Career: Industrial Machinery Repairers
hen industrial machinery breaks down, production can grind to a halt. That’s why the preventive work that industrial machinery repairers do -- such as cleaning, oiling, and adjusting factory equipment -- is so important.
In addition to keeping assembly lines rolling, industrial machinery repairers help prevent accidents that harm workers or cause costly damage to products. Experienced repairers know the machinery so well that they can often tell if something is wrong just by listening to the sounds it makes.
Industrial machinery repairers maintain and fix industrial machinery, such as robots, pumps, motors, and conveyor systems.
Did You Know?
- This is one of the few manufacturing jobs not affected by seasonal production changes. When factories aren’t running at full speed, industrial machinery repairers keep busy updating and maintaining equipment.
Are You Ready To...?
- Adjust automated manufacturing equipment
- Sketch a replacement part for the plant’s machine shop to build
- Listen carefully to a machine’s vibration
- Spend a weekend repairing a broken conveyor belt so it will be ready to roll on Monday
It Helps to Be...
In good shape, skilled with your hands and with machines, and able to learn by example. Most of your training will take the form of working with more experienced mechanics.
Make High School Count
- Build solid math skills. You’ll need them to take good measurements.
- Sign up for classes in metal shop, computers, electronics, and auto repair. All of that knowledge will come in handy on the job.
- Pay attention in English. You’ll need to understand complicated service manuals and written instructions.
Did You Know?
- Industrial machine repairers wear hard hats, steel-tipped shoes, safety glasses, and hearing protectors.
Outlook
Government economists expect jobs for industrial machinery repairers to grow more slowly than the average for all careers through 2014.
One reason is that many new machines diagnose themselves, thus reducing the need for repairers. However, economists expect many repairers to retire in the next decade and employers report difficulty finding qualified replacements.
Compensation
The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the average yearly salary in 2007 for industrial machine repairers was $44,020.
