Career Overview
Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.
Also Known As
- Industrial Machinery Mechanic
- Maintenance Technician
- Mechanic
- Overhauler
Alternate Job Titles
- Anode Rebuilder
- Appliance Fixer
- Appliance Mechanic
- Area Mechanic
- Assembly Mechanic
- Auto Equipment Maintenance Servicer (Automotive Equipment Maintenance Servicer)
- Automatic Pinsetter Adjuster
- Automotive Maintenance Equipment Servicer
- Aviation Support Equipment Repairer
- Bag Adjuster
- Bag Machine Adjuster
- Bakery Machine Mechanic
- Belt Repairer
- Boilerhouse Mechanic
- Breakdown Man
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Repair or maintain the operating condition of industrial production or processing machinery or equipment.
- Repair or replace broken or malfunctioning components of machinery or equipment.
- Clean, lubricate, or adjust parts, equipment, or machinery.
- Disassemble machinery or equipment to remove parts and make repairs.
- Reassemble equipment after completion of inspections, testing, or repairs.
- Examine parts for defects, such as breakage or excessive wear.
- Record repairs and maintenance performed.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Mechanical
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Quality Control Analysis
- Critical Thinking
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Manual Dexterity
- Near Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
- Finger Dexterity
- Control Precision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Reaction Time
- Multilimb Coordination
- Hearing Sensitivity
- Information Ordering
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Perseverance
- Integrity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Relationships
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Tools & Equipment
- Acetylene torches
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Adjustable wrenches
- Air compressors
- Airhammer chisels
- Airpowered descaling drills
- Airpowered descaling turbines
- Alignment scopes
- Alignment tools
- Allen wrenches
- Ammeters
- Angled feeler gauges
- Aviation snips
- Bandsaws
- Bearing bridge gauges
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Contact With Others
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $45,090 |
| Median | $63,760 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $92,730 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 421,940
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Maintenance Workers, Machinery
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $60,500
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $53,990
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $46,060
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $63,980
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $52,540
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.