- Manufacturing
- Jobs Available In Basic Industries
- Jobs Available In Steel/iron Ore
- Is Basic Industries A Good Career Path
- Is Precious Metals A Good Career Path
- Is Metal Fabrications A Good Career Path
- Is Auto Parts Oem A Good Career Path
- Is Auto Manufacturing A Good Career Path
- Is Agricultural Chemicals A Good Career Path
- Is Semiconductors A Good Career Path
- Is Industrial Specialties A Good Career Path
- Jobs Available In Industrial Machinery/Components
- Jobs Available In Metal Fabrications
- What Do Capital Goods Jobs Pay
- What Do Basic Industries Jobs Pay
Find a Job You Really Want In
Yes, pursuing a career in industrial machinery/components is a wise choice. This industry has been a cornerstone of our economy for over two centuries, and its significance continues to grow, especially with the ongoing trend of reshoring manufacturing jobs to the United States.
The industrial machinery and components sector encompasses a broad range of career opportunities. Whether you’re aiming for a four-year degree, looking to complete an apprenticeship, or ready to enter the workforce directly, there are numerous paths available to you.
There’s substantial potential for growth within this sector, and many roles offer transferable skills, allowing for career transitions if desired. Your knowledge and experience can be applied to various career paths.
Here are 20 excellent jobs in industrial machinery/components:
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Boilermaker Jobs (Overview)
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Industrial Painter Jobs (Overview)
10 of the Best Paying Jobs in Industrial Machinery/Components
As with most industries, higher-paying positions typically require more education and experience. Many roles listed here necessitate a college degree, and having relevant experience is a significant advantage for securing high-paying positions.
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Average Annual Salary: $78,000
Industrial engineers focus on optimizing production processes and systems. They design layouts for production floors and understand the underlying processes to maximize efficiency.
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Average Annual Salary: $81,000
Process engineers concentrate on refining production processes. They optimize materials and designs for efficiency and assess systems for enhancements.
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Continuous Improvement Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $74,000
Continuous improvement engineers focus on enhancing processes. Their work spans various industries, where they analyze and implement improvements for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
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Average Annual Salary: $60,000
Industrial hygienists focus on health and safety in industrial environments. Their responsibilities include developing plans and educating the workforce on health practices.
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Average Annual Salary: $76,000
Manufacturing engineers develop efficient manufacturing processes. They must be knowledgeable about regulations and ensure compliance in production methods.
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Average Annual Salary: $40,000
While modern boilermakers may not primarily make boilers, they construct and maintain large metal containers. They must be skilled in welding and metalwork.
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Average Annual Salary: $75,000
Industrial designers create products for manufacturing. They collaborate with manufacturers and other experts to ensure designs are feasible and meet safety standards.
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Average Annual Salary: $79,000
Mechanical engineers improve machine designs, focusing on durability and efficiency. They also develop maintenance strategies for existing machinery.
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Average Annual Salary: $86,000
Quality assurance engineers ensure products meet quality standards and specifications. They play a crucial role in minimizing defects and maximizing production quality.
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Average Annual Salary: $77,000
Machine designers create blueprints and specifications for machines, collaborating with engineers to ensure designs meet functionality and budget constraints.
Each of these positions typically requires a college degree, except for boilermakers, and may necessitate experience in a related field. If you’re interested in starting a career in the industrial machinery/components sector, consider the following entry-level opportunities.
10 Entry-Level Jobs in Industrial Machinery/Components
Many of these roles do not require a four-year degree but may involve vocational training or apprenticeships. They serve as excellent stepping stones to higher-paying positions, such as mechanical engineering.
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Average Annual Salary: $38,000
Welding is a skilled trade involving the fusion of metal components. It serves as a foundational skill for many other trades, making it an excellent choice for vocational training.
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Average Annual Salary: $40,000
Machine builders assemble machines according to blueprints and specifications. This physically demanding role involves lifting and moving heavy equipment.
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Average Annual Salary: $45,000
Machinists operate machinery to create machined parts. Familiarity with programming and machining processes is essential for success in this field.
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Average Annual Salary: $36,000
Industrial painters apply coatings to various surfaces within industrial settings. They must be knowledgeable about paint types and safety protocols.
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Average Annual Salary: $50,000
Millwrights maintain and repair heavy machinery, requiring skills in reading blueprints and familiarity with mechanical systems.
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Average Annual Salary: $32,000
Machine operators are responsible for the operation and maintenance of machinery in factories, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
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Average Annual Salary: $35,000
Logistics associates ensure that goods are delivered efficiently, managing inventory and supply chain processes.
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Average Annual Salary: $67,000
Operations analysts focus on data management to improve operational processes within an organization.
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Average Annual Salary: $48,000
Calibration technicians ensure that industrial machinery is correctly calibrated and functioning accurately.
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Average Annual Salary: $58,000
Industrial electricians install and maintain electrical systems in industrial settings, ensuring safety and compliance.
Vocational schools provide essential training for many of these positions, while others require a college degree. Your educational path will depend on the career you wish to pursue.
Why Choose a Career in Industrial Machinery/Components?
The careers in this industry vary significantly in educational requirements and the balance between hands-on work and analytical tasks. Here are some traits that can help you succeed in this field:
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You have a passion for machines. Most roles require at least a basic understanding of machinery, so an interest in this area is beneficial.
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You are intrigued by manufacturing processes. Working in this industry means being involved in factories or processing centers, making an understanding of these processes crucial.
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You enjoy building and designing. Most jobs involve some form of construction or design, whether improving existing systems or creating new ones.
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You are detail-oriented. Attention to detail is critical in this field, whether designing products or enhancing processes.
If these qualities resonate with you, exploring a career in industrial machinery/components may be a rewarding path.
Education and Certification Requirements for a Career in Industrial Machinery/Components
The educational requirements vary widely across different careers. Here are some recommended fields of study:
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Industrial Technology. This major covers the science of industry, including manufacturing and industrial management.
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Logistics. Focused on supply chain management, this major is ideal for those interested in logistics and distribution.
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Mechatronics and Robotics. Specializing in machines and robotics, this major is beneficial for aspiring machine designers or mechanical engineers.
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Engineering. A broad engineering degree can lead to various career paths, with options to specialize in:
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Industrial Engineering. Ideal for those pursuing a career as an industrial engineer.
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Manufacturing Engineering. Suited for future manufacturing engineers.
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Mechanical Engineering. Best for those looking to become mechanical engineers.
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Many of the trades mentioned earlier require vocational training or apprenticeships, and several professions necessitate licensing:
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Boilermakers and millwrights must be licensed.
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Electricians are required to have licenses and meet training standards.
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Some states mandate that welders obtain licenses.
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Most heavy equipment operators must be trained and licensed as well.
Various certifications are available to enhance your career prospects, particularly for roles like industrial hygienists, where certification is strongly recommended. Additional certifications can demonstrate your skills and experience in the field.
What Do People Working in Industrial Machinery/Components Do?
Professionals in industrial machinery/components are responsible for setting up, maintaining, and improving industrial facilities. This multifaceted role involves knowledge of machinery, design, and manufacturing processes. Many careers in this field overlap in responsibilities, focusing on setup, maintenance, or process improvement.
In setup roles, individuals assist with layout design, ergonomics, and machinery assembly, while maintenance roles involve ongoing testing and ensuring equipment functions correctly. When issues arise, repairs may be necessary, including recalibration or part replacement.
Improvement roles focus on enhancing processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness—whether by altering materials, adjusting production orders, or implementing new technologies, there is always a push to streamline operations.
Career opportunities in this industry vary widely in terms of training and educational requirements, with many roles necessitating a college degree, while others may require apprenticeships or vocational education. Regardless of your background, you are likely to find a suitable job in the industrial machinery/components sector.
- Manufacturing
- Jobs Available In Basic Industries
- Jobs Available In Steel/iron Ore
- Is Basic Industries A Good Career Path
- Is Precious Metals A Good Career Path
- Is Metal Fabrications A Good Career Path
- Is Auto Parts Oem A Good Career Path
- Is Auto Manufacturing A Good Career Path
- Is Agricultural Chemicals A Good Career Path
- Is Semiconductors A Good Career Path
- Is Industrial Specialties A Good Career Path
- Jobs Available In Industrial Machinery/Components
- Jobs Available In Metal Fabrications
- What Do Capital Goods