The following information is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights. Please visit the website for a more comprehensive breakdown of the data.
LINKS TO INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORY PAGES
WHAT INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY MECHANICS DO
Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers maintain and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery, such as conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging equipment. Millwrights install, dismantle, repair, reassemble, and move machinery in factories, power plants, and construction sites.
Job Duties
PAY
National Average Annual Pay (2019): $55,320
Top 5 States
1. Wyoming
$68,830
2. Hawaiʻi
$68,120
3. North Dakota
$66,310
4. Connecticut
$65,630
5. Montana
$64,950
Bottom 5 States
50. South Dakota
$47,140
49. Arkansas
$48,620
48. Florida
$48,950
47. North Carolina
$50,480
46. Alabama
$51,290
STEPS TO BECOME AN INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY MECHANIC
There are a couple of ways to get the skills needed to become an industrial machinery mechanic.
The first is to attend a post-secondary trade program. Courses may include welding, mathematics, hydraulics, and pneumatics.
The second way is through an apprenticeship program, which lasts around 4 years. Employers, local unions, contractor associations, and the state labor department often sponsor apprenticeship programs.
Once becoming a industrial machinery mechanic, workers still receive on-the-job training that typically lasts more than a year.
Option 1: Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships usually last about 4 years.
Option 2: Attend a Trade or Technical School
Most programs are 2 years and result in an associate’s degree.
Get a Job as an Industrial Machinery Mechanic
QUALITIES OF INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY MECHANICS
Manual Dexterity
Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights must have a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination when handling very small parts.
Mechanical Skills
Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights use technical manuals and sophisticated diagnostic equipment to figure out why machines are not working. Workers must be able to reassemble large, complex machines after finishing a repair.
Trouble-Shooting Skills
Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights must observe, diagnose, and fix problems that a machine may be having.