Maintenance Workers, Machinery
SOC code 49-9043 · O*NET-SOC 49-9043.00 · Medium preparation needed · Skilled trades
Maintenance Workers, Machinery pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$60,850
a year
Hourly
$29.25
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$64,610
$31.06 per hour
Middle 50%
$48,920 – $75,200
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$42,000 – $88,550
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
60,020
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $42,000
- $20.19/hr
- 25th percentile
- $48,920
- $23.52/hr
- Median percentile
- $60,850
- $29.25/hr
- 75th percentile
- $75,200
- $36.16/hr
- 90th percentile
- $88,550
- $42.57/hr
What do maintenance workers, machinery do?
Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold post-secondary certificate — 54% 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 Certificate54%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)41%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree3%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate3%
Common questions
How much does a maintenance workers, machinery earn?
The national median is $60,850 a year. The full range runs from $42,000 at the 10th percentile to $88,550 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a maintenance workers, machinery 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
- Reading Comprehension3.0/5
- Active Listening3.0/5
- Critical Thinking3.0/5
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical4.5/5
- Production and Processing3.4/5
- Administration and Management3.2/5
- English Language3.0/5
- Design3.0/5
- Education and Training3.0/5
- Engineering and Technology2.9/5
- Mathematics2.8/5
Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repairing, Operation and Control, Quality Control Analysis.