Industrial Machinery Mechanics

Industrial machinery mechanics install, maintain, and fix machinery in factories.

Industrial machinery mechanics try to prevent problems before they occur. They inspect machines to make sure they are working properly.

Industrial Machinery Mechanics are in the Manufacturing career cluster and the Maintenance, Installation and Repair pathway.

Quick Facts

Source: Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and CareerOneStop.

Wages & Outlook

Wages

Earnings vary by industry and area of the country. The mechanic's level of skill and responsibility also affect wages. In general, mechanics who belong to a union receive higher wages than non-union mechanics.

Industrial machinery mechanics who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

View the Regional Wage Comparison Chart for:

• Industrial Machinery Mechanics

 

Employment

In Minnesota, about 7,032 industrial machinery mechanics work in this medium-sized occupation.

Industrial machinery mechanics work in many industries. Jobs are located wherever industrial machinery is used. However, jobs are concentrated in heavily industrialized areas.

Major employers:

• Industrial machinery sales companies
• Motor vehicle parts manufacturers
• Electric power generation and transmission plants
• Plastic product manufacturers

Outlook

Manufacturers are increasingly using more sophisticated machinery. This will contribute to growth in this occupation because this machinery requires more highly skilled mechanics to keep the machines in good working order.

Job openings will occur as current workers retire or leave this occupation. Some employers have reported difficulty in recruiting young workers with the necessary skills.

Slowdowns in the economy usually do not affect these workers as much as they affect production workers. Mechanics can use slow periods to do major maintenance work.

Employment Outlook for Industrial Machinery Mechanics

	Employment		Employment Change
	2010	2020	Number	Percent
U S	287,100	349,000	61,900	21.6%
Minnesota	6,478	8,012	1,534	23.7%
	2010	2020	Number	Percent
Central Minnesota	534	675	141	26.4%
Northeast Minnesota	624	801	177	28.4%
Northwest Minnesota	487	654	167	34.3%
Southeast Minnesota	926	1,109	183	19.8%
Southwest Minnesota	969	1,206	237	24.5%
Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN	2,831	3,398	567	20%

Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.

On the Job

Overview

Industrial machinery mechanics install, maintain, and fix machinery in factories.


History credits American Eli Whitney with coming up with the idea for mass production. In the late 1700s, Whitney came up with a way to produce muskets using interchangeable parts. On his own, he built all the machines necessary to manufacture all the guns. He also designed the first cotton milling machine. Whitney's inventions helped create the Industrial Revolution, which forever changed the way people work and live.

Now, mass production is the basis for most every business, from car companies to computer giants. This means that if something goes wrong on the "line," someone must fix it right away to prevent delays that cost the company money. This is the job of industrial machinery mechanics.Industrial machinery mechanics try to prevent problems before they occur. They inspect machines to make sure they are working properly. They also clean, oil, and grease parts and tighten belts on a regular basis. When problems occur, mechanics talk with machine operators to find out what is wrong. They also check the machines for error messages. Some machines monitor themselves and alert mechanics to where problems may be. Then mechanics inspect the equipment and look for common causes of trouble. They start by looking for loose connections or worn out parts. If they do not find the problem easily, mechanics test the equipment. To test the electrical or mechanical systems, mechanics use special equipment such as voltmeters. Mechanics must take machines apart to run these tests. They analyze the information from tests and discussions with operators to determine what is wrong with the equipment. Then mechanics make adjustments or replace worn parts and put equipment back together. When they are finished, mechanics run machines to see if they work.

Mechanics are under pressure to fix equipment quickly because breakdowns usually stop or slow production. Thus, mechanics may not spend much time testing and repairing equipment parts on the floor. They often replace parts quickly with new parts, and bring the broken parts back to their shop for repair.

Mechanics keep some parts in stock. They keep track of which parts they have used and order more when the supply is low. Sometimes mechanics make new parts. They use machines to cut and shape metal. They may also weld pieces of metal together.

In addition to making repairs, mechanics help install new machines. They determine the best process for setting up the machines. They do this by studying blueprints and information from manufacturers. Once the machine is installed, mechanics check that the installation was done correctly. They may enter instructions for computer-controlled machinery. Finally, they demonstrate the equipment to machine operators.

Mechanics keep records of their maintenance and repair work. They record which parts they replace on each machine and the date.

Work Activities

The following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career.

