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.
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
SOC: 49-9041 O*NET: 49-9041.00
Median Salary
$64,520
per year
Job Growth
🚀 17.8%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
44.4
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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.
What does a Industrial Machinery Mechanics do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$46,120
10th percentile
Early Career
$55,010
25th percentile
Median
$64,520
50th percentile
Experienced
$78,780
75th percentile
Top Earners
$95,170
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$46,120
25th
$55,010
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$64,520
Mean: $68,460
75th
$78,780
90th
$95,170
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $49,050 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $55,010 and $78,780
- •Salary spread is 36.8% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 439,640 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Very High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:446,900
Top Industries
Manufacturing52.9%
Wholesale Trade14.5%
Other Services (except Public Administration)13%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+17.8%
Annual Openings:44,400
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)446,900
Current
2035 (Projected)526,600
+17.8%
+79,700
Employment Change
+17.8%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Much faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Industrial Machinery Mechanics professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Texas
56,950 jobs$61,9301.43x
California
26,830 jobs$74,4000.52x
Pennsylvania
22,160 jobs$63,8401.29x
Ohio
21,950 jobs$65,1301.40x
Alabama
17,850 jobs$61,9202.99x
Michigan
17,310 jobs$64,2501.39x
Florida
17,120 jobs$60,6500.61x
North Carolina
15,720 jobs$62,4301.13x
Indiana
14,960 jobs$63,9501.65x
Georgia
14,230 jobs$61,1301.03x
Wisconsin
13,870 jobs$66,6201.67x
Tennessee
12,850 jobs$65,0101.39x
New York
12,740 jobs$69,7400.47x
Illinois
12,100 jobs$76,2000.70x
Kentucky
11,540 jobs$64,5602.04x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Much faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Troubleshooting
100%
#2
Mechanical
100%
#3
Manual Dexterity
100%
#4
Operation and Control
94%
#5
Finger Dexterity
92%
#6
English Language
90%
#7
Operations Monitoring
86%
#8
Control Precision
82%
#9
Production and Processing
80%
#10
Repairing
80%
Skills Overview
Troubleshooting
advanced5.0
100%
Mechanical
advanced5.0
100%
Manual Dexterity
advanced5.0
100%
Operation and Control
advanced4.7
94%
Finger Dexterity
advanced4.6
92%
English Language
advanced4.5
90%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Control Precision
intermediate4.1
82%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Troubleshooting
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Mechanical
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Manual Dexterity
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Operation and Control
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Finger Dexterity
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
English Language
advancedImportance90%
knowledge
4.5/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Control Precision
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Production and Processing
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Repairing
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Equipment Maintenance
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Near Vision
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General100%
5 shared skills
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators82%
5 shared skills
Wind Turbine Service Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners73%
5 shared skills
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓English Language
- ✓Production and Processing
Learn on the Job:
- →Quality Control Analysis
- →Design
- →Mathematics
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Troubleshooting
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓English Language
- ✓Production and Processing
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Troubleshooting
- ★Mechanical
- ★English Language
- ★Production and Processing
- ★Operation and Control
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
16
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (10)Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)Operations & Execution (1)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Training & Development (1)
1
Disassemble machinery or equipment to remove parts and make repairs.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Repair or replace broken or malfunctioning components of machinery or equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Repair or maintain the operating condition of industrial production or processing machinery or equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Examine parts for defects, such as breakage or excessive wear.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Reassemble equipment after completion of inspections, testing, or repairs.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Observe and test the operation of machinery or equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using voltmeters or other testing devices.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Operate newly repaired machinery or equipment to verify the adequacy of repairs.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution82% perform88%
8
Clean, lubricate, or adjust parts, equipment, or machinery.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Analyze test results, machine error messages, or information obtained from operators to diagnose equipment problems.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation76% perform84%
10
Record repairs and maintenance performed.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •44% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Industrial Machinery Mechanics
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Industrial Machinery Mechanics professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.40
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.31
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.28
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.12
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.09
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.09
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.4
Attention to Detail
4.3
Initiative
4.3
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.1
Cooperation
4.1
Integrity
4.1
Persistence
4.1
Analytical Thinking
4.0
Innovation
4.0
Achievement/Effort
3.9
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Industrial Machinery Mechanics.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 1,079 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system — including 309 union/joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: MI (187) , OH (97) , SC (96) , VA (74) , PA (64)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Sonoran Desert Institute
Tempe, AZ
3.3k program completions/year
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
2.9k program completions/year
South Florida Institute of Technology
Miami, FL
2.4k program completions/year
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, GA
1.9k program completions/year
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX
1.3k program completions/year
Jefferson Community and Technical College
Louisville, KY
1.2k program completions/year
Chattahoochee Technical College
Marietta, GA
1.2k program completions/year
Universal Technical Institute of Texas Inc.
Houston, TX
1.1k program completions/year
St Philip's College
San Antonio, TX
1.1k program completions/year
River Parishes Community College
Gonzales, LA
1.1k program completions/year
WyoTech
Laramie, WY
1.1k program completions/year
Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc
Avondale, AZ
1.0k program completions/year
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