Industrial Machinery Mechanics
O*NET 49-9041.00 · SOC 49-9041
Industrial Machinery Mechanic is a strong career choice. Median pay is $65k a year with +17.8% projected growth through 2035 (much faster than average) and about 44,400 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Diagnose mechanical failures in factory production machinery
- →Replace worn gears, bearings, and belts on industrial equipment
- →Read technical manuals and schematics to guide repairs
- →Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on manufacturing machines
- →Weld or fabricate replacement parts for broken machine components
Education & How to Get In
Most Industrial Machinery Mechanic positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Industrial Machinery Mechanic involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Industrial Machinery Mechanic?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Industrial Machinery Mechanic Roles
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Job Outlook
Employment of Industrial Machinery Mechanics is projected to grow 17.8% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·38% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·48% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
- ·Strong projected growth suggests AI-complementary demand
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Industrial Machinery Mechanic make?
The median Industrial Machinery Mechanic earns $65k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Industrial Machinery Mechanic jobs?
Our model puts Industrial Machinery Mechanic at 28 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 38% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 48% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Industrial Machinery Mechanic a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 17.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is much faster than average. That works out to roughly 44,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Industrial Machinery Mechanic?
Most Industrial Machinery Mechanic roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become an Industrial Machinery Mechanic?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Industrial Machinery Mechanic career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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