The median pay for Maintenance Workers, Machinery is $60,850 a year ($29.25/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to fall 1.9% through 2035, with about 4,400 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 49-9043
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Maintenance Worker, Machinery in four numbers
- Median pay
- $60,850a year, or $29.25/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $42KTop 10% $89K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -1.9%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−1.9%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −1.9% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 4,40059,700 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202559.7K
- Projected 203558.6K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 59.7K Projected 2035 58.6K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- High school40.7%
- Certificate54.1%
- Associate's2.6%
- Post-bacc certificate2.6%
Highest education held by maintenance workers, machinery Segment Value High school 40.7% Certificate 54.1% Associate's 2.6% Post-bacc certificate 2.6%
Also advertised as: Lubricator, Machine Repairer, Maintainer, Maintenance Craftsman, Maintenance Man, Maintenance Mechanic.
Pay
How much do Maintenance Workers, Machinery make?
Every maintenance worker, machinery in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$60,850
Middle half earn $48,920 to $75,200
- 10th
- $42,000
- 25th
- $48,920
- 75th
- $75,200
- 90th
- $88,550
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $42,000 |
| 25th | $48,920 |
| Median | $60,850 |
| 75th | $75,200 |
| 90th | $88,550 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $60,850
- Median hourly wage
- $29.25/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $64,610
- People employed
- 60,020
Versus all US occupations
At $60,850, Maintenance Workers, Machinery earn 19% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $9,870 a year.
Versus installation, maintenance, and repair occupations
The median is typical for the Installation, Maintenance, and Repair group, where the middle occupation pays $61,150.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $88,550 or more while the bottom 10% earn $42,000, a gap of 2.1×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 34% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Wyoming pays the most at $84,620, and still leads at $91,293 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Maintenance Workers, Machinery the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Wyoming | $84,620 | $91,293 | 280 |
| 2New Hampshire | $77,070 | $73,988 | 130 |
| 3Kentucky | $76,710 | $85,083 | 2,920 |
| 4Nevada | $75,500 | $75,516 | 750 |
| 5Rhode Island | $72,040 | $70,434 | 110 |
| 6California | $67,840 | $61,272 | 4,130 |
| 7New York | $67,610 | $62,648 | 2,760 |
| 8Virginia | $65,500 | $64,785 | 1,420 |
| 9South Carolina | $64,910 | $69,238 | 960 |
| 10Tennessee | $64,790 | $70,524 | 800 |
Job outlook
Is Maintenance Worker, Machinery a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -1.9% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery | −1.9% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Maintenance Workers, Machinery to change -1.9% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 1,200 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 4,400 openings are projected each year, 7.4% of the 59,700 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights is projected to grow 14 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights varies by occupation (see table).
The continued adoption of automated manufacturing machinery is expected to create jobs for these workers, as they will be needed to help keep machines in good working order. The use of automated conveyors to move products and materials in factories is likely to be an area of high demand for these workers, because the conveyor belts, motors, and rollers need regular care and maintenance.
Getting in
How to become a Maintenance Worker, Machinery
Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights typically need a high school diploma. Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers also usually need a year or more of training after high school.
Most millwrights go through an apprenticeship program that lasts about 4 years.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Some preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as maintenance workers, machinery.
- Post-Secondary Certificate54.1%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)40.7%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree2.6%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate2.6%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 54.1% |
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 40.7% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 2.6% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 2.6% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Maintenance Worker, Machinery do?
Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.
Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers maintain and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery, such as conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging equipment. Millwrights install, dismantle, repair, reassemble, and move machinery in factories, power plants, and construction sites.
Day-to-day tasks
- Record production, repair, and machine maintenance information.
- Inspect or test damaged machine parts, and mark defective areas or advise supervisors of repair needs.
- Collect and discard worn machine parts and other refuse to maintain machinery and work areas.
- Start machines and observe mechanical operation to determine efficiency and to detect problems.
- Reassemble machines after the completion of repair or maintenance work.
- Install, replace, or change machine parts and attachments, according to production specifications.
