Industrial Maintenance Technician Career Guide in Illinois
Explore industrial maintenance technician salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Illinois.
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How to Become an Industrial Maintenance Technician in Illinois
Industrial maintenance technicians commonly develop their skills through employer-sponsored training, an apprenticeship, a technical college program, or a combination of classroom instruction and supervised work. Training typically covers mechanical systems, bearings, gearboxes, pumps, conveyors, hydraulics, pneumatics, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, precision measurement, blueprint reading, lubrication, and computerized maintenance management systems.
Employers may also require task-specific training in lockout/tagout, machine guarding, electrical safety, confined spaces, fall protection, powered industrial trucks, welding, and hazardous materials. Training for one task does not automatically authorize a technician to perform regulated electrical, boiler, refrigeration, elevator, or fire-protection work.
Most Industrial Maintenance Technicians in Illinois complete technical college programs, registered apprenticeships, or employer-sponsored training. Training includes industrial machinery repair, electrical troubleshooting, PLC systems, robotics, hydraulics, pneumatics, welding, preventive maintenance, automation systems, and workplace safety procedures.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Industrial Maintenance Technician Salary in Illinois
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Illinois median wage for industrial maintenance technician workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $63,760, the median wage in Illinois is approximately $12,440 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Industrial Maintenance Technicians in Illinois
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONIndustrial Maintenance Technician Training Requirements in Illinois
Illinois industrial maintenance technicians commonly train through an apprenticeship, employer program, or technical college. Coursework and supervised training may cover production machinery, mechanical drives, hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical fundamentals, controls, welding, preventive maintenance, and diagnostic procedures.
Technicians should complete employer-required safety and equipment training before servicing machinery. Local or state requirements must be checked when assigned work that falls within a separately regulated trade.
Industrial Mechanical Systems
Technicians learn to repair and maintain industrial equipment including conveyors, motors, pumps, compressors, and automated production machinery.
Electrical Systems & Troubleshooting
Training covers industrial wiring, motor controls, sensors, electrical diagnostics, and troubleshooting procedures for production equipment.
PLC & Automation Technology
Programs teach programmable logic controllers, robotics systems, and automated manufacturing controls used in modern industrial facilities.
Hydraulics & Pneumatics
Technicians learn hydraulic systems, pneumatic controls, valves, cylinders, and industrial fluid power applications.
Preventive Maintenance & Safety
Training focuses on equipment inspections, maintenance scheduling, OSHA standards, and safe industrial operations.
Industrial Maintenance Technician Training Providers in Illinois
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| College of DuPage | Glen Ellyn | View Program |
| City Colleges of Chicago | Chicago | View Program |
| Illinois Central College | East Peoria | View Program |
| Rock Valley College | Rockford | View Program |
| Moraine Valley Community College | Palos Hills | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESIndustrial Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Programs in Illinois
Illinois Registered Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
Industrial Maintenance Apprenticeship
Organization: Illinois Manufacturers Association
ABC Illinois Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Associated Builders & Contractors Illinois
Industrial Maintenance Technician Licensing Requirements in Illinois
Illinois does not require a statewide license for Industrial Maintenance Technicians. However, technicians performing electrical work may need appropriate electrical credentials depending on job responsibilities and local requirements. OSHA safety training and industrial certifications are commonly required by manufacturing employers.
Illinois does not issue a general statewide license for industrial maintenance technicians. Employers establish job qualifications and task authorization. Separately regulated electrical, plumbing, boiler, elevator, fire-protection, and refrigeration work may require an appropriate license, registration, certification, or licensed supervisor.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSIndustrial Maintenance Technician Job Outlook in Illinois
Illinois has strong demand for Industrial Maintenance Technicians due to its large manufacturing base, automotive production, food processing industry, logistics infrastructure, and advanced automation facilities. Chicago and surrounding industrial regions continue to provide strong employment opportunities.
Illinois projects industrial machinery mechanic employment to increase from approximately 9,590 workers in 2022 to 11,330 in 2032, an increase of about 18%. Approximately 1,030 openings per year are projected.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the industrial maintenance technician salary in Illinois?
The statewide median wage for industrial maintenance technicians in Illinois is approximately $76,200 per year, or $36.63 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Illinois require industrial maintenance technician licensing?
Licensing or credential requirements for industrial maintenance technician workers in Illinois are primarily employer-specific. Employers may require particular certifications, training, driving credentials, or documented experience.
How long does it take to become an industrial maintenance technician in Illinois?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 1–2 Years, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are industrial maintenance technicians in demand in Illinois?
Illinois projects industrial maintenance technician employment to grow by approximately 18% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,030 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Illinois Wages for Industrial Maintenance Technician (SOC 49-9041) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Illinois Industrial Maintenance Technician Wages
- Illinois Industrial Maintenance Technician Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Illinois Industrial Maintenance Technician Employment Trends
- Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) — Licensing authority. Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)