realistic
100%
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional
48%
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Investigative
34%
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Enterprising
19%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Artistic
15%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Social
15%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
93%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability
88%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Cooperation
85%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Stress Tolerance
84%
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Independence
83%
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Integrity
83%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Adaptability/Flexibility
81%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Persistence
80%
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Analytical Thinking
79%
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Initiative
79%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Work Values
Support
72%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Relationships
58%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Independence
53%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Working Conditions
53%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Achievement
48%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Recognition
43%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
