Introduction
Not every electrical component needs to be replaced when it fails. In many industries, parts like motors, relays, switches, and circuit breakers can be reconditioned—restored to like-new condition. That’s where electrical parts reconditioners come in.
These technicians specialize in disassembling, cleaning, repairing, and rebuilding electrical parts so that businesses can save money and reduce waste. With sustainability and cost-efficiency becoming increasingly important, this career is quietly gaining relevance.
If you enjoy hands-on repair, have patience for detail work, and like contributing to recycling and sustainability, this could be an excellent career path.
What Do Electrical Parts Reconditioners Do?
Their responsibilities include:
- Inspecting electrical parts (switches, relays, motors, transformers) for wear or damage.
- Disassembling components to identify issues.
- Cleaning and restoring parts through polishing, rewinding, or refurbishing.
- Replacing defective elements like coils, bearings, or contacts.
- Testing reconditioned parts to ensure safety and compliance.
- Documenting repairs for tracking and quality control.
- Maintaining tools and equipment used in the reconditioning process.
Their work extends the life of expensive components, keeping costs down for companies.
Skills You’ll Need
This career combines craftsmanship with technical know-how:
- Mechanical aptitude – Comfort disassembling and rebuilding components.
- Electrical knowledge – Understanding circuits and motor functions.
- Attention to detail – Precision is required to restore parts safely.
- Problem-solving ability – Figuring out whether a part can be saved or must be replaced.
- Manual dexterity – Handling small, delicate parts carefully.
- Safety awareness – Working with potentially hazardous electrical components.
Education & Training
The path into this field is accessible:
- High school diploma or GED – Required.
- On-the-job training – Most reconditioners learn directly from experienced technicians.
- Vocational training – Programs in electricity, electronics, or industrial maintenance can help.
- Certifications – Not typically required, but OSHA safety and electrical training are valuable.
- Continuous learning – With new technologies (like EV motors), staying updated is beneficial.
This makes it a great career option for people who want to learn quickly and build skills on the job.
Salary & Job Outlook
According to industry and BLS data:
- Median annual salary: About $45,000–$52,000 (2023 estimates).
- Top 10% earners: Over $65,000/year.
- Hourly wage: Roughly $22–$25/hour.
Job outlook:
- Employment is expected to remain steady through 2032.
- Demand is linked to cost-saving measures and sustainability trends.
- Reconditioning is growing in industries like manufacturing, automotive, and renewable energy.
Work Settings
Electrical parts reconditioners typically work in:
- Repair shops – Specializing in motors, switches, and relays.
- Manufacturing facilities – Restoring parts to minimize costs.
- Utilities – Reconditioning electrical equipment for power systems.
- Independent businesses – Running reconditioning shops for multiple industries.
Work is usually hands-on, indoors, and workshop-based, with some heavy lifting.
Career Growth Opportunities
This role offers advancement into broader electrical and mechanical repair paths:
- Senior technician – Handling advanced or specialized components.
- Supervisor – Leading teams in reconditioning facilities.
- Specialist – Focusing on EV motors, renewable energy parts, or industrial systems.
- Business ownership – Running your own reconditioning service.
- Transition roles – Moving into electrical repair, maintenance, or industrial equipment work.
Would You Actually Like It?
This career is ideal for people who like repairing, rebuilding, and hands-on technical work. It’s not flashy, but it’s steady, practical, and meaningful in industries trying to cut costs and waste.
You’ll probably enjoy it if you:
✅ Like working with your hands.
✅ Enjoy taking things apart and fixing them.
✅ Want a career with sustainability impact.
✅ Prefer steady, workshop-based work.
You might not enjoy it if you:
❌ Want very high salaries or rapid career advancement.
❌ Dislike repetitive tasks.
❌ Prefer customer-facing or office jobs.
My MAPP Fit
Here’s where the MAPP Career Assessment becomes valuable.
Electrical parts reconditioners often align with MAPP profiles emphasizing mechanical aptitude, patience, and dependability. If your results show motivation for craftsmanship, precision, and structured technical work, this could be a strong fit.
👉 Is this career path right for you? Find out Free with the MAPP Career Assessment.
