U.S. Skilled Trade Career Profile
Industrial Maintenance Technician Career Guide
Start your career as a skilled Industrial Maintenance Technician in the United States
Updated Reviewed by Career In Trades Editorial Team
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Career Overview
Industrial maintenance technicians inspect, diagnose, maintain, and repair production machinery and automated equipment in factories, processing plants, warehouses, and other industrial facilities. Common systems include conveyors, motors, bearings, pumps, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, packaging machinery, sensors, and programmable controls.
Job titles vary by employer. For national wage and employment data, this guide maps Industrial Maintenance Technician to SOC 49-9041, Industrial Machinery Mechanics, because O*NET lists Maintenance Technician as a reported job title within that occupation.
The work combines preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, component replacement, calibration, testing, and maintenance documentation. Technicians may also assist with basic controls diagnostics and equipment installation, subject to employer procedures and licensing requirements.
What Does an Industrial Maintenance Technician Do
- Inspect, maintain, and repair industrial machinery and equipment
- Diagnose mechanical faults and perform permitted electrical and controls troubleshooting on industrial equipment, subject to employer procedures and state or local licensing rules.
- Perform preventive maintenance on production equipment
- Read technical manuals and schematics
- Maintain hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems
- Ensure compliance with safety and operational standards
How to Become an Industrial Maintenance Technician
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Earn a High School Diploma or GED
Complete high school or GED. Focus on math, physics, and technical subjects such as mechanical systems.
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Enroll in Technical Training Program
Join a technical school or community college program in industrial maintenance, automation, or mechanical engineering technology.
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Gain Hands-On Industrial Experience
Work in manufacturing or production facilities to gain real-world experience maintaining industrial equipment.
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Learn Electrical and Mechanical Systems
Develop skills in electrical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and basic PLC programming.
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Start Working as an Industrial Maintenance Technician
Begin working in manufacturing plants, warehouses, or industrial facilities performing equipment maintenance and repair.
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Advance to Senior Technician or Specialist
With experience, specialize in automation systems, become a maintenance supervisor, or move into plant operations management.
Skills & Requirements
- Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting
- PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) basics
- Hydraulic and pneumatic systems knowledge
- Blueprint and schematic reading
- Preventive maintenance skills
- Welding and fabrication basics
- Safety compliance (OSHA standards)
Salary Breakdown
Entry-level and experienced salary figures are approximate national estimates intended to illustrate potential earning progression. Actual pay varies by location, experience, licensing level, union status, industry, employer, and overtime. The salary figure shown at the top of this page is the May 2024 national median annual wage reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job Outlook & Demand
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of industrial machinery mechanics to grow 16% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment is projected to increase from about 439,600 jobs in 2024 to 510,300 jobs in 2034, an increase of approximately 70,700 jobs.
About 45,700 openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many openings are expected to result from employment growth as well as workers transferring to other occupations or leaving the labor force.
The continued adoption of automated manufacturing equipment is expected to support demand. Automated conveyors, motors, robotic equipment, sensors, and production machinery require inspection, preventive maintenance, diagnostics, and repair to limit downtime. Technicians with mechanical troubleshooting, controls, PLC, hydraulic, pneumatic, and predictive-maintenance skills may have broader employment opportunities.
Work Environment
Industrial Maintenance Technicians work in factories, manufacturing plants, warehouses, and processing facilities.
The job often involves working with heavy machinery, electrical systems, and automated equipment.
It can be physically demanding and requires strict safety compliance in industrial environments.
Examples of Major Employers
Amazon
LocationSeattle, Washington
Tesla
LocationAustin, Texas
General Motors
LocationDetroit, Michigan
Toyota Motor North America
LocationPlano, Texas
Coca-Cola Consolidated
LocationCharlotte, North Carolina
3M Company
LocationSt. Paul, Minnesota
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an industrial maintenance technician?
Training commonly takes one to two years when combining technical instruction with supervised on-the-job experience. Some employers hire entry-level workers with a high school diploma and provide longer-term workplace training.
Do industrial maintenance technicians need certification?
There is no single nationally required certification for industrial maintenance technicians. Employers may prefer credentials related to maintenance and reliability, PLCs, welding, electrical safety, vibration analysis, or specific equipment platforms.
Can I become an industrial maintenance technician without college?
Yes. Many technicians attend vocational schools or apprenticeships.
What is the average salary of an industrial maintenance technician?
The average annual salary is about $63760.
Is industrial maintenance a good career in 2026?
Industrial maintenance may be a strong career option for people who enjoy mechanical troubleshooting, automated equipment, and hands-on work. BLS projects employment of industrial machinery mechanics to grow 16% from 2024 to 2034, with about 45,700 openings each year. Workers should also consider the physical demands, hazardous equipment, on-call assignments, and possible night or weekend shifts.
Career Data Sources
Career information is reviewed using government, certification, and industry sources. Data may change after publication.
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights — Occupational Outlook Handbook — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Data: May 2024 wages; 2024–2034 projections) Supports: 2024 median wage, employment, job growth, annual openings, training, duties, work environment, schedules, safety risks, and major employing industries. Accessed July 22, 2026.
- 49-9041.00 — Industrial Machinery Mechanics — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor (Data: Updated 2026) Supports: Occupation mapping, Maintenance Technician job title, duties, diagnostic tasks, tools, PLC and maintenance software, skills, work context, and apprenticeship titles. Accessed July 22, 2026.
Note: Salary figures displayed on this page use the national median annual wage reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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