What does an industrial maintenance technician do?
Industrial maintenance technicians keep production equipment running. When a machine breaks down in a factory, every minute of downtime can cost money, so these techs are some of the most important people in the plant. BLS counts most of them as industrial machinery mechanics.
The job has two sides. Preventive maintenance means regular inspections, lubrication, part replacement and adjustments that keep problems from happening. Repairs mean diagnosing and fixing breakdowns, often under pressure to get the line running again.
Industrial maintenance techs work on many types of systems. They repair motors, gearboxes, pumps, conveyors and bearings. They troubleshoot hydraulic and pneumatic systems, electrical circuits, sensors and motor drives. In automated plants, they work on PLCs and robots. Some also weld, fabricate parts or do basic machining.
Safety is critical. Techs follow lockout/tagout procedures to make sure machines cannot start while they work, and they follow electrical safety rules.
The best maintenance techs are curious problem solvers. When a line goes down, you need to think through what changed, test one thing at a time and avoid guessing, because swapping parts at random wastes time and money. You also need to communicate well with production staff and supervisors, keep good records, and be willing to learn new equipment as plants add more automation. Physical fitness helps, since the job can involve climbing, crawling and lifting.
Tools of the job include hand and power tools, multimeters, laptops for PLC programming, vibration analyzers, alignment tools, torque wrenches, welders and rigging equipment.
Industrial maintenance techs work in:
- Manufacturing plants
- Food and beverage processing plants
- Warehouses and distribution centers
- Power plants and utilities
- Mines, mills and refineries
A typical day
- Review work orders and the preventive maintenance schedule
- Inspect and service machines and production lines
- Respond to breakdowns and troubleshoot problems
- Replace parts, adjust controls and test equipment
- Log your work in the maintenance system
Industrial maintenance technician pay and job outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, industrial machinery mechanics earn a median of $64,520 a year, or $31.02 an hour. Techs with strong electrical and controls skills often earn more, and many plants pay overtime and shift premiums.
The BLS counts about 446,900 industrial machinery mechanic jobs. Employment is projected to grow 18% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than most occupations, with about 44,400 openings each year.
Pros
- Very strong projected growth.
- Solid pay without a four-year degree.
- Varied, problem-solving work every day.
- Skills apply in many industries and regions.
Cons
- Breakdowns can mean pressure, overtime and on-call work.
- Plants can be loud, hot or dirty.
- Many jobs include night, weekend or rotating shifts.
- You need to keep learning as equipment changes.
Training options: school vs. apprenticeship
Industrial maintenance or mechatronics program. Community colleges and technical schools offer certificates and associate degrees. Certificates may take about a year, and associate degrees about two. Programs cover mechanical systems, electrical controls, PLCs, hydraulics, pneumatics, motors, welding basics and safety. Costs typically range from a few thousand dollars at many community colleges to more at private schools.
Apprenticeship. Registered apprenticeships for industrial maintenance mechanics, maintenance electricians and millwrights often take about four years. You earn a wage while learning on the job and taking classes. Many manufacturers sponsor their own apprentices, and millwright apprenticeships are also available through unions.
On-the-job training. Some plants hire helpers or production workers and train them into maintenance roles. Company training programs and tuition help can speed this up.
Certification and licensing by state
Most states do not license industrial maintenance technicians. Employers focus on your skills and experience.
Some work may require more. Depending on the state and the job, certain electrical work may require an electrician’s license. Boiler operation, refrigeration work using regulated refrigerants and some other tasks have their own licenses or certifications.
Voluntary credentials can help you stand out. NIMS offers industrial technology maintenance credentials. SMRP offers the Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT). Many employers also want NFPA 70E electrical safety training and vendor training on specific PLCs or robots.
Specializations and where they lead
- Controls and automation technician. Focus on PLCs, robots, sensors and drives. Often among the highest-paid maintenance roles.
- Millwright. Install, align and move heavy machinery. Often works through union apprenticeships.
- Reliability technician. Use vibration analysis, thermography and data to predict failures before they happen.
- Maintenance electrician. Focus on plant electrical systems, which may require a state license.
- Maintenance planner or supervisor. Experienced techs can plan work, manage parts and lead maintenance teams.
How to choose an industrial maintenance school
The right program teaches both mechanical and electrical skills and helps you get hired. Ask these questions:
- How much hands-on lab time is included? Ask what trainers and equipment students work on.
- Does the program cover PLCs, motor controls and robotics? These skills are in high demand.
- Are hydraulics, pneumatics and mechanical systems included? A balanced program makes you more versatile.
- Which credentials can I earn? Ask about NIMS, OSHA 10 or other certifications.
- Is the school accredited, and is it eligible for federal financial aid (FAFSA)? Ask about the total cost, including tools.
- Does the school partner with local manufacturers or apprenticeships? Employer ties often lead to jobs.
- What job placement help do you offer? Ask which plants hire graduates.
