Electrical Maintenance Technology - Career Certificate

Build expertise in electrical maintenance and automation

Launch your electrical maintenance career in just one semester. Get real-world experience repairing and maintaining commercial and industrial machinery while building in-demand skills: industrial electricity principles, electrical wiring, troubleshooting, control systems and Internet of Things (IoT) automation.

CLC’s Industrial Electrical Maintenance Technology Certificate prepares you for immediate employment in manufacturing, with clear pathways to advancement. Start your career in maintenance, assembly or production roles. Then progress to high-tech positions in building automation, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and specialty fabrication. With additional training and experience, you can advance into management roles.

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Earn industry-recognized SACA certifications

Certain classes have industry credentials embedded within them. You will qualify to take SACA certifications provided by the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA). This makes your credentials attractive to employers and will help you get a job sooner.

You can earn 17 silver-level and 8 gold-level certifications by taking SACA exams.

- Electrical Systems 1
- Electric Motor Control Systems 1
- Variable Frequency Drive Systems 1
- Motor Control Troubleshooting 1
- Sensor Logic Systems 1
- Pneumatic Systems 1
- Mechanical Power Systems 1
- Pneumatic Troubleshooting 1
- Certified Industry 4.0 Associate – Basic Operations
- Electrical Systems 1
- Electric Motor Control Systems 1
- Variable Frequency Drive Systems 1
- Motor Control Troubleshooting 1
- Sensor Logic Systems 1
- Electrical System Installation 1
- Programmable Controller Systems 1
- Programmable Controller Troubleshooting 1
- Pneumatic Systems 1
- Mechanical Power Systems 1
- Hydraulic Systems 1
- Hydraulic Maintenance 1
- Mechanical Power Systems 2
- Laser Shaft Alignment 1
- Pneumatic Troubleshooting 1
- Programmable Controller Systems 2

Flexible pathway toward an associate degree

Take your education further. This is a stackable certificate—the second in a series of 3. Complete the other 2 certificates in Mechanical Maintenance Technology and Industrial Maintenance Technology and get more marketable skills and more credits towards the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S) in Industrial Technology.

Highlights

Metallica Scholarships

View the available heavy metal scholarships.
Advanced Technology Center (ATC)

Build career-ready skills with our state-of-the-art facilities in Gurnee, IL.
Stackable Credentials

Earn college credits and learn as you go with stackable credentials.
Apprenticeships for Experience

Learn and earn through structured on-the-job training.
Career Certificate

Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning a certificate in less than 1 year.
Program Length: 4 Months

Finish in 4 months as a full-time student.
WIOA Program

Become eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $50,677
  
  Median
  
  $79,443
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $106,201
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $24.36
  
  Median
  
  $38.19
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $51.05
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  12.47%
  
  Certificate
  
  24.44%
  
  Some college
  
  8.64%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  42.76%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  8.14%
  
  Doctorate
  
  3.54%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Assemble or modify electrical or electronic equipment, such as computers, test equipment telemetering systems, electric motors, and batteries.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $31,623
  
  Median
  
  $40,533
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $60,638
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $15.20
  
  Median
  
  $19.48
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $29.15
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  80.15%
  
  Certificate
  
  8.2%
  
  Some college
  
  11.65%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $45,345
  
  Median
  
  $63,794
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $103,282
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $21.80
  
  Median
  
  $30.66
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $49.65
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  6.1%
  
  Certificate
  
  21.07%
  
  Some college
  
  6.74%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  23.56%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  40.08%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  2.46%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $39,967
  
  Median
  
  $62,054
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $112,680
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $19.21
  
  Median
  
  $29.83
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $54.17
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  22.02%
  
  Certificate
  
  32.27%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  45.71%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $61,855
  
  Median
  
  $78,021
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $100,027
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $29.73
  
  Median
  
  $37.51
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $48.08
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  10.83%
  
  Certificate
  
  31.72%
  
  Some college
  
  7.33%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  29.83%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  10.97%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  5.59%
  
  Doctorate
  
  3.72%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Assemble or modify electromechanical equipment or devices, such as servomechanisms, gyros, dynamometers, magnetic drums, tape drives, brakes, control linkage, actuators, and appliances.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $31,623
  
  Median
  
  $40,533
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $60,638
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $15.20
  
  Median
  
  $19.48
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $29.15
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  52.73%
  
  Certificate
  
  10.77%
  
  Some college
  
  16.88%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  19.04%
  
  Doctorate
  
  0.58%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $62,219
  
  Median
  
  $80,974
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $111,985
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $29.91
  
  Median
  
  $38.92
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $53.84
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  68.18%
  
  Certificate
  
  4.55%
  
  Some college
  
  9.09%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  9.09%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  9.1%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
INT 159	INT 159 Electrical Systems Wiring, Troubleshooting, and Repair Class Description This course introduces the student to the basics of electricity needed by the industrial repair person. Included are basic electrical theory, operation, how to use a multi-meter, AC/DC electric motors, motor controls, and wiring. Applications needed to install, operate, and control industrial machines will also be included. Students can develop a practical understanding of electrical components, control, and operation.	3	Dual credit options available
INT 280	INT 280 Industrial Motor Control Class Description This course is designed to prepare students to troubleshoot control and power components, motor starters, electrical systems, and automatic input devices.	4
INT 281	INT 281 Industrial Control Applications Class Description This course will cover setup, operation, programming and system troubleshooting of automated control devices. Students will use industrial controls components to develop skills in interfacing with pneumatic components, sensors, variable frequency drives, and HMIs.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	INT 159
Course Title	INT 159 Electrical Systems Wiring, Troubleshooting, and Repair Class Description This course introduces the student to the basics of electricity needed by the industrial repair person. Included are basic electrical theory, operation, how to use a multi-meter, AC/DC electric motors, motor controls, and wiring. Applications needed to install, operate, and control industrial machines will also be included. Students can develop a practical understanding of electrical components, control, and operation.
Credits	3
Dual credit options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	INT 280
Course Title	INT 280 Industrial Motor Control Class Description This course is designed to prepare students to troubleshoot control and power components, motor starters, electrical systems, and automatic input devices.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	INT 281
Course Title	INT 281 Industrial Control Applications Class Description This course will cover setup, operation, programming and system troubleshooting of automated control devices. Students will use industrial controls components to develop skills in interfacing with pneumatic components, sensors, variable frequency drives, and HMIs.
Credits	3

