TENNESSEE CAREER DATA PROFILE

Industrial Maintenance Technician Career Guide in Tennessee

Explore industrial maintenance technician salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Tennessee.

Last reviewed Reviewed by Career In Trades Editorial Team

Industrial Maintenance Technician in Tennessee Snapshot
Median Salary $65,010
Hourly Wage $31.25
Job Growth +18% (2022–2032)
License Not Required

How to Become an Industrial Maintenance Technician in Tennessee

Tennessee offers numerous technical-college and employer-sponsored industrial maintenance programs. Training normally covers mechanical drives, motors, PLCs, robotics, hydraulics, pneumatics, welding, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and industrial safety.

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 Tennessee

The salary figure shown on this page represents the Tennessee 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.

Tennessee Median $65,010
Hourly Wage $31.25
National Median $63,760

Compared with the national median of $63,760, the median wage in Tennessee is approximately $1,250 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.

OFFICIAL REGULATORY SOURCE

Licensing Authority for Industrial Maintenance Technicians in Tennessee

Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance — Regulatory Boards

Official Website: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards.html

License Types:

  • No General Industrial Maintenance Technician License
  • Limited Licensed Electrician
  • Electrical Contractor
  • Mechanical Contractor
  • Boiler Inspector or Repair Credential

Authority Notes:

Routine employee maintenance is generally unlicensed. Contractor licensing, local electrical licensing, and boiler rules may apply depending on the work’s scope and project value.

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 PREPARATION

Industrial Maintenance Technician Training Requirements in Tennessee

1Registered Apprenticeship
2Trade or Technical School
3Employer Training

Tennessee industrial maintenance technicians commonly complete a technical-college diploma, associate degree, registered apprenticeship, or employer training program.

  • Study industrial mechanics, electrical systems, motor controls, PLCs, robotics, hydraulics, pneumatics, and welding.
  • Complete hands-on training in machinery installation, alignment, troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance.
  • Learn lockout/tagout, electrical safety, machine guarding, and OSHA procedures.
  • Develop skills using schematics, diagnostic meters, precision measuring tools, and computerized maintenance systems.
  • Obtain separate state or local credentials before independently performing regulated trade or contracting work.
EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Industrial Maintenance Technician Training Providers in Tennessee

Provider City Program Website
TCAT Murfreesboro Murfreesboro View Program
TCAT Knoxville Knoxville View Program
TCAT Memphis Memphis View Program
Chattanooga State Community College Chattanooga 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 OPPORTUNITIES

Industrial Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Programs in Tennessee

Advanced Manufacturing Technician Program

Organization: Tennessee FAME

Program Website

Industrial Maintenance Apprenticeship

Organization: Volkswagen Academy

Program Website

Mechatronics Apprenticeship

Organization: Mercedes-Benz U.S. International / Alabama and Tennessee Workforce Partners

Program Website

Tennessee Registered Apprenticeship Program

Organization: Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development

Program Website

STATE AND LOCAL RULES

Industrial Maintenance Technician Licensing Requirements in Tennessee

Tennessee does not issue a general industrial maintenance technician license. Employees may maintain machinery for their employer, but independent electrical, plumbing, HVAC, boiler, or construction contracting can require state or local credentials.

EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS

Industrial Maintenance Technician Job Outlook in Tennessee

+18% (2022–2032) Projected Employment Growth
2022 - 2032 Projection Period
970 Annual Openings

Tennessee projects employment to increase from 9,060 industrial machinery mechanics in 2022 to 10,730 in 2032. This represents 18% growth, with approximately 970 openings annually.

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 QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the industrial maintenance technician salary in Tennessee?

The statewide median wage for industrial maintenance technicians in Tennessee is approximately $65,010 per year, or $31.25 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.

Does Tennessee require industrial maintenance technician licensing?

No statewide occupational license is generally required for industrial maintenance technician workers in Tennessee. Local jurisdictions, employers, or specific work scopes may still impose requirements, so applicants should verify current rules before beginning work.

How long does it take to become an industrial maintenance technician in Tennessee?

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 Tennessee?

Tennessee projects industrial maintenance technician employment to grow by approximately 18% from 2022 to 2032, with about 970 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.

DATA TRANSPARENCY

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.

  1. May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
  2. Tennessee Wages for Industrial Maintenance Technician (SOC 49-9041) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Tennessee Industrial Maintenance Technician Wages
  3. Tennessee Industrial Maintenance Technician Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Tennessee Industrial Maintenance Technician Employment Trends
  4. Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance — Regulatory Boards — Licensing authority. Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance — Regulatory Boards
CAREER DISCOVERY

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STATE CAREER GUIDES

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