Industrial Machinery Mechanic Career
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Malfunctioning machinery can reduce productivity and injure workers. Industrial Machinery Mechanics keep factories, mills, power plants, and mines running smoothly by maintaining and repairing the machines businesses rely on.
These highly skilled workers:
- Perform preventative maintenance
- Diagnose mechanical and, increasingly, electronic problems
- Disassemble machinery for repair
- Repair and replace parts
- Rely on blueprints, manuals, and technical specifications
- Keep maintenance and repair records
Many industrial machinery mechanics learn their trade through four-year apprenticeships sponsored by trade unions. These apprenticeships include classroom training in math, electronics, welding, and other subjects. Machinery manufacturers and community colleges also offer training. It can take years to become truly proficient at this job, and top mechanics may be promoted to master mechanic or millwright.
Wages and job opportunities depend on the type of industry and your location. The media hourly wage for industrial machinery workers was $18.78 in 2004. Although manufacturing is affected by economic cycles, mechanics are less likely to be laid off than other workers because business owners still need to keep expensive equipment in working order.
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Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007 Edition; Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.
