Maintenance Workers, Machinery

Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.

SOC: 49-9043.00

Common Job Titles

MaintainerMaintenance MechanicMaintenance Technician (Maintenance Tech)Maintenance Worker

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • Hands-onPerform preventive maintenance on industrial machinery including lubrication, part replacement, and alignment adjustments using hand and power tools.
  • Hands-onExecute repair procedures on mechanical and electronic equipment following technical specifications and safety protocols in industrial production settings.
  • Hands-onManipulate precision measuring instruments including micrometers, dial calipers, and dial indicators to verify equipment tolerances and alignment.
  • KnowledgeApply mechanical principles and production processing knowledge to solve equipment problems and optimize machinery performance.
  • KnowledgePlan maintenance schedules and work priorities by organizing tasks, managing time efficiently, and responding to emergency repair requests.
  • Hands-onHandle machinery components and materials using hoists, forklifts, and rigging equipment while adhering to safety protocols.
  • Hands-onOperate mechanical repair equipment such as drill presses, lathes, grinders, and welders to fabricate or repair machinery components.
  • KnowledgeDiagnose machinery malfunctions and mechanical failures by inspecting equipment, monitoring operations, and analyzing performance data.
  • KnowledgeInterpret technical drawings, equipment manuals, and maintenance documentation to determine appropriate repair methods and replacement parts.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate equipment condition and performance against quality standards to determine compliance with safety regulations and operational requirements.
  • MindsetEngage with supervisors and production personnel to coordinate maintenance activities, share equipment status updates, and minimize production downtime.
  • KnowledgeDocument maintenance activities and equipment repairs using computerized maintenance management systems and electronic record-keeping tools.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Maintenance Workers, Machinery (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

56,540

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$40,080
10% of workers earn the following or more$83,560
Workers on average earn$61,820

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Mechanical4.5/5
  • Production and Processing3.4/5
  • Administration and Management3.2/5
  • English Language3.0/5
  • Design3.0/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSAP software

Technology Skills

Computerized maintenance management system software CMMSDatabase softwareManagement information systems MISOperating system softwareScheduling softwareSpreadsheet softwareWeb browser softwareWord processing software

Tools & Equipment

Abrasive rubbing stonesAbrasive wheelsAdjustable widemouth pliersAdjustable wrenchesBandsawsBench sawsBrakesBuffing machines