How to become an Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Official title: Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Also called: Industrial Machinery Mechanic, Industrial Mechanic, Loom Fixer, Loom Technician, Machine Adjuster, Machine Mechanic, Maintenance Technician, Mechanic, Overhauler, Sewing Machine Mechanic
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.
Main 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.
How to become one
Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights typically need a high school diploma. Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers also usually need at least a year of on-the-job training. Most millwrights go through an apprenticeship program that may last up to 4 years.
Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Hydroelectric-Machinery Mechanic.
- Apprenticeship: Industrial Maintenance Mechanic.
- Apprenticeship: Powerhouse Mechanic.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Median pay: $64,520 a year The middle half earn $55,010 to $78,780.
- About 446,900 people work in this job now, and about 526,600 are projected by 2035. (+17.8%)
- People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an Industrial Machinery Mechanic?
Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights typically need a high school diploma. Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers also usually need at least a year of on-the-job training. Most millwrights go through an apprenticeship program that may last up to 4 years.
How much does an Industrial Machinery Mechanic earn in the US?
Median full-time pay is $64,520 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $55,010 to $78,780.
Is an Industrial Machinery Mechanic a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 18% by 2035, from about 446,900 to about 526,600 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become an Industrial Machinery Mechanic?
Usually not. Only 8% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Hydroelectric-Machinery Mechanic.
Will AI change the work of an Industrial Machinery Mechanic?
People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.
Sources
- Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.