### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workers imageIndustrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights all repair manufacturing equipment.							
						Quick Facts:     Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights2023     Median Pay
            						$61,170     per year
										$29.41     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    High school diploma or equivalentWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    See How to Become OneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    507,900Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    13% (Much faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    64,700What Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights Do
                                                
                        
                        
Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights install, maintain, and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Workers in this occupation must follow safety precautions and use protective equipment, such as hardhats, safety glasses, and hearing protectors. Most work full time in manufacturing facilities. However, they may be on call and work night or weekend shifts. Overtime is common.
            
                                                How to Become an Industrial Machinery Mechanic, Machinery Maintenance Worker, or Millwright
                                                
                        
Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights typically need a high school diploma. Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers also usually need at least a year of on-the-job training. Most millwrights go through an apprenticeship program that may last up to 4 years.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights was $61,170 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights is projected to grow							 13 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 49,100 openings for industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights Do 
            

			Industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workersIndustrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers adjust and calibrate equipment.			
Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers maintain and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery, such as conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging equipment. Millwrights install, dismantle, repair, reassemble, and move machinery in factories, power plants, and construction sites.
Duties
Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights typically do the following:
Read technical manuals to understand equipment and controls
Disassemble machinery and equipment when there is a problem
Repair or replace broken or malfunctioning components
Perform tests and run initial batches to make sure that the machine is running smoothly
Detect minor problems by performing basic diagnostic tests
Test malfunctioning machinery to determine whether major repairs are needed
Adjust and calibrate equipment and machinery to optimal specifications
Clean and lubricate equipment or machinery
Move machinery and equipment***Industrial machinery mechanics***, also called *maintenance machinists*, keep machines in working order by detecting and correcting errors before the machine or the products it produces are damaged. Many of these machines are increasingly run by computers. Industrial machinery mechanics use technical manuals, their understanding of industrial equipment, and observation to determine the cause of a problem. For example, after detecting a vibration from a machine, they must decide whether it is the result of worn belts, weak motor bearings, or some other problem. They may use computerized diagnostic systems and vibration analysis techniques to help figure out the source of problems. Examples of machines they may work with are robotic welding arms, automobile assembly line conveyor belts, and hydraulic lifts.
After diagnosing a problem, the industrial machinery mechanic may take the equipment apart to repair or replace the necessary parts. Once a repair is made, mechanics test a machine to ensure that it is operating correctly.
In addition to working with hand tools, mechanics commonly use lathes, grinders, and drill presses. Many also are required to weld.
***Machinery maintenance workers***do basic maintenance and repairs on machines. They clean and lubricate machinery, perform basic diagnostic tests, check the performance of the machine, and test damaged machine parts to determine whether major repairs are necessary.
Machinery maintenance workers must follow machine specifications and adhere to maintenance schedules. They perform minor repairs, generally leaving major repairs to industrial machinery mechanics.
Maintenance workers use a variety of tools to do repairs and preventive maintenance. For example, they may use a screwdriver or socket wrenches to adjust a motor’s alignment, or they might use a hoist to lift a heavy printing press off the ground.
***Millwrights*** install, maintain, and disassemble industrial machines. Putting together a machine can take a few days or several weeks.
Millwrights perform repairs that include replacing worn or defective parts of machines. They also may be involved in taking apart the entire machine, a common situation when a manufacturing plant needs to clear floor space for new machinery. In taking apart a machine, millwrights carefully disassemble, categorize, and package each part of the machine.
Millwrights use a variety of hand tools, such as hammers and levels, as well as equipment for welding, brazing, and cutting. They also use measuring tools, such as micrometers, measuring tapes, lasers, and other precision-measuring devices. On large projects, they commonly use cranes and trucks. When millwrights and managers determine the best place for a machine, millwrights use forklifts, hoists, winches, cranes, and other equipment to bring the parts to the desired location.
 Work Environment
			Industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workersIndustrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights usually work in manufacturing facilities.			

	    
				
	
	    	    		Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights held about 507,900 jobs in 2022. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights was distributed as follows:
    	    	
    	Industrial machinery mechanics
                402,200Maintenance workers, machinery
                63,600Millwrights
                42,100The largest employers of industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights were as follows:
        Manufacturing
                53%Wholesale trade
                12Commercial and industrial machinery and equipment (except automotive and electronic) repair and maintenance
                9Construction
                5Injuries and Illnesses
Working with industrial machinery can be dangerous. To avoid injury, workers must follow safety precautions and use protective equipment, such as hardhats, safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, gloves, and earplugs.
Work Schedules
Most industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers are employed full time during regular business hours. However, mechanics may be on call and work night or weekend shifts. Overtime is common, particularly for mechanics.
 How to Become an Industrial Machinery Mechanic, Machinery Maintenance Worker, or Millwright

			Industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workersIndustrial machinery mechanics may receive more than a year of on-the-job training, while machinery maintenance workers typically receive training that lasts a few months to a year.			
Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights typically need a high school diploma. Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers also usually need a year or more of training after high school.
Most millwrights go through an apprenticeship program that lasts about 4 years.
Education
Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights generally need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some mechanics and millwrights complete a 2-year associate’s degree program in industrial maintenance. Industrial maintenance programs may include courses such as welding, mathematics, hydraulics, and pneumatics.
Training
Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers typically receive more than a year of on-the-job training. Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers learn how to perform routine tasks, such as setting up, cleaning, lubricating, and starting machinery. They also may be instructed in subjects such as shop mathematics, blueprint reading, proper hand tool use, welding, electronics, and computer programming. This training may be offered on the job by professional trainers hired by the employer or by representatives of equipment manufacturers.
Most millwrights learn their trade through a 3- or 4-year apprenticeship. For each year of the program, apprentices must have at least 144 hours of relevant technical instruction and up to 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. On the job, apprentices learn to set up, clean, lubricate, repair, and start machinery. During technical instruction, they are taught welding, mathematics, how to read blueprints, and machinery troubleshooting. Many also receive computer training.
After completing an apprenticeship program, millwrights are considered fully qualified and can usually perform tasks with less guidance.
Employers, local unions, contractor associations, and the state labor department often sponsor apprenticeship programs. The basic qualifications for entering an apprenticeship program are as follows:
Minimum age of 18
High school diploma or equivalent
Physically able to do the workImportant Qualities
***Manual dexterity.***Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights must have a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination when handling very small parts.
***Mechanical skills.***Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights use technical manuals and sophisticated diagnostic equipment to figure out why machines are not working. Workers must be able to reassemble large, complex machines after finishing a repair.
***Troubleshooting skills.***Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights must observe, diagnose, and fix problems that a machine may be having.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and MillwrightsMedian annual wages, May 2023Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights$61,170  Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations$53,920  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights was $61,170 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,290, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $84,950.

			
                    	Median annual wages for industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights in May 2023 were as follows:
        Millwrights
		$62,980Industrial machinery mechanics
		61,420Maintenance workers, machinery
		57,350In May 2023, the median annual wages for industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Manufacturing
                $61,750Construction
                61,280Wholesale trade
                60,010Commercial and industrial machinery and equipment (except automotive and electronic) repair and maintenance
                58,240Most industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers are employed full time during regular business hours. However, mechanics may be on call or assigned to work night or weekend shifts. Overtime is common, particularly for mechanics.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and MillwrightsPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights13%  Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations4%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights is projected to grow				 13 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 49,100 openings for industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Projected employment of industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights varies by occupation (see table).
The continued adoption of automated manufacturing machinery is expected to create jobs for these workers, as they will be needed to help keep machines in good working order. The use of automated conveyors to move products and materials in factories is likely to be an area of high demand for these workers, because the conveyor belts, motors, and rollers need regular care and maintenance.
			

                        Employment projections data for     industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights**
			—
			507,900
			572,600
			13
			64,700
			—**Industrial machinery mechanics**
			49-9041
			402,200
			462,100
			15
			59,900
			Get data**Maintenance workers, machinery**
			49-9043
			63,600
			67,100
			6
			3,500
			Get data**Millwrights**
			49-9044
			42,100
			43,400
			3
			1,300
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Industrial machinery mechanics
					Maintenance workers, machinery
					Millwrights **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Calibration Technologists and Technicians**
            Calibration technologists and technicians inspect, adjust, and test measurement devices against standards, such as those used in manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries.
            Associate's degree
            $62,790**Electrical and Electronics Engineers**
            Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment.
            Bachelor's degree
            $109,010**Electricians**
            Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $61,590**General Maintenance and Repair Workers**
            General maintenance and repair workers fix and maintain machines, mechanical equipment, and buildings.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $46,700**Machinists and Tool and Die Makers**
            Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate equipment to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.
            See How to Become One
            $53,180**Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters**
            Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair piping fixtures and systems.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $61,550**Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers**
            Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to join, repair, or cut metal parts and products.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $48,940**Wind Turbine Technicians**
            Wind turbine service technicians maintain and repair wind turbines.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $61,770**Medical Equipment Repairers**
            Medical equipment repairers install, maintain, and repair patient care equipment.
            Associate's degree
            $60,670
 Contacts for More Information
								
For information about industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers, visit
National Association of Manufacturers
Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals
For information about millwrights and the precision-machined products industry, training, and apprenticeships, visit
Precision Machined Products Association
For further information on apprenticeship programs, write to the Apprenticeship Council of your state’s labor department or to local firms that employ machinery mechanics and repairers. Apprenticeship information is also available from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship program online or by phone at 877-872-5627.

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Industrial Machinery MechanicsMaintenance Workers, MachineryMillwrights
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/industrial-machinery-mechanics-and-maintenance-workers-and-millwrights.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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