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
$63,760
per year
Job Growth
🚀 16.1%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
45.7
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
$45,090
10th percentile
Early Career
$52,710
25th percentile
Median
$63,760
50th percentile
Experienced
$78,070
75th percentile
Top Earners
$92,730
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$45,090
25th
$52,710
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$63,760
Mean: $67,160
75th
$78,070
90th
$92,730
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $47,640 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $52,710 and $78,070
- •Salary spread is 39.8% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 421,940 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Very High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:439,600
Top Industries
Manufacturing53%
Wholesale Trade14.9%
Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods12.8%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+16.1%
Annual Openings:45,700
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)439,600
Current
2034 (Projected)510,300
+16.1%
+70,700
Employment Change
+16.1%
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
57,150 jobs$61,5901.51x
California
25,790 jobs$73,8400.52x
Ohio
20,180 jobs$63,6501.33x
Michigan
18,850 jobs$63,0301.57x
Pennsylvania
18,500 jobs$63,8301.12x
Indiana
17,700 jobs$65,6702.03x
Alabama
17,110 jobs$60,3902.99x
North Carolina
15,650 jobs$60,8601.17x
Wisconsin
14,500 jobs$64,5201.81x
Florida
13,820 jobs$60,3400.51x
Georgia
13,010 jobs$60,1000.98x
New York
12,630 jobs$67,0100.48x
Kentucky
10,420 jobs$64,0601.91x
Washington
10,300 jobs$75,2201.06x
Tennessee
10,100 jobs$62,8301.13x
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 2024
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
Operation and Control
94%
#3
Operations Monitoring
86%
#4
Repairing
80%
#5
Equipment Maintenance
74%
#6
Quality Control Analysis
66%
#7
Critical Thinking
60%
#8
Complex Problem Solving
54%
#9
Active Learning
46%
#10
Monitoring
40%
Skills Overview
Troubleshooting
advanced5.0
100%
Operation and Control
advanced4.7
94%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Repairing
intermediate4.0
80%
Equipment Maintenance
intermediate3.7
74%
Quality Control Analysis
intermediate3.3
66%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.0
60%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced2.7
54%
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
Operation and Control
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Repairing
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Equipment Maintenance
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Monitoring
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
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
Learn on the Job:
- →Quality Control Analysis
- →Critical Thinking
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Troubleshooting
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Operation and Control
- ✓Repairing
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Troubleshooting
- ★Operation and Control
- ★Repairing
- ★Equipment Maintenance
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
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