Machinery Maintenance Worker

Your Fit

Income

$57K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

5.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Machinery Maintenance Worker?

Machinery Maintenance Workers are responsible for the routine maintenance and repair of various industrial machines and equipment. They ensure that machinery operates smoothly and efficiently, minimizing downtime and extending the life of the equipment.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Machinery Maintenance Worker.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does a Machinery Maintenance Worker earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$37K per year	$46K per year	$57K per year	$67K per year	$81K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $9.29K above the national average.

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What does a Machinery Maintenance Worker do?

Work environment

These workers are typically employed in manufacturing plants, construction sites, or any facility that uses heavy machinery. The environment can be noisy and may require working with greasy and dirty equipment. Safety is a primary concern, and workers must often wear protective gear.

Quick task list

Performs routine checks and maintenance on machinery.
Replaces worn or defective parts of machines.
Lubricates and cleans machinery and parts.
Assists with the installation of new equipment.
Keeps maintenance records.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Preventative Maintenance: Focusing on routine maintenance to prevent breakdowns.
Hydraulic Systems Maintenance: Specializing in the maintenance of hydraulic machinery.
Electrical Maintenance: Working on the electrical components of machinery.
CNC Machinery Maintenance: Specializing in the upkeep of computer numerical control machines.

Description

Machinery Maintenance Workers play a vital role in industrial operations. Their primary goal is to keep machines running effectively, which involves regular inspections, cleaning, and lubrication. They must be able to recognize signs of wear and tear and know how to replace parts safely and efficiently. An understanding of the mechanical and, in some cases, electrical systems of various machines is essential. They must be skilled in using a variety of hand and power tools, as well as understanding the mechanics of the machinery they maintain.

Safety is a key aspect of this role. Workers must understand and comply with all safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment. They often work in environments where heavy machinery operates, so being aware of safety hazards is critical. The ability to read and interpret technical manuals and blueprints is also important, particularly when installing new equipment or performing complex repairs.

The job requires not just technical skills but also problem-solving abilities. Maintenance workers must be able to diagnose issues quickly and find effective solutions. Good communication skills are necessary, as they often work as part of a team and may need to coordinate with other departments.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Ensuring the smooth operation of essential machinery.
The challenge of diagnosing and solving mechanical problems.
The variety of tasks and machinery encountered in the role.

You might make a good Machinery Maintenance Worker if you are...

Mechanically inclined and enjoy working with tools.
Good at problem-solving and enjoy troubleshooting.
Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Interested in how machines work and how to keep them running efficiently.
Committed to safety and detail-oriented in your work approach.

Pros:

Stable Demand: Maintenance work is consistently needed across various industries, ensuring stable job opportunities.
Diverse Work Environments: Opportunity to work in different settings, from factories to office buildings, offering variety in the workday.
Skill Development: Continuous skill enhancement as you work on different types of machinery and learn new maintenance techniques.
Independence: Many maintenance roles offer a degree of autonomy in daily tasks and problem-solving.

Cons:

Physical Demands: The job can be physically taxing, requiring lifting, bending, and standing for long periods.
Risk of Injury: Working with machinery poses risks, necessitating strict adherence to safety protocols.
Potentially Repetitive: Routine maintenance tasks can sometimes become monotonous.
Irregular Hours: In some settings, maintenance workers may need to be on call or work outside of standard business hours for emergency repairs.

How to become a Machinery Maintenance Worker

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required. Many machinery maintenance workers receive on-the-job training. Some may also complete vocational training or an apprenticeship program in industrial maintenance.

High school preparation

Courses:

Shop Classes: Courses in woodworking, metalworking, or automotive shop to gain hands-on experience with tools and machinery.
Basic Sciences: Physics and chemistry to understand the principles behind machinery operation.
Mathematics: Basic math skills for measurements and calculations.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Robotics Club: To gain experience in working with mechanical components and systems.
Part-Time Work: Jobs or internships in mechanical or repair settings.
Volunteering: Community service that involves repair work or equipment maintenance.

Preparation after high school

Vocational Training: Programs in machinery maintenance or mechanical repair.
Apprenticeships: On-the-job training under experienced maintenance professionals.
Certification Programs: Specialized certifications in areas such as HVAC, electrical, or plumbing systems maintenance.
Community College Courses: Classes in industrial technology or mechanical engineering technology.

More resources

Industrial Maintenance Training by TPC Training - Offers various training programs for maintenance professionals.
National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) - Provides resources and information about manufacturing and maintenance careers.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Essential for safety guidelines and training in machinery maintenance.
Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP) - Offers certification programs and industry standards for maintenance professionals.

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