Electric motor repair and rewind shop
Repair, rewind and test industrial motors for factories, farms and local workshops from a small rented unit.
- $30k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
22,907 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.1% in a year
NAICS 811310 “Commercial and industrial machinery and equipment (except automotive and electronic) repair and maintenance”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small shop in an industrial unit that diagnoses failed AC and DC motors, rewinds windings, replaces bearings, balances rotors and tests motors before returning them.
Your first three steps
- Work or train at an existing motor shop, or take courses such as those offered by EASA, to build rewinding and testing skills
- Price out a small industrial unit and the key equipment (winding machine, burnout oven, balancer, test gear, lifting equipment), including used options
- Visit local factories, farms and contractors to introduce yourself and ask for a trial repair job
Who pays
Local manufacturers, farms, water and wastewater operators, HVAC and refrigeration contractors, machine shops and maintenance departments.
How it makes money
Quoted price per repair or rewind based on motor size and work needed, plus rush-job premiums, motor sales or swaps, and ongoing accounts with regular customers.
Skills that help
- Electrical and mechanical know-how with motors
- Careful testing and diagnosis
- Quoting jobs accurately
- Building trust with maintenance managers
Watch out for
- General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
- Zoning for your unit and rules on burnout ovens, solvents, varnish and waste disposal (check with your city, county and state environmental agency)
- Whether your state or city requires any electrical license for the work you do, especially if you go on site
- Heavy lifting and high-voltage safety, plan for hoists and proper training
- A poor repair can stop a customer's production line, so check warranty terms and liability
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: electric motor repair and rewind shop
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a motor repair shop?
Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on your unit, testing and winding equipment, hoists and initial supplies. Plan for heavy lifting gear and proper training as part of your budget.
How much can an electric motor repair shop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $9,000 to $45,000, depending on your customer mix, job sizes and how accurately you quote. Plan on about 40 or more hours a week to run the shop.
What rules should I check before opening a motor repair shop?
Check zoning for your unit and rules on burnout ovens, solvents, varnish and waste disposal with your city, county and state environmental agency. Also check any electrical license needed, especially on site, plus insurance, warranty terms and liability.
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