What is an Electrical Technician? (Job Description And Salary)

Last updated on October 27th, 2026.

Electrical technicians work in entry-level electrical roles and specialized positions across industries beyond electrical construction. Their training can lead to several types of work.

Electrical technicians usually attend a two-year trade or vocational school and graduate with an associate’s degree, like the program here.

Programs cover electrical construction, electrical power and controls, or maintenance of different electrical systems. The program determines which industry graduates train to work in.

Here are the training options and types of work.

Electrical Technician – Power & Controls

Trade school students commonly graduate with an associate’s degree in electrical technology or electrical engineering technology.

If two years is too long, some programs have a one-year certificate covering a specific skill set.

Certificate programs cover areas such as electrical maintenance, power and controls or electrical technology.

A two-year program can cover engineering and design, installation and calibration, maintenance, testing and troubleshooting, computer instrumentation and robotic interfacing as well as electrical construction.

Course work can include:

• Alternating current and direct current theory
• AC and DC motors
• Electronics
• Programmable logic controllers (PLC)
• Speed drive systems
• Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
• Power Factor Correction units (PFC)
• Using computer software for engineering, designing and drafting.

After completing a program, you might have opportunities for a company internship or further specialization.

You can expect a good benefits package that may include competitive pay, 401k, pension, medical, dental and vision.

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Electrical Technician Jobs

Companies that hire graduates directly from these programs include Schneider Electric, Eaton, Chevron Phillips and Aerotek.

Electrical technicians can earn competitive salaries and advance in a range of industries. Their skills and dedication can affect their progress.

For example, the Tennessee Valley Authority has a 2 and a half year Electrical Technician program. It trains students to maintain electrical and mechanical equipment in fossil or nuclear plants.

These technicians carry out preventive maintenance, failure analysis and corrective maintenance on equipment such as solenoids, relays, valves, motors, switches, controls, annunciators and alarms.

They also dismantle and repair equipment used for specific mechanical functions.

Electrical Technician Salary

The electrical technician salary ranges from $40,000 at entry level to $100,000 for experienced workers. Pay depends on the part of the country and the type of work.

Higher salaries can come with work in expensive cities such as New York and San Francisco.

These jobs have great stability and are expected to grow the most in the coming years.

Job Description

Technicians use their knowledge and experience for general maintenance, installation, troubleshooting and electrical or electronic equipment repair.

General and Preventative Maintenance

General maintenance follows manufacturer guidelines for testing and upkeep so equipment lasts and performs as intended.

Periodic checks confirm that equipment works properly and identify issues that could cause premature failure.

Troubleshooting

Technicians use testing equipment and meters to find faults.

To diagnose the root cause, technicians need to read and understand schematics, blueprints, manuals, manufacturers’ specifications and diagrams.

Repair

Technicians can repair components that control machinery and automation equipment. Some positions may also require analysis and repair of mechanical components.

Technicians typically record faults by date, machine and alarm number in a computer database.

Training Programs Geared More Towards Construction

Programs in Electrical Construction Technology teach residential and commercial wiring systems, along with the skills for electrical distribution and service applications.

Graduates can qualify for work as a building maintenance electrician, construction electrician, electrical maintenance technician or industrial maintenance electrician. In some cases, they can work as a residential electrician.

Course work can include study in the following areas:

• Hand and power tools
• Electrical service installation
• Electrical components
• Systems Troubleshooting
• Blueprint Reading
• Specialty tools and meters
• Motors and controllers
• AC / DC circuits

Electrical Construction graduates sometimes work alone. They also need to work with operators, supervisors and co-workers toward a common goal.

Summary

An electrical technician can work toward a license or develop the expertise for field service work with leading manufacturers. The training path depends on the work they want to do.

With a salary range of $40,000 – $100,000, your drive and initiative affect how much you earn. Research the training and jobs that fit your plans.