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Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

Industrial Machinery Mechanics

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Industrial Machinery Mechanics
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Median pay

$63,760
Median annual pay for Industrial Machinery Mechanics.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

16.1%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

45,700
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

439,600
Estimated U.S. employment for Industrial Machinery Mechanics in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+70,700
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Long-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Active Learning
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Monitoring
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Reading Comprehension

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mechanical
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Production and Processing
  4. 4Engineering and Technology
  5. 5Design
  6. 6Mathematics

Abilities

  1. 1Control Precision
  2. 2Finger Dexterity
  3. 3Manual Dexterity
  4. 4Near Vision
  5. 5Problem Sensitivity
  6. 6Arm-Hand Steadiness

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Perseverance
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Stress Tolerance

Work activities

  1. 1Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  2. 2Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  3. 3Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  4. 4Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
  5. 5Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  6. 6Getting Information

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  4. 4Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  5. 5Contact With Others
  6. 6Exposed to Contaminants

Representative tasks

  • Repair or maintain the operating condition of industrial production or processing machinery or equipment.
  • Repair or replace broken or malfunctioning components of machinery or equipment.
  • Clean, lubricate, or adjust parts, equipment, or machinery.
  • Disassemble machinery or equipment to remove parts and make repairs.
  • Reassemble equipment after completion of inspections, testing, or repairs.
  • Examine parts for defects, such as breakage or excessive wear.
  • Record repairs and maintenance performed.
  • Operate newly repaired machinery or equipment to verify the adequacy of repairs.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyBIT Corp ProMACS PLCExtranet Machine Tools SuiteInventory tracking softwareKEYENCE PLC Ladder LogicMaintenance management softwareMaintenance planning and control software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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