Career Overview
Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.
Also Known As
- Maintainer
- Maintenance Mechanic
- Maintenance Technician (Maintenance Tech)
- Maintenance Worker
Alternate Job Titles
- Air Deodorizer Servicer
- Aircraft Fueler
- Airplane Fueler
- Airplane Refueler
- Airport Refueling Handler
- Alemite Operator (Alemite Op)
- Automatic Pinsetter Mechanic (AT Pinsetter Mechanic)
- Belt Changer
- Belt Dresser
- Belt Fixer
- Belt Lacer
- Belt Repairer
- Binder Builder
- Blade Changer
- Block Greaser
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Dismantle machines and remove parts for repair, using hand tools, chain falls, jacks, cranes, or hoists.
- Reassemble machines after the completion of repair or maintenance work.
- Record production, repair, and machine maintenance information.
- Lubricate or apply adhesives or other materials to machines, machine parts, or other equipment according to specified procedures.
- Install, replace, or change machine parts and attachments, according to production specifications.
- Set up and operate machines, and adjust controls to regulate operations.
- Collaborate with other workers to repair or move machines, machine parts, or equipment.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Troubleshoot electrical, hydraulic, or mechanical equipment and machines.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Mechanical
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Operations Monitoring
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Operation and Control
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Problem Sensitivity
- Manual Dexterity
- Near Vision
- Control Precision
- Visualization
- Multilimb Coordination
- Extent Flexibility
- Inductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Perseverance
- Stress Tolerance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Independence
- Relationships
- Working Conditions
- 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 3 months, up to and including 6 months
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
- Abrasive rubbing stones
- Abrasive wheels
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Adjustable wrenches
- Bandsaws
- Bench saws
- Brakes
- Buffing machines
- Chain falls
- Compressed air guns
- Cutoff saws
- Deburring tools
- Dial calipers
- Dial indicators
- Dollies
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Freedom to Make Decisions
- Exposed to Contaminants
- Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Spend Time Standing
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $40,080 |
| Median | $60,500 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $83,560 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 56,540
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
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: $63,760
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $45,190
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
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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.