• Perform routine maintenance of machinery. Clean and lubricate parts and equipment.
• Talk to machinery operators to evaluate how machinery is working.
• Examine parts for defects or wear.
• Adjust and test machinery.
• Repair and replace worn out or damaged parts.
• Cut and weld metal to repair or make new machinery parts.
• Order parts and materials.
• Take apart machinery and put it back together.
• Operate machinery to make sure it works. Analyze test results.
• Install new machinery.
• Enter instructions to program computer-controlled machines.
• Keep maintenance and repair records.
• Study blueprints and manuals to determine correct installation and operation of machinery.

People in this career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to many occupations.

• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment.
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials.
• Handle and move objects.
• Get information needed to do the job.
• Perform activities that use the whole body.
• Control machines and processes.
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment.
• Identify objects, actions, and events.
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates.
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings.
• Make decisions and solve problems.
• Update and use job-related knowledge.
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work.
• Think creatively.
• Establish and maintain relationships.
• Evaluate information against standards.
• Teach others.
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures.
• Analyze data or information.
• Coordinate the work and activities of others.

Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, people in this career:

Interpersonal Relationships

• Have a low to medium level of social interaction. They often have discussions with machine operators, but also work alone.
• Communicate with others by face-to-face discussions.
• May on occasion be placed in conflict situations in which others may become rude or angry.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other mechanics.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Sometimes work as part of a team.

Physical Work Conditions

• Often work indoors.
• Often wear protective clothing and gear, such as earplugs and work boots.
• Are often exposed to hazardous equipment.
• Are often exposed to contaminants.
• Are sometimes exposed to noises that are loud or uncomfortable.
• Are often exposed to hazardous situations and conditions.
• May have to get into awkward positions to reach cramped work places.
• May be exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures. Indoor work sites may not be temperature-controlled.
• Occasionally must climb to high places to complete a task.
• May share work space with others.

Work Performance

• Must be exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Errors could result in injuries to machine operators.
• Must keep pace with the speed of equipment.
• May make some decisions and set daily tasks and goals independently. They also seek input from supervisors from time to time.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
• Must meet strict daily deadlines.

Hours/Travel

• Work at least 40 hours per week. Schedules are generally established.
• May work overtime or weekends to fix broken machines.
• May be on-call to come in for emergency repairs.

Physical Demands

In a typical work setting, people in this career:

People in this career frequently:

• Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand or sit while examining parts.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist the body.
• Kneel, stoop, or crouch while replacing parts.
• Repeat the same motions.

It is important for people in this career to be able to:

• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Use fingers or hands to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• See details of objects whether they are nearby or far away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Move arms and legs while remaining in one place.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Move arms and legs quickly.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.

Source: Minnesota Department of Education.

Education & Training

Preparation

To work as an industrial machinery mechanic, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or GED; and
• complete an apprenticeship program or long-term on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some industrial machinery mechanics go through apprenticeship training. Union and non-union apprenticeship programs are available. Admission to apprenticeship programs is competitive. To apply for an apprenticeship, you must:

• have a high school diploma or GED;
• be at least 18 years old; and
• be in good physical condition.

Apprenticeship programs usually consist of four years of on-the-job training. You are paid for the time you spend on the job. In addition, each year you receive at least 144 hours of classroom training.You can prepare for an apprenticeship by taking courses at a professional-technical or two-year school. Courses in electronics, electricity, general math, and drafting prepare students to enter apprenticeship programs. However, these courses are not required to qualify for an apprenticeship.

On-the-job training

Many industrial machinery mechanics learn their skills on the job from an experienced worker. In this case, you begin as a helper and perform basic tasks. As you gain experience, you learn more complex tasks. Training usually takes about four years.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be powerhouse mechanics. Training lasts 12 to 24 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

If you receive this type of training in the military, you may earn credit for previous work experience when you enter a civilian apprenticeship program.

Apprenticeship

View the recent 8 apprenticeship(s) for this occupation.

Related Programs (Current training programs available)

• Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology
• Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies, Other

Fields of Study (What to study to prepare for this career)

Click on any of the Fields of Study listed below to find out more about preparing for this career.

• Automotive Technology
• Electrical & Electronics Engineering Technology
• Electromechanical Engineering Technology
• Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technology
• Industrial Mechanics
• Industrial Technology

Helpful High School Courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this occupation include:

• Appliance Repair
• Blueprint Reading
• Drafting
• Equipment Maintenance and Repair
• Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career.

Source: Minnesota Department of Education.

