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Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

Maintenance Workers, Machinery

Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Maintenance Workers, Machinery
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Median pay

$60,500
Median annual pay for Maintenance Workers, Machinery.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-2.8%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

4,800
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

57,500
Estimated U.S. employment for Maintenance Workers, Machinery in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-1,600
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. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Active Learning
  6. 6Monitoring

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mechanical
  2. 2Production and Processing
  3. 3Administration and Management
  4. 4English Language
  5. 5Design
  6. 6Education and Training

Abilities

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

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. 5Stress Tolerance
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

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

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Freedom to Make Decisions
  3. 3Exposed to Contaminants
  4. 4Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  5. 5Spend Time Standing
  6. 6Contact With Others

Representative tasks

  • Dismantle machines and remove parts for repair, using hand tools, chain falls, jacks, cranes, or hoists.
  • Reassemble machines after the completion of repair or maintenance work.
  • Record production, repair, and machine maintenance information.
  • Lubricate or apply adhesives or other materials to machines, machine parts, or other equipment according to specified procedures.
  • Install, replace, or change machine parts and attachments, according to production specifications.
  • Set up and operate machines, and adjust controls to regulate operations.
  • Collaborate with other workers to repair or move machines, machine parts, or equipment.
  • Read work orders and specifications to determine machines and equipment requiring repair or maintenance.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyComputerized maintenance management system software CMMSDatabase softwareManagement information systems MISScheduling softwareWeb browser software

Sources

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

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