- Lubricate or apply adhesives or other materials to machines, machine parts, or other equipment according to specified procedures.
- Dismantle machines and remove parts for repair, using hand tools, chain falls, jacks, cranes, or hoists.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers are employed full time during regular business hours. However, mechanics may be on call and work night or weekend shifts. Overtime is common, particularly for mechanics.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeOn their feet more than half the working day.
Bending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Reading Comprehension3.0
- Active Listening3.0
- Critical Thinking3.0
- Speaking2.9
- Active Learning2.8
- Monitoring2.8
- Writing2.4
- Learning Strategies2.1
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 3.0 |
| Active Listening | 3.0 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.0 |
| Speaking | 2.9 |
| Active Learning | 2.8 |
| Monitoring | 2.8 |
| Writing | 2.4 |
| Learning Strategies | 2.1 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Operations Monitoring3.8
- Equipment Maintenance3.8
- Troubleshooting3.8
- Repairing3.8
- Operation and Control3.6
- Quality Control Analysis3.1
- Coordination3.0
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | 3.8 |
| Equipment Maintenance | 3.8 |
| Troubleshooting | 3.8 |
| Repairing | 3.8 |
| Operation and Control | 3.6 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.1 |
| Coordination | 3.0 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Facilities management software
- Internet browser software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Maintenance Worker, Machinery?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Maintenance Worker, Machinery |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 7 |
| Investigative | 2 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 1 |
| Enterprising | 1 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic7.0
- Conventional4.3
- Investigative2.0
- Enterprising1.2
- Artistic1.0
- Social1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Maintenance Worker, Machinery
O*NET related occupations
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
- Production
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$46,550median a year
Most earn $36K to $63K
−10.8%High school - Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairer
$56,210median a year
Most earn $37K to $85K
+4.4%High school - Production
Multiple Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$47,180median a year
Most earn $36K to $74K
+0.6%High school - Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic, Except Engines
$65,510median a year
Most earn $47K to $94K
+6.7%High school - Production
More installation, maintenance, and repair careers
Median annual pay, with maintenance workers, machinery highlighted
- Aircraft Mechanic$79,870
- Millwright$65,700
- Industrial Machinery Mechanic$64,520
- Bus and Truck Mechanic and Diesel Engine Specialist$61,770
- Medical Equipment Repairer$61,660
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer$61,010
- Maintenance Worker, Machinery$60,850
- Automotive Body and Related Repairer$54,890
- Automotive Service Technician and Mechanic$50,620
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanic | $79,870 |
| Millwright | $65,700 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $64,520 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanic and Diesel Engine Specialist | $61,770 |
| Medical Equipment Repairer | $61,660 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer | $61,010 |
| Maintenance Worker, Machinery | $60,850 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairer | $54,890 |
| Automotive Service Technician and Mechanic | $50,620 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Maintenance Worker, Machinery appears on
Questions
Maintenance Worker, Machinery: frequently asked questions
How much do Maintenance Workers, Machinery make?
Maintenance Workers, Machinery earn a median of $60,850 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 19% above the $50,980 US median across all occupations. That works out at $29.25/hr. The middle half earn between $48,920 and $75,200. The top 10% earn $88,550 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Maintenance Worker, Machinery?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Maintenance Workers, Machinery. BLS also lists long-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 54.1% hold post-secondary certificate.
Is Maintenance Worker, Machinery a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 1.9% over 2025–2035, a loss of 1,200 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 4,400 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Maintenance Worker, Machinery do?
Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers maintain and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery, such as conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging equipment. A core O*NET task: record production, repair, and machine maintenance information. Employers most often ask for Electronic mail software, Enterprise resource planning ERP software, Office suite software.
Which states pay Maintenance Workers, Machinery the most?
The highest state medians for Maintenance Workers, Machinery are Wyoming ($84,620), New Hampshire ($77,070), Kentucky ($76,710) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Maintenance Worker, Machinery?
O*NET scores Maintenance Workers, Machinery highest on the Realistic and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.