Electricians vs Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Side-by-side comparison of salary, job growth, and training requirements based on BLS data.
Overview
Both electricians and industrial machinery mechanics offer solid middle-class careers with nearly identical earning potential. Electricians earn a median $62,350 while industrial machinery mechanics make $63,760 - just a 2.2% difference. Job growth is similarly matched at 5.2% and 5.5% respectively over the next decade. Electricians focus on electrical systems in buildings and structures, requiring 4-5 years of training and state licensing. Industrial machinery mechanics maintain production equipment in manufacturing settings, with more flexible training paths from 1-4 years. Both trades offer stability, good benefits, and advancement opportunities in essential industries that can't be outsourced.
Salary Breakdown
The $1,410 salary difference between these trades is negligible - both start around $40,000 and can reach $85,000+ with experience. Electricians often have stronger overtime opportunities, especially in construction and emergency repair work. Industrial mechanics typically see more consistent hours but excellent benefits in manufacturing plants. Specialized electricians (industrial, renewable energy) can command premium rates, while machinery mechanics with automation or robotics skills earn top dollar. Both trades offer apprenticeship programs with progressive pay increases, reaching full wages upon completion. Geographic location significantly impacts both careers' earning potential.
Work Environment
Electricians work in diverse settings - residential homes, commercial buildings, construction sites, and industrial facilities. Expect varying schedules, outdoor work, and travel between job sites. The work involves climbing, crawling through tight spaces, and potential electrical hazards. Industrial machinery mechanics primarily work indoors in manufacturing plants with consistent schedules but shift work possibilities. They face machinery-related risks, loud environments, and physically demanding repairs. Mechanics typically have more predictable hours and location stability, while electricians enjoy greater variety but less routine. Both require safety consciousness and physical fitness for demanding manual labor.
Career Growth
Electricians can specialize in residential, commercial, or industrial work, with paths toward project supervision, electrical contracting, or starting their own business. Master electrician licenses open teaching and inspection opportunities. Industrial machinery mechanics advance to maintenance supervisors, plant engineers, or equipment specialists. The rise of automation creates opportunities in robotics and computerized systems. Both trades offer entrepreneurial potential - electricians through contracting businesses, mechanics through specialized repair services. Long-term earning potential is similar, though electricians may have slightly more business ownership opportunities due to broader market demand and licensing protections.
Who should choose Electricians?
Choose electrician if you enjoy variety, problem-solving, and working in different environments daily. You should be comfortable with heights, tight spaces, and irregular schedules. This career suits people who like customer interaction, want entrepreneurial opportunities, and don't mind traveling to job sites. Electricians need strong attention to detail, code knowledge, and troubleshooting skills. It's ideal for those who want the security of licensed trade protection and diverse specialization options from residential service to industrial power systems.
Typical path: IBEW apprenticeship or non-union apprenticeship; state journeyman license exam required
Explore Electricians →Who should choose Industrial Machinery Mechanics?
Choose industrial machinery mechanic if you prefer working with complex mechanical systems and enjoy steady, plant-based employment. You should like hands-on problem-solving, working with your hands, and understanding how things operate mechanically. This career suits people who want consistent schedules, strong union benefits, and prefer manufacturing environments over customer-facing roles. Mechanics need mechanical aptitude, patience for complex repairs, and willingness to learn evolving automation technology. It's perfect for those who want stable employment in essential manufacturing industries.
Typical path: Associate degree or apprenticeship; industry certifications vary
Explore Industrial Machinery Mechanics →The Bottom Line
Both are excellent choices with similar pay and growth. Choose electrician for variety and entrepreneurial potential, or machinery mechanic for stability and consistent manufacturing employment. Your preference for work environment and schedule predictability should drive this decision.