Industrial machinery mechanic
Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights install, maintain, and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery.
What the job is
- The work
- Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights install, maintain, and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery.
BLS
Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- How people get in
- Industrial machinery mechanics typically need a high school diploma and usually a year or more of training; millwrights mostly go through an apprenticeship of about 4 years. Some take a 2-year associate degree in industrial maintenance. BLS names no license for this work.
- Good fit for
- Problem-solvers who like fixing machines, reading manuals and working with welding, hydraulics and electronics.
- Career cluster
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Paying for it
- File the FAFSA (opens by October 1) for grants, work-study and federal loans; a Pell Grant pays up to $7,395 a year (2026–27). Average public four-year tuition and fees: $11,950 in-state vs $31,880 out-of-state (2025–26). Residency rules and regional discounts · Save with 2+2 transfer
- Your state
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StateChoose a state
- AlabamaState guide
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- VirginiaState guide
- WashingtonState guide
- West VirginiaState guide
- WisconsinState guide
- WyomingState guide
Key numbers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, pay for May 2025.
- Median pay
- $64,100 a year ($30.82 an hour)
BLS
Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Jobs in 2025
- 547,300
- Typical entry
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Training after hire
- A year or more on the job (mechanics); about 4-year apprenticeship (millwrights)
Job outlook, 2025–35
- Projected growth
- +14%, which BLS calls "much faster than average"
BLS
Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Jobs added
- +78,900 over 2025–35
- All U.S. jobs
- 3.5% over the same period, for comparison
Tools overview
BLS does not publish what a starter tool set costs. Ask the school or apprenticeship sponsor which tools you must buy before you enrol.
- Workers use technical manuals and sophisticated diagnostic equipment to figure out why machines are not working.
BLS
Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- They must follow safety precautions and use protective equipment, such as hardhats, safety glasses and hearing protectors.
BLS
Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Step-by-step roadmap
The routes, step by step, and the state licensing rules are on one page.
Industrial maintenance mechanic: diploma, a year of training or an apprenticeship
See the roadmap
Route 1: Diploma, then a year or more of training · Route 2: Registered Apprenticeship
Every number links to the BLS page it came from, checked 21 Oct 2026. Education Margdarshan does not recommend paid courses. All trades