Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more

Education Required
Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights generally need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some mechanics and millwrights complete a 2-year associates degree program in industrial maintenance. Industrial maintenance programs may include courses such as welding, mathematics, hydraulics, and pneumatics.
Training Required
Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers typically receive more than a year of on-the-job training. Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers learn how to perform routine tasks, such as setting up, cleaning, lubricating, and starting machinery. They also may be instructed in subjects such as shop mathematics, blueprint reading, proper hand tool use, welding, electronics, and computer programming. This training may be offered on the job by professional trainers hired by the employer or by representatives of equipment manufacturers.
Job Outlook
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 7% (As fast as average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.)
Median pay: How much do Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights make?
$49,100 Annual Salary
$23.61 per hour

Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers maintain and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery, such as conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging equipment. Millwrights install, dismantle, repair, reassemble, and move machinery in factories, power plants, and construction sites.

What do Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights do?

Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights typically do the following:

  • Read technical manuals to understand equipment and controls
  • Disassemble machinery and equipment when there is a problem
  • Repair or replace broken or malfunctioning components
  • Perform tests and run initial batches to make sure that the machine is running smoothly
  • Detect minor problems by performing basic diagnostic tests
  • Test malfunctioning machinery to determine whether major repairs are needed
  • Adjust and calibrate equipment and machinery to optimal specifications
  • Clean and lubricate equipment or machinery
  • Move machinery and equipment

Careers for Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights

  • Bag machine adjusters
  • Boilerhouse mechanics
  • Construction millwrights
  • Crane oilers
  • Foundry equipment mechanics
  • Hydroelectric machinery mechanics
  • Industrial conveyor belt repairers
  • Industrial machinery mechanics
  • Industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workers
  • Loom fixers
  • Loom technicians
  • Machine dismantlers
  • Machine erectors
  • Machine installers
  • Machinery assemblers
  • Machinery dismantlers
  • Machinery maintenance mechanics
  • Machinery maintenance workers
  • Maintenance millwrights
  • Manufacturing millwrights
  • Mechanics and repairers
  • Millwrights

Similar Careers