Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Long-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Industrial machinery mechanics work in a field with a solid combination of job opportunities, earnings, and long-term demand. National employment stands at 440,000, and the role is expected to grow by 16.1%, indicating that many employers are projected to continue needing these mechanics. About 46,000 annual openings suggest a steady flow of new job possibilities each year, which can benefit both new entrants and experienced workers changing jobs. The national median salary of $63,760 offers a strong earnings foundation, with even higher pay available in certain states and metro areas. Typical entry into this career is possible with a high school diploma or equivalent, supported by a blend of mechanical, physical, technical, and problem-solving skills. Workers who develop strengths in fine motor skills, mechanical ability, critical and analytical thinking, and adaptability may be well-positioned to pursue advancement or explore related paths such as rail car repairers or other installation, maintenance, and repair roles.
Industrial machinery mechanics earn a national median annual salary of $63,760, with clear opportunities for higher pay depending on location. Several top states offer median salaries above this national median, including Washington at $77,220, Colorado at $75,600, and California at $74,400. Among top metro areas, earnings can be even higher. The San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metro shows a median salary of $90,580, and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is at $84,620. The New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro reports $75,260, close to the salaries seen in top states such as Massachusetts ($72,840) and New York ($69,740). This range suggests that pay can vary significantly by region, and workers open to relocation may find additional earning potential in specific states and metros that combine higher salaries with strong opportunity scores.
Industrial machinery mechanics have a favorable employment outlook based on the available figures. National employment is 440,000, indicating a sizable workforce. Projected employment growth of 16.1% points to expansion in this occupation over time. Additionally, 46,000 annual openings reflect ongoing demand, which includes opportunities created by growth as well as positions that may open due to turnover or other workforce changes. This combination of a large existing employment base, double-digit projected growth, and tens of thousands of openings each year can create a variety of entry points for new workers and potential mobility for experienced mechanics. For individuals considering related options, similar occupations include rail car repairers, outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics, extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders, and electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment.
Location choices can significantly shape opportunities for industrial machinery mechanics. Several states stand out by combining notable employment levels, projected growth, and strong CareerGPS opportunity scores. California has 26,830 employed mechanics, a median salary of $74,400, 16.1% growth, and an opportunity score of 67.38, making it a high-opportunity state with a large job base. Massachusetts and New York also rank strongly, with median salaries of $72,840 and $69,740 and opportunity scores of 65.87 and 65.78, respectively. Colorado and Washington offer higher median salaries—$75,600 and $77,220—but somewhat lower opportunity scores in the mid-50s. At the metro level, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ show the highest opportunity scores, both above 77, combined with median salaries above $75,000. The San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metro pairs a particularly high median salary of $90,580 with a strong opportunity score of 68.75, highlighting meaningful regional differences for jobseekers to consider.
The typical education requirement for industrial machinery mechanics is a high school diploma or equivalent, making this career accessible without a college degree. However, success in the role depends on cultivating a broad skill set. Key skills include fine motor ability, mechanical aptitude, and physical strength and stamina, which support hands-on, physically demanding work. Science and mathematics skills contribute to understanding technical concepts and measurements. Critical and analytical thinking, along with creativity and innovation, help mechanics diagnose issues and approach problems from different angles. Leadership and adaptability are valuable for working with others and adjusting to changing conditions or tasks. Competence with computers and information technology is also important, reflecting the increasing role of digital tools and systems in maintenance and repair environments. Together, these skills complement the baseline educational requirement and can enhance career development and mobility within this occupation and related maintenance and repair fields.
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