Industrial Mechanic
PrintWork Tasks
INDUSTRIAL MECHANICS repair, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery, or refinery or pipeline distribution systems. They are responsible for the maintenance and repair of machinery found in various plants and factories. Industrial mechanics must be able to detect and diagnose minor problems and correct them before they become major ones. They may need electronic and computer skills to repair sophisticated equipment. Industrial mechanics also perform preventive maintenance.
Salary, Size & Growth
- $44,500 average per year ($21.50 per hour)
- A large occupation (344,800 workers in 2010)
- Expected to grow moderately (0.7% per year)
Entry Requirements
Many INDUSTRIAL MECHANICS learn their trade through a four-year apprenticeship program that combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. These programs are usually sponsored by a local trade union. Others start as helpers and pick up skills of the trade informally from experienced workers and by taking courses offered by machinery manufacturers and community colleges. High school courses in mechanical drawing, mathematics, blueprint reading, physics, and electronics are especially useful.