Introduction
Maintenance Workers, Machinery are skilled tradespeople who focus specifically on keeping industrial machinery and mechanical equipment in good working order. Unlike general maintenance workers who handle a wide variety of tasks, these workers specialize in the upkeep and repair of machines found in factories, warehouses, power plants, and other industrial facilities.
This career demands mechanical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and hands-on technical ability. It is an essential role in manufacturing and industrial production, if machines stop, entire operations can grind to a halt.
What Does a Maintenance Worker, Machinery Do?
- Preventive Maintenance: Lubricating, cleaning, tightening, and testing machine components.
- Routine Inspections: Checking belts, bearings, motors, gears, and hydraulic systems for wear.
- Minor Repairs: Replacing defective parts and making adjustments to keep machines running smoothly.
- Installation Support: Assisting in setting up new machinery and ensuring proper alignment.
- Record-Keeping: Logging repairs, inspections, and service schedules.
- Collaboration: Working with machinists, production supervisors, and industrial mechanics to solve problems quickly.
Work can involve large-scale equipment like conveyors, packaging machines, turbines, or pumps, depending on the industry.
Average Requirements
Education
- Minimum: High school diploma or GED.
- Preferred: Trade school coursework in mechanics, mechatronics, or industrial maintenance.
Skills
- Mechanical knowledge and ability to use diagnostic tools.
- Reading blueprints, schematics, and maintenance manuals.
- Basic electrical and hydraulic systems understanding.
- Problem-solving and troubleshooting under time pressure.
- Physical stamina and manual dexterity.
Certifications (Optional)
- OSHA Safety Training.
- Industrial Maintenance Certificate (through community colleges or trade associations).
- Forklift or machine operation safety certifications.
2025 BLS Salary and Job Outlook
The figures below are U.S. national estimates. Wages refer to May 2025; job growth and annual openings refer separately to the 2025–2035 BLS employment projections.
Maintenance Workers, Machinery
Related O*NET occupation: Maintenance Workers, Machinery (49-9043.00). BLS reporting code: 49-9043.
- Median wage (May 2025): $60,850 per year.
- Mean wage (May 2025): $64,610 per year.
- 10th percentile wage (May 2025): $42,000 per year.
- 25th percentile wage (May 2025): $48,920 per year.
- 75th percentile wage (May 2025): $75,200 per year.
- 90th percentile wage (May 2025): $88,550 per year.
- OEWS employment estimate (May 2025): 60,020. This estimate excludes self-employed workers.
- Employment in the projections base year (2025): 59,700.
- Projected employment (2035): 58,600.
- Projected employment change (2025–2035): -1.9%.
- Projected annual openings (2025–2035 average): 4,400. Openings include employment growth and workers leaving the occupation; they are not all newly created jobs.
Wage percentiles describe the distribution of wages, not guaranteed entry-level or experienced-worker salaries. National figures can differ from pay in a particular state, industry, or employer. OEWS wages do not include self-employed earnings. The projections employment estimates use a different coverage basis and may include self-employed workers.
Sources: BLS May 2025 national OEWS wage estimates; BLS 2025–2035 occupational projections, Table 1.2; BLS OEWS coverage and definitions.
Earnings Potential
- Entry-Level (0–2 years): $36,000 – $45,000 annually.
- Mid-Career (3–7 years): $45,000 – $55,000.
- Experienced (8–15 years): $55,000 – $65,000+.
- Supervisors / Senior Roles: $65,000 – $75,000+.
Hourly pay generally ranges from $18–$28/hour, with opportunities for overtime.
Growth Stages & Promotional Path
Stage 1: Entry-Level Maintenance Helper
- Learns by assisting senior machinery workers.
- Focus on cleaning, lubricating, and performing basic inspections.
Stage 2: Skilled Machinery Maintenance Worker
- Works independently on minor repairs and troubleshooting.
- Handles preventive maintenance schedules.
Stage 3: Senior Maintenance Worker
- Tackles more complex machinery problems.
- May specialize in certain types of equipment (hydraulics, motors, conveyors).
Stage 4: Maintenance Supervisor / Team Leader
- Oversees a group of machinery maintenance workers.
- Coordinates schedules and ensures compliance with safety codes.
Stage 5: Facilities / Plant Maintenance Manager
- Manages maintenance operations for entire plants.
- Handles budgets, contracts, and long-term equipment planning.
Education & Training Path
- High School Preparation: Shop, mechanical drawing, math, and physics are useful.
- On-the-Job Training: Most workers learn directly under experienced industrial mechanics.
- Vocational or Technical Program: Coursework in industrial maintenance can accelerate advancement.
- Certifications: OSHA, machine safety, or specific equipment certifications.
- Continuous Learning: Staying updated on automation and computerized equipment.
Employment Outlook
- Projected Growth: 5–6% through 2032 — steady demand.
- Drivers of Demand:
- Aging machinery in factories requiring constant upkeep.
- Expansion of automation in warehouses and manufacturing.
- Growing focus on preventive maintenance to reduce costly downtime.
- Industries Hiring:
- Manufacturing (food, automotive, packaging).
- Utilities and energy.
- Logistics and warehousing.
- Municipal water and sanitation facilities.
Would You Like This Career?
This career is well-suited for you if:
- You enjoy mechanical, hands-on problem-solving.
- You want stable, essential work with good long-term demand.
- You’re comfortable working in industrial or factory environments.
- You prefer practical, structured work over abstract or office-based tasks.
It may not be a fit if you:
- Dislike physical labor or working around heavy machinery.
- Want a highly specialized or narrow career path.
- Prefer predictable office hours without overtime or shift work.
If you’re considering becoming a Maintenance Worker, Machinery, it’s smart to explore whether your natural motivations align with the demands of this career. Take the Free MAPP Career Assessment at Assessment.com to see if this role is your match, or if another mechanical trade career may better align with your strengths.
