Electrician Vs Mechanic, Which Career Is Better? (Explained)

Choosing a career route isn’t always easy.

Choosing the appropriate profession necessitates considering your personality, interests, and goals.

If you want to work in the trades, you have numerous alternatives, the most common of which being Electrician vs Mechanic.

When it comes to choosing a trade, the good news is that they provide employment security, high salaries, and a wide range of prospective career routes.

In this post, we will compare and contrast the careers of an electrician and a mechanic.

So, which is better, the Electrician Vs Mechanic

In short, Electrician seen to be better since they earn more and higher in demand than Mechanics. People who work as Mechanics typically like working with their hands and are fascinated by vehicles. Electricians comfortable working with their hands, and are at ease dealing with the dangers of electrocution

Electrician education requirements are more stringent than those of a Mechanic.

It is difficult to say that plumbing is better than being an electrician or vice versa.

They are both great jobs and they are similar in many ways.

So now we have answered the main question let’s uncover if it is better to be an Electrician or a Mechanic?

But before we do, let’s discuss what an Electrician does and what a Mechanic does.

 

What does a Electrican do every day?

Electricians build, maintain, and repair electrical power, communication, lighting, and control systems in homes, companies, and factories.

In terms of everyday tasks,

    • Read blueprints or technical diagrams
    • Install and maintain wiring, control, and lighting systems
    • Inspect electrical components, such as transformers and circuit breakers
    • Identify electrical problems using a variety of testing devices
    • Repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures using hand tools and power tools
    • Follow state and local building regulations based on the National Electrical Code
    • Direct and train workers to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring or equipment

Almost every building has electrical power, communications, lighting, and control system that is built and maintained throughout construction. These systems provide electricity to the lights, appliances, and machinery that make people’s lives and work simpler and more comfortable.

Because the electrical wire is more easily accessible during construction, installing electrical systems in newly constructed buildings is generally less difficult than maintaining equipment in older structures.

Identifying issues and fixing damaged equipment that is sometimes difficult to access is part of maintaining equipment and systems. Parts, light fixtures, and control systems may need to be repaired or replaced as part of maintenance work.

Almost all electricians are full-time employees.

Work schedules may include evenings and weekends, and they may change depending on the weather. Electricians can anticipate working extra for scheduled maintenance or on building sites.

What does a Mechanic do every day?

The majority of automotive service experts and mechanics operate in well-lit, well-ventilated repair shops. Although technicians frequently use computers to diagnose and repair vehicle problems, they also deal with greasy parts and tools, sometimes in awkward positions.

In terms of everyday tasks,

  • Identify problems, often by using computerized diagnostic equipment
  • Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience
  • Test parts and systems to ensure that they work properly
  • Follow checklists to ensure that all critical parts are examined
  • Perform basic care and maintenance, including changing oil, checking fluid levels, and rotating tires
  • Repair or replace worn parts, such as brake pads, wheel bearings, and sensors
  • Perform repairs to manufacturer and customer specifications
  • Explain automotive problems and repairs to clients

Is it harder to become a Mechanic or Electrician? (Explained)

Becoming an Electrician is harder than becoming a Mechanic because Electricians require more knowledge and training to grasp how currents and voltages operate, and one mistake might end in death. As a result, electrical courses are tough to pass.

The majority of electricians learn their craft through a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship programme. Apprentices generally receive 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training as well as some technical education for each year of the programme.

Completing an automobile service technology vocational or other postsecondary education programme is seen to be the greatest preparation for entry-level jobs.

Programs typically span 6 to 12 months and provide extensive job preparation via classroom education and hands-on experience.

There are also short-term certificate programmes in certain subjects, such as brake repair or engine performance.

Electricians’ employment is expected to rise at a rate of 9% between 2020 and 2030, which is approximately the same as the national average for all occupations.

Many of those vacancies are projected to be created as a consequence of the need to replace workers who shift to new occupations or leave the labour market for other reasons, such as retirement.

Below are the steps required to become either a Mechanic or Electrician.

How to Become a Mechanic? Explained)

Employers favour automotive service technicians and mechanics who have completed a post-secondary education programme. Once a person is employed, they are usually obliged to obtain industry certification.

Automotive repair, electronics, computers, and mathematics classes in high school give an excellent foundation for future service technicians.

High school graduates, on the other hand, usually require additional training to become completely certified.

The greatest preparation for entry-level work in automotive service technology is to complete a vocational or another post-secondary education programme in the field.

Intensive career preparation is provided through classroom education and hands-on experience in programmes that typically last 6 months to a year.

There are also short-term certificate programmes in certain subjects, such as brake maintenance or engine performance.

According to BLS.gov from 2020 to 2030, employment of automobile repair professionals and mechanics is expected to remain flat or increase slightly.

The majority of those vacancies are projected to arise from the need to replace workers who shift to new occupations or leave the labour market for other reasons, such as retirement.

How to Become an Electrician? Explained)

The majority of electricians train through apprenticeship, however, others begin by attending a technical school. Electricians are required to be licenced in the majority of states. 

To become an electrician, you must have a high school diploma or the equivalent.

Some electricians begin their careers by attending a technical school. Many technical colleges provide circuitry, safety, and fundamental electrical knowledge studies. Graduates of these programmes are often given credit for their apprenticeship. board.

Mechanic or Electrician, who earns more? (Solved)

Plumbers earn slightly more than Mechanics, with Electricians earning $56,900 in May 2020 compared to $44,050 for Mechanics. These earnings, however, will differ from state to state.

 

Final Thoughts

Although the schooling requirements for an electrician are more demanding than those for a mechanic, electricians make higher wages and are in more demand.

Mechanics generally like working with their hands and are captivated by cars. Electricians enjoy hard labour and working with their hands, and they are comfortable dealing with the hazards of electrocution.

At the end of the day, whether you want to be a Mechanic or an Electrician is a personal choice.

If you prefer working on automobiles to Electrical, becoming a mechanic may be a better fit.

If you prefer manual labour, you might want to consider becoming a Plumber
If you’re interested in learning more about trade career options check out these articles below

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References

  • Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics: Occupational Outlook Handbook:: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
  • Electricians: Occupational Outlook Handbook:: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)