Industrial Machinery Mechanics
SOC code 49-9041 · O*NET-SOC 49-9041.00 · Medium preparation needed · Skilled trades
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Industrial Machinery Mechanics pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$64,520
a year
Hourly
$31.02
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$68,460
$32.91 per hour
Middle 50%
$55,010 – $78,780
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$46,120 – $95,170
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
439,640
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $46,120
- $22.17/hr
- 25th percentile
- $55,010
- $26.45/hr
- Median percentile
- $64,520
- $31.02/hr
- 75th percentile
- $78,780
- $37.88/hr
- 90th percentile
- $95,170
- $45.76/hr
What does an industrial machinery mechanic do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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 an industrial machinery mechanic
Most people in this role hold post-secondary certificate — 47% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Post-Secondary Certificate47%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)39%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree14%
Common questions
How much does an industrial machinery mechanic earn?
The national median is $64,520 a year. The full range runs from $46,120 at the 10th percentile to $95,170 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become an industrial machinery mechanic without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Critical Thinking3.6/5
- Active Listening3.1/5
- Active Learning3.1/5
- Monitoring3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical4.3/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Production and Processing3.4/5
- Engineering and Technology3.3/5
- Design3.3/5
- Mathematics3.1/5
- Computers and Electronics3.0/5
- Education and Training2.8/5
Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repairing, Quality Control Analysis.