Industrial Machinery Mechanics Salary 2025: $64,520 Median, 16% Job Growth
Industrial machinery mechanics keep factory equipment, conveyor systems, and production machinery running. The median annual salary is $64,520, with typical earnings ranging from $46,120 at the 10th percentile to $95,170 at the 90th, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data). That works out to about $31 per hour. Employment stands at 439,640, and the field is growing fast.
How much Industrial Machinery Mechanics earn
The national median salary for industrial machinery mechanics is $64,520. Half of workers earn between $46,120 and $95,170. The mean (average) wage is $68,460, or roughly $31/hour.
Top earners in the 90th percentile bring home $95,170, while those just starting out in the 10th percentile make $46,120. Pay varies by industry: mechanics in the federal government average $77,400, and those in manufacturing average $64,800. Experience, certifications, and geographic location push income higher.
- National median: $64,520
- Typical range: $46,120 – $95,170
- Mean hourly wage: $31.00
Pay by state
Where you live makes a big difference. The highest-paying state is the District of Columbia at $87,670, followed by Wyoming ($78,320), Nevada ($77,750), Alaska ($77,390), and Hawaii ($77,330).
At the low end, Louisiana pays $60,260, Arkansas $59,760, and Mississippi $57,760. That's a spread of nearly $30,000 between D.C. and Mississippi.
- Highest: DC ($87,670), WY ($78,320), NV ($77,750), AK ($77,390), HI ($77,330)
- Lowest: LA ($60,260), AR ($59,760), MS ($57,760)
How to become Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Most industrial machinery mechanics learn through a 4-year apprenticeship that combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apprentices learn blueprint reading, welding, electronics, and machine repair. Others start with a 1- to 2-year technical certificate or associate degree in industrial maintenance.
Employers prefer candidates with at least a high school diploma or GED and courses in math, welding, and mechanical drawing. Certifications from organizations like the International Society of Automation (ISA) or the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) boost your resume. No state license is required, but some workers may need a driver's license for travel.
- Complete a 4-year apprenticeship or earn a 1-2 year technical certificate/AS degree in industrial maintenance.
- Gain skills in mechanical repair, blueprint reading, welding, and basic electronics.
- Earn optional certifications from ISA or NIMS to advance faster.
- Start with a high school diploma and mechanical coursework.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for industrial machinery mechanics will grow 16.1% from 2024 to 2034—much faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 45,700 job openings per year, largely due to workers retiring or leaving the field.
As factories and industrial plants automate, they need more mechanics to install, maintain, and repair sophisticated equipment. People who know robotics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and computer-based diagnostics will have the best prospects.
- Projected growth: 16.1% (2024–2034)
- Openings per year: ~45,700
Frequently asked questions
Do industrial machinery mechanics need a degree?
Most mechanics learn through a 4-year apprenticeship. A 1- to 2-year technical certificate or associate degree in industrial maintenance can substitute. A high school diploma is the minimum.
Is industrial machinery mechanic a good career?
Yes. The median salary of $64,520 is above the U.S. median, and the 16.1% projected growth rate makes it one of the faster-growing trades. 45,700 openings per year mean steady demand.
What is the job outlook for industrial machinery mechanics?
The BLS projects 16.1% growth from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average. About 45,700 openings each year come from growth and replacing retirees.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Industrial Machinery Mechanics data.