Industrial machinery mechanics are tasked with repairing and maintaining factory equipment and other industrial machinery, such as packaging equipment, conveying systems and production machinery.
A career matching platform, industrial machinery mechanics typically do the following on the job:
- To comprehend controls and machinery, read technical manuals.
- As soon as a problem arises, disassemble machinery and equipment.
- Components that are broken or malfunctioning should be replaced or repaired.
- Test your equipment to ensure it is running efficiently.
- Adjust and calibrate machinery and equipment.
Please read on for more details about industrial machinery mechanics, such as education and training requirements.
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Why Become An Industrial Machinery Mechanic?
Industrial machinery maintenance might be a great fit if you’re looking for a job that involves using your hands a lot and doesn’t require you to sit at a desk all day. Plus, a career as an industrial machinery mechanic has the following positives:
- Consistent employment growth: From 2016 to 2026, the BLS projects that employment of industrial machinery mechanics will increase by 7%, which is about as fast as the average growth rate for all occupations. In the United States, California has the second-highest rate of industrial machinery mechanic employment., falling behind only Texas. The BLS anticipates a rise in demand for mechanics to maintain machinery due to factories and plants using more advanced manufacturing machinery (automated or computer-controlled).
- Fair compensation: According to the BLS, the mean annual wage for industrial machinery mechanics in May 2017 was $53,110. The average annual salary for industrial machinery mechanics in California was $57,880.
It should be noted that due to the nature of their work, industrial machinery mechanics do experience higher rates of illnesses and injuries than the national average. For the sake of preventing injuries, it’s crucial that employees wear safety gear and adhere to safety procedures.
Education Required of An Industrial Machinery Mechanic
A high school diploma or its equivalent is typically required for industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance specialists, and millwrights. A 2-year associates degree program in industrial maintenance is completed by some mechanics and millwrights. Programs in industrial maintenance might offer lessons in math, welding, hydraulics, and pneumatics.
Training Required of An Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance personnel typically undergo more than a year of on-the-job training. The ability to set up, clean, lubricate, and start machinery is a skill that industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance personnel learn. Additionally, they might receive instruction in topics like shop math, blueprint reading, proper tool use, welding, electronics, and computer programming. Professional trainers hired by the employer or representatives of the equipment manufacturers may provide this training on the job.
Where Do Industrial Machinery Mechanics Work?
According to the BLS, the largest employer of industrial machinery mechanics is manufacturing facilities. Construction and wholesale trade are typical other employment sectors.
Is a Career as An Industrial Machinery Mechanic Proper for Me?
There are a few important qualities that industrial machinery mechanics should possess:
- Manual dexterity: It’s crucial for industrial machinery mechanics to have steady hands and good hand-eye coordination when working with small parts.
- Mechanical aptitude: Industrial machinery mechanics must be able to disassemble large, complex machines after repairs are finished and use technical manuals and sophisticated diagnostic tools to determine why machines aren’t operating.
- Troubleshooting abilities: Industrial machinery mechanics must also be able to watch, identify, and resolve problems that machines may be experiencing.
How to Become An Industrial Mechanic?
Most millwrights, industrial machinery mechanics, and maintenance personnel require a high school diploma. However, after high school, industrial machinery mechanics must complete a year or more of training, whereas machinery maintenance workers typically complete a few months to a year of on-the-job training.
Read about How Many Jobs Are Available In Industrial Machinery/Components?