Total Credit Hours

10

Meet your instructors

More than 1,000 full-time and part-time faculty teach at CLC. Nearly all of them have post-graduate degrees.

CLC faculty teach the same materials you’d learn at a big school. They bring real-world experience into the classroom so you can gain job-ready skills and help you become the very best version of yourself.

Meet our Industrial Technology experts

Learn more about faculty at CLC

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Complete the application form to begin your program.

Then a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions and get you onboarded. Explore steps to apply at CLC.

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Frequently asked questions

Some of the skills you will need to be successful in this program are the ability to:
- organize your workspace, tasks and time
- pay attention to detail
- prioritize
- problem solve efficiently
- self-motivate
- think critically
- use technology and hand tools
- work with your hands
- work both independently and as a team player
- write clearly
You will qualify to take SACA certifications provided by the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA).
The certificates are industry-driven and developed industry by industry. Leading experts worldwide endorse these certificates in Industry 4.0 technologies. They include hands-on evaluation and an online test to ensure that candidates for certification can "do" as well as "know."
You may also compete in SkillsUSA.
The Electrical Maintenance Technology Certificate trains you to work with and maintain systems in new technologies. You gain the following skills:
- Electrical systems wiring, troubleshooting and repair
- Industrial IoT automated manufacturing
- Mechatronics control applications
Employers who offer these types of jobs in Lake County, Illinois include:
- Abbott
- AbbVie
- JST
- Medline
- Novaspect
- Sysmex
- United Conveyor Corporation
* The estimated cost of this program appears at the top of this web page, under the program title.
The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees, such as for books and materials. It does not factor in financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.
View current tuition and fees
Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.
View courses with variable tuition and fees
Many opportunities exist at CLC to get financial aid. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Sprawling, state-of-the-art facilities

The Advanced Technology Center (ATC) replicates real-world industrial facilities. It houses the largest welding and fabrication laboratory in Illinois and a state-of-the-art industrial technology lab. In the lab, you'll train on an array of equipment to master mechanical, electrical, networking, pneumatic and hydraulic systems. Specific equipment includes:

Allen-Bradley programmable logic controllers (PLCs) featuring human machine interfaces (HMIs) and ethernet networking operations
Variable frequency drive (VFD) systems, including Allen-Bradley PowerFlex drives
Skill Boss - Logistics automated conveyor system—advanced equipment incorporating mechanical, electrical and networking systems

Explore the ATC

Advanced Technology Center in Gurnee, Illinois
The 170,000-square-foot Advanced Technology Center (ATC) houses the future of manufacturing. If you are a maker, a builder, a problem solver, this is where you want to be.
Scroll through images to see more of the ATC.
- Learn about the ATC
- View the lobby
Industrial Technology Lab
The industrial technology lab at the ATC is high-tech and future forward. Learn technologies like programmable logic controllers (PLCs), motor and process controls, mechanical drives, industrial wiring, pump systems, AC/DC electrical currents, laser shaft alignment, pneumatics and hydraulics.
- View the Industrial Technology lab
Welding and Fabrication Technology Lab
The ATC contains the largest welding and fabrication lab in Illinois. Here, you'll learn to use advanced equipment featuring robotics and lasers.
- View the welding lab
- See welding in action

Put your ideas into practice

See what students love about industrial technology at CLC.

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Related programs

The Electrical Maintenance Technology Certificate is just one possible way to study Industrial Technology. Keep exploring your options—degrees, credentials and more.

Career Certificate
Mechanical Maintenance Technology Certificate

Cost

$2,450* (estimated)
View Details Mechanical Maintenance Technology Certificate
Career Degree
Industrial Technology Specialist A.A.S.
Associate in Applied Science

Cost

$10,675* (estimated)
View Details Industrial Technology Specialist A.A.S.
Career Certificate
Industrial Maintenance Technology Certificate

Cost

$6,650* (estimated)
View Details Industrial Maintenance Technology Certificate

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Electrical Maintenance Technology Certificate

Build expertise in electrical maintenance and automation

Earn industry-recognized SACA certifications

Get gold-level SACA credentials

Get silver-level SACA credentials

Flexible pathway toward an associate degree

Highlights

Metallica Scholarships

Advanced Technology Center (ATC)

Stackable Credentials

Apprenticeships for Experience

Career Certificate

Program Length: 4 Months

WIOA Program

Career Outlook

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help getting started?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 10 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Meet your instructors

Apply now: It's easy and free

Frequently asked questions

What skills do I need to be successful in this program?

What exams will I qualify for after I complete this program?

What skills will I learn in this program?

Where will I find these types of jobs in Lake County, IL?

How much does this program cost?

Sprawling, state-of-the-art facilities

Advanced Technology Center in Gurnee, Illinois

Industrial Technology Lab

Welding and Fabrication Technology Lab

Put your ideas into practice

Related programs

Mechanical Maintenance Technology Certificate

Industrial Technology Specialist A.A.S.

Industrial Maintenance Technology Certificate

Take the next step...

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