Industrial Machinery Mechanics

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.

SOC: 49-9041.00

Common Job Titles

  • Industrial Machinery Mechanic
  • Maintenance Technician
  • Mechanic
  • Overhauler

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeDesign equipment modification plans and repair strategies adapting machinery to new production requirements under time and resource constraints.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze mechanical failures and equipment malfunctions using diagnostic tools and troubleshooting protocols in industrial production settings.
  • Hands-onPerform precision repairs on industrial machinery and processing equipment following manufacturer specifications and safety standards.
  • Hands-onOperate welding equipment, lathes, and milling machines to fabricate and modify replacement parts independently.
  • Hands-onExecute precisely equipment maintenance procedures and preventive maintenance schedules monitoring machinery performance indicators to minimize downtime.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate equipment performance data and quality control metrics to determine compliance with operational standards and safety regulations.
  • KnowledgeInterpret technical blueprints, schematics, and programmable logic controller (PLC) outputs to guide installation and adjustment of production machinery.
  • MindsetIntegrate safety protocols with production efficiency goals when coordinating with production teams and training junior mechanics.
  • Hands-onManipulate rigging equipment, hoists, and hydraulic tools to install, dismantle, and relocate heavy industrial machinery according to engineering plans.
  • Hands-onCalibrate precision measurement instruments and alignment equipment ensuring machinery operates within specified tolerances.

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Industrial Machinery Mechanics (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

421,940

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $45,090. 25th percentile: U.S. $52,710. 50th percentile: U.S. $63,760. 75th percentile: U.S. $78,070. 90th percentile: U.S. $92,730. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$45,090
10% of workers earn the following or more$92,730
Workers on average earn$67,160

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Mechanical4.3/5
  • English Language3.5/5
  • Production and Processing3.4/5
  • Engineering and Technology3.3/5
  • Design3.3/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software

Technology Skills

  • BIT Corp ProMACS PLC
  • Computer aided design CAD software
  • Extranet Machine Tools Suite
  • Inventory tracking software
  • KEYENCE PLC Ladder Logic
  • Maintenance management software
  • Maintenance planning and control software
  • Programmable logic controller PLC software
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Acetylene torches
  • Adjustable widemouth pliers
  • Adjustable wrenches
  • Air compressors
  • Airhammer chisels
  • Airpowered descaling drills
  • Airpowered descaling turbines
  • Alignment scopes
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment