Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.
Maintenance Workers, Machinery
SOC: 49-9043 O*NET: 49-9043.00
Median Salary
$60,500
per year
Job Growth
📉 -2.8%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
4.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.
What does a Maintenance Workers, Machinery do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$40,080
10th percentile
Early Career
$48,600
25th percentile
Median
$60,500
50th percentile
Experienced
$72,260
75th percentile
Top Earners
$83,560
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$40,080
25th
$48,600
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$60,500
Mean: $61,820
75th
$72,260
90th
$83,560
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $43,480 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $48,600 and $72,260
- •Salary spread is 39.1% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 56,540 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:57,500
Top Industries
Manufacturing54.9%
Food Manufacturing9.3%
Wholesale Trade8.3%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-2.8%
Annual Openings:4,800
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)57,500
Current
2034 (Projected)55,900
-2.8%
-1,600
Employment Change
-2.8%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Maintenance Workers, Machinery professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 49 locations
Texas
8,850 jobs$57,5001.74x
North Carolina
3,910 jobs$59,3902.18x
California
3,730 jobs$66,1200.56x
Florida
2,780 jobs$60,0100.77x
New York
2,440 jobs$62,4500.70x
Georgia
2,350 jobs$55,3901.32x
Ohio
2,180 jobs$62,6101.07x
Kentucky
2,050 jobs$61,7202.81x
Oklahoma
1,790 jobs$61,2402.88x
Michigan
1,570 jobs$59,9600.97x
Maryland
1,560 jobs$59,1301.55x
Utah
1,470 jobs$63,8202.34x
Tennessee
1,400 jobs$64,9801.17x
Kansas
1,280 jobs$59,1802.44x
Pennsylvania
1,270 jobs$62,9700.57x
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
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operations Monitoring
100%
#2
Troubleshooting
94%
#3
Equipment Maintenance
86%
#4
Repairing
80%
#5
Operation and Control
74%
#6
Quality Control Analysis
66%
#7
Active Listening
60%
#8
Coordination
54%
#9
Critical Thinking
46%
#10
Judgment and Decision Making
40%
Skills Overview
Operations Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Troubleshooting
advanced4.7
94%
Equipment Maintenance
intermediate4.3
86%
Repairing
intermediate4.0
80%
Operation and Control
intermediate3.7
74%
Quality Control Analysis
intermediate3.3
66%
Active Listening
intermediate3.0
60%
Coordination
basic2.7
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:
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Troubleshooting
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Equipment Maintenance
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Repairing
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Operation and Control
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Coordination
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers82%
5 shared skills
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators82%
5 shared skills
Rail Car Repairers73%
5 shared skills
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners73%
5 shared skills
Watch and Clock Repairers73%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Equipment Operators70%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Quality Control Analysis
- →Active Listening
- →Coordination
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Troubleshooting
- ✓Equipment Maintenance
- ✓Repairing
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Troubleshooting
- ★Equipment Maintenance
- ★Repairing
- ★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 Maintenance Workers, Machinery
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
MIXED
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME 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 mixed environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
18
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (12)Documentation & Record-Keeping (4)Operations & Execution (1)Communication & Coordination (1)
1
Reassemble machines after the completion of repair or maintenance work.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Start machines and observe mechanical operation to determine efficiency and to detect problems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Inspect or test damaged machine parts, and mark defective areas or advise supervisors of repair needs.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Lubricate or apply adhesives or other materials to machines, machine parts, or other equipment according to specified procedures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Install, replace, or change machine parts and attachments, according to production specifications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Dismantle machines and remove parts for repair, using hand tools, chain falls, jacks, cranes, or hoists.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Record production, repair, and machine maintenance information.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping82% perform88%
8
Read work orders and specifications to determine machines and equipment requiring repair or maintenance.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Set up and operate machines, and adjust controls to regulate operations.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Operations & Execution76% perform84%
10
Collaborate with other workers to repair or move machines, machine parts, or equipment.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Communication & Coordination73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •39% 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 Maintenance Workers, Machinery
💡 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?
Maintenance Workers, Machinery 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 Maintenance Workers, Machinery
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.57
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.57
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.39
Concern for Others
Very ImportantConcern for Others
Importance Level4.19
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.15
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.12
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.6
Attention to Detail
4.6
Independence
4.4
Concern for Others
4.2
Integrity
4.2
Self-Control
4.1
Analytical Thinking
4.0
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.0
Cooperation
3.9
Initiative
3.8
💡 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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