What does an industrial machinery mechanic do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Industrial machinery mechanics, maintenance workers and millwrights install, maintain and repair factory equipment. A high school diploma plus on-the-job training or an apprenticeship is typical. BLS reports a median pay of $64,100 per year (May 2025). Figures are from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 49-9040 |
| O*NET code | 49-9041.00, 49-9043.00, 49-9044.00 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Median annual wage | $64,100 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 14 percent (much faster than average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 547,300 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does an industrial machinery mechanic do?
BLS says these workers read technical manuals to understand equipment and controls, disassemble machinery to diagnose problems, repair or replace broken or malfunctioning parts, run tests and initial batches to confirm smooth operation, perform basic diagnostic tests, adjust and calibrate equipment, clean and lubricate machinery and move machinery and equipment. Millwrights also install, dismantle and reassemble machinery.
Work environment
They usually work in manufacturing facilities, which employ 51 percent. Wholesale trade employs 13 percent and commercial and industrial machinery repair and maintenance 11 percent. Most work full time but may be on call or work nights and weekends, and overtime is common. Hardhats, safety glasses and hearing protection are required.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says a high school diploma or equivalent is typical, and some complete a 2-year associate's degree in industrial maintenance. Mechanics and maintenance workers usually need a year or more of on-the-job training. Most millwrights complete an apprenticeship of about 4 years, and apprentices must be at least 18.
Skills that matter
BLS lists manual dexterity, mechanical skills and troubleshooting skills as important qualities for this work.
How much does an industrial machinery mechanic make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $64,100 for industrial machinery mechanics, maintenance workers and millwrights (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of industrial machinery mechanics, maintenance workers and millwrights to grow 14 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels much faster than average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 51,900 openings are projected each year on average. BLS says most openings come from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, for example to retire.
How to get hired
- Look for employer-sponsored apprenticeships and list the equipment types you have repaired.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Electricians, Machinists and tool and die makers, Welders, HVAC technicians, Plumbers.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a millwright apprenticeship? BLS says most millwrights complete an apprenticeship of about 4 years, and apprentices must be at least 18.
Do industrial machinery mechanics need a license? BLS does not list a license requirement. Training is mostly on the job, usually a year or more for mechanics and maintenance workers.
How much do industrial machinery mechanics, maintenance workers and millwrights make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $64,100 for industrial machinery mechanics, maintenance workers and millwrights (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is industrial machinery mechanic a good career? BLS projects 14 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (much faster than average). About 51,900 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- What Does an Electrician Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Machinist Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Welder Do? Duties, Pay and Outlook
- What Does an HVAC Technician Do? Pay and Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Industrial machinery mechanics, maintenance workers and millwrights: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/industrial-machinery-mechanics-and-maintenance-workers-and-millwrights.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 49-9041.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9041.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 49-9043.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9043.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 49-9044.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9044.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
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