851100 Repair and maintain the operating condition of industrial production and processing machinery, printing machinery, and refinery and pipeline distribution systems. Duties include repairing machinery and mechanical equipment, such as pumps, conveyor systems, and motors, in accordance with diagrams, operating manuals, or manufacturer's specifications. Exclude Millwrights and Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, such as crane, bulldozer, grader, or conveyor mechanics. 851190 Most employers are unionized.
Wages vary with type and size of company, level of experience and union contract agreements.
Although there does not seem to be a great deal of expansion in companies that hire these workers, there is still a sizable market for skilled Maintenance Mechanics. The highest concentrations are found in the canning, preserving, packaging, metal fabrication and plastic companies. A smaller number of Maintenance Mechanics are located in construction companies, hospitals, government facilities, mines and public utilities. The trend toward industrial automation, with increasingly complex and more expensive machinery, may tend to increase the demand for additional Maintenance Mechanics to perform essential preventive maintenance routines necessary to maintain and fully utilize these devices. Advancement Advancement for Maintenance Mechanics is usually in the form of salary increases.