Skills

People in this career need to:

Communicate

• Read and understand written information.
• Listen to others, understand, and ask questions.
• Express ideas clearly when speaking.

Reason and Problem Solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Identify problems and review information. Develop, review, and apply solutions.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Make sense of information that seems without meaning or organization.

Use Math and Science

• Use math skills to solve problems.

Manage Oneself, People, Time and Things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with People

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.

Work with Things

• Repair machines or systems.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.
• Install equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Operate and control equipment.
• Test and inspect products or processes. Evaluate quality or performance.

Perceive and Visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Knowledge

People in this career need knowledge in the following areas:

• Mechanical: Knowledge of designing, using, and repairing machines and tools.
• Mathematics: Knowledge of the rules and uses of numbers. Areas of knowledge include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics.
• Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of how to build machines, buildings, and other things. Also includes knowledge of how to use computers, machines, and tools to do work more usefully.
• Design: Knowledge of making and using plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• English Language: Knowledge of the meaning, spelling, and use of the English language.
• Production and Processing: Knowledge of how products are made and supplied.
• Building and Construction: Knowledge of constructing buildings and other structures.

Interests

People in this career are people who tend to:

• Consider support from their employer important. They like to be treated fairly and have supervisors who will back them up. They prefer jobs where they are trained well.
• Consider independence important. They like to make decisions and try out ideas on their own. They prefer jobs where they can plan their work with little supervision.
• Consider good working conditions important. They like jobs offering steady employment and good pay. They want employment that fits their individual work style. They may prefer doing a variety of tasks, working alone, or being busy all the time.
• Have realistic interests. They like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like to work with plants, animals, and physical materials such as wood, tools, and machinery. They often prefer to work outside.
• Have investigative interests. They like work activities that have to do with ideas and thinking. They like to search for facts and figure out solutions to problems mentally.
• Have conventional interests. They like work activities that follow set procedures, routines, and standards. They like to work with data and detail. They prefer working where there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Source: Minnesota Department of Education.

Tools & Technology for Industrial Machinery Mechanics

Tools

Adjustable widemouth pliers Adjustable wrenches Air compressors Alignment jig Alignment tools Ammeters Anchor setting tools Stud drivers Bandsaw wheel Bandsaws Bench vises Vises Blocks or pulleys Block and tackle equipment Blow torches Acetylene torches Boring tools Broaching tools Broaching machines Calipers Dial calipers Vernier instruments Catalytic combustion analyzers Reciprocating machinery combustion analyzers Cold chisels Airhammer chisels Combination wrenches Cutting dies or tooling Cutting dies Cutting machines Desktop computers Dollies Equipment rollers Drilling machines Drill presses End cut pliers Side cutting pliers Feeler gauges Angled feeler gauges Files Flat files Half-round files Flow sensors Flow meters Forklifts Gas welding or brazing or cutting apparatus Brazing equipment Gas welding equipment Gear shapers Shaping machines Grease guns Grinders Lapping wheels Hammers Brass hammers Sledgehammers Hand pumps Height gauges Gauges Hex keys Allen wrenches Hex wrenches Hoists Chain falls Chain hoists Impact wrenches Power wrenches Induction heaters Bearing heating ovens Jacks Ladders Laser measuring systems Laser measuring equipment Laser printers Lathes Engine lathes Turning lathes Level sensors or transmitters Transit levels Levels Level gauges Precision levels Locking pliers Channel lock pliers Magnetic tools Magnetic retrievers Magnifiers Alignment scopes Mallets Rubber mallets Metal cutters Aviation snips Metal inert gas MIG welding machinery Metal inert gas MIG welders Metal stamps or punches Punches Microcontrollers Programmable logic controllers PLC Micrometers Inside micrometers Outside micrometers Milling machines Multimeters Needlenose pliers Oscilloscopes Personal computers Pipe or tube cutters Flange facing machines Pipe wrenches

Pitch measuring instruments Screw pitch gauges Plasma welding machinery Plasma cutters Platform lift Staging platforms Plumb bobs Pneumatic drill Airpowered descaling drills Pneumatic hammer Pneumatic hammers Pneumatic sanding machines Airpowered descaling turbines Sandblasters Positioning jig Jigs Power drills Power grinders Cylindrical grinders Grinding wheels Precision grinders Power sanders Scalers Power saws Pressure indicators Hydrostatic testers Pressure or steam cleaners Steam cleaning equipment Pressure or vacuum recorders Pressure gauges Profile projectors Optical measuring equipment Pry bars Pinchbars Pullers Hydraulic pullers Putty knives Ratchets Ratchet sets Reamers Resurfacers Burnishing wheels Rivet tools Riveting tools Rulers Safety glasses Welding lenses Saws Handsaws Scissor lift Scissor lifts Scrapers Screwdrivers Phillips head screwdrivers Slings Rigging equipment Socket sets Socket wrench sets Soldering irons or guns Soldering irons Squares Cylindrical procedures squares Precision squares Straight edges Straightedges Strain gauges Bearing bridge gauges Suction cups Vacuum lifts Tachometers Strobe tachometers Tape measures Taps or dies Taps Thickness measuring devices Space gauges Telescoping gauges Thickness gauges Threading Machines Threading devices Threading dies Pipe threaders Tube end finishers Facing machines Tungsten carbide abrasive wheels Emery wheels Tungsten inert gas TIG welding machinery Tungsten inert gas TIG welding equipment Twist drills Radial drills Utility knives Vacuum gauges Vibration testers Vibration analyzers Voltage or current meters Voltmeters Wedges Steel wedges Welders Arc welders Electric welding equipment Spot welders Welding masks Welding shields Welding robots Robotic teach pendants Welding tip dressers or accessories Welding tip dressers Welding tools Welding equipment Wire brushes Electric rotary wire brushes Rotating brushes Wire cutters Workshop cranes Workshop presses Hydraulic squeezers Punch presses

Technology

Computer aided design CAD software Computer aided manufacturing CAM software Extranet Machine Tools Suite Data base user interface and query software Maintenance planning and control software Facilities management software Maintenance management software Industrial control software BIT Corp ProMACS PLC KEYENCE PLC Ladder Logic

Office suite software Microsoft Office software Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel Word processing software Microsoft Word

Licensing / Certification

Certification Details

Certifications are examinations that test or enhance your knowledge, experience or skills in an occupation or profession.

There are 25 certifications related to this career.

Licensing Details

No State of Minnesota license requirements are found for this career.

Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and CareerOneStop.

Jobs

Find Jobs

ISEEK works in partnership with MinnesotaWorks to promote thousands of available jobs in Minnesota. Internship, apprenticeship, and volunteer opportunities are also posted here. Make sure you visit often as new jobs are posted daily.

Hiring Practices

Most employers prefer to hire applicants who have a high school diploma or GED. For apprenticeships, applicants must be at least 18 years old. Employers may require applicants to pass a physical exam and drug-screening test.

Employers look for applicants who are in good physical condition. They also look for people who have good eye-hand coordination. Experience repairing machinery can be helpful.

Advancement Opportunities

Opportunities for advancement are limited. Advancement often is in the form of working on more complex machinery. Mechanics may need more training to advance to other machines. Those who have good people skills may become supervisors. Highly skilled mechanics may become millwrights, master mechanics, or tool and die makers.

Job Title Examples

Engineering Technician,  Industrial Electrician,  Industrial Mechanic,  Machine Adjuster,  Master Mechanic,  Overhauler,  Maintenance Technician,  Mechanic,  Maintenance Mechanic 

Similar Careers

Below are careers similar to Industrial Machinery Mechanics you may be interested in reading about. If you are looking to broaden your job search, these careers require similar skills. Click on the names to link to their career profile.

Aircraft Mechanics
Automobile Mechanics
Blue-Collar Worker Supervisors
Computer, ATM, and Office Machine Repairers
Farm Equipment Mechanics
Manufacturing Production Technicians
Mechanic and Repairer Helpers
Millwrights
Quality Control Inspectors

Similar Military Careers

Below are similar military careers you may be interested in reading about. Click on the names to link to their career description.

Aircraft Mechanics
Automotive and Heavy Equipment Mechanics
Preventative Maintenance Analysts

Related Industries

Below are industries related to Industrial Machinery Mechanics you may be interested in reading about. Employers in these industries typically hire Industrial Machinery Mechanics. Click on the names to link to their industry profile.

Apparel And Leather Products
Chemicals, Drugs, And Chemical Products
Computers And Electronic Products
Construction
Electrical Equipment
Food Products
Machinery Manufacturing
Paper Products
Petroleum Products
Pipeline Transportation
Primary Metals
Rubber And Plastic Products
Stone, Clay, And Glass Products
Textile Mill Products
Transportation Equipment
Utilities
Water Transportation
Wood Products

Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.