Maintenance Workers, Machinery

People in this career focus on keeping mechanical systems running smoothly. Day-to-day tasks center on repairing and maintaining mechanical equipment, inspecting machinery, and controlling various processes. Workers gather information, identify mechanical issues, and solve problems to prevent equipment breakdowns. They also handle and move physical objects, maintain electronic components, and organize their daily tasks.

This role is a strong match for individuals with realistic interests who enjoy hands-on work. Success in this field requires skills in equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, repairing, and monitoring operations. Workers must use critical thinking and quality control analysis to make sound decisions. Key knowledge areas include mechanics, production processes, design, and public safety. To perform this work safely and effectively, individuals need to be dependable, cautious, and highly attentive to detail. They must also show perseverance and maintain self-control under stressful conditions.

To enter this field, workers typically need a high school diploma. The career is classified as requiring medium preparation, which often involves vocational training, an associate degree, or related on-the-job experience. Students interested in this pathway often major in heavy or industrial equipment maintenance technologies.

While not always mandatory, professional credentials can help workers advance. Available certifications include the Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician credential from the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals. Additionally, the International Council for Machinery Lubrication offers Level I and Level II Machine Lubricant Analyst certifications. Depending on the location, some states list a license for this work, so candidates should check local regulations.

In 2025, the median annual pay for these machinery maintenance workers was $60,850. The lowest ten percent of earners in this field made less than $42,000, while the highest ten percent earned more than $88,550.

There are 60,020 people employed in this occupation. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to decline by -1.9 percent. Despite this slight decrease in total jobs, the field is still expected to have 4,400 openings each year.