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.
Also called: Anode Rebuilder, Appliance Fixer, Appliance Mechanic, Area Mechanic, Assembly Mechanic, Auto Equipment Maintenance Servicer (Automotive Equipment Maintenance Servicer)
Median pay
$64,520
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$46,120 – $95,170
People employed
439,640
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 2.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 3.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
Industrial Machinery Mechanics pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What industrial machinery mechanics do
- 01Repair or maintain the operating condition of industrial production or processing machinery or equipment.
- 02Repair or replace broken or malfunctioning components of machinery or equipment.
- 03Clean, lubricate, or adjust parts, equipment, or machinery.
- 04Disassemble machinery or equipment to remove parts and make repairs.
- 05Reassemble equipment after completion of inspections, testing, or repairs.
- 06Examine parts for defects, such as breakage or excessive wear.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Production and Processing
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from industrial machinery mechanics
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines92% · +2%
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers91% · −13%
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers83% · −17%
- Hydroelectric Plant Technicians82% · group pay
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians82% · +24%
Change into industrial machinery mechanics
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers92% · $56,210
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines92% · $65,510
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians88% · $56,550
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists85% · $61,770
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers85% · $53,710
Majors that lead here
- Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician
- Energy Systems Installation and Repair Technology/Technician
- Hydroelectric Energy System Installation and Repair Technology/Technician
- Geothermal Energy System Installation and Repair Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.