How to become an electrical mechanic
Official title: Electrical mechanics
Also called: Electrical mechanic, Electric motor mechanic, Circuit breaker mechanic, Electrical rewind mechanic, Electrical mechanic trainee, Electrical apparatus mechanic, Electrical instrument mechanic, Electrical instrument repairer, Electrical mechanic apprentice, Electrical mechanics lead hand, Electrical transformer repairer, Meter repair electrical mechanic
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. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- 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 transformers
- 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
How to become one
Completion of secondary school and training courses or a vocational program is usually required. Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over four years of work experience and industry courses in electrical mechanics is usually required for trade certification. Trade certification as an electric motor system technician is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia, the Yukon and Nunavut. Electrical motor and equipment repairer - winding trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Quebec. Electrical motor system technician (electrical utility) trade certification is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified electric motor system technicians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Red Seal trade. Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over four years of work experience and industry courses in electrical mechanics is usually required for trade certification. Red Seal endorsement is available. Apprenticeships are run by each province and territory.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $60,450 a year The middle half earn $52,650 to $70,200.
- About 10,900 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 12,700 are projected by 2033. (+16.5%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
Related jobs
- Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics
- Appliance servicers and repairers
- Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics
- Other small engine and small equipment repairers
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Questions people ask
How do I become an electrical mechanic?
Completion of secondary school and training courses or a vocational program is usually required. Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over four years of work experience and industry courses in electrical mechanics is usually required for trade certification. Trade certification as an electric motor system technician is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia, the Yukon and Nunavut. Electrical motor and equipment repairer - winding trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Quebec. Electrical motor system technician (electrical utility) trade certification is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified electric motor system technicians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
How much does an electrical mechanic earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $60,450 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $52,650 to $70,200.
Is an electrical mechanic a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 17% by 2033, from about 10,900 to about 12,700 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an electrical mechanic?
Usually not. Only 6% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Red Seal trade.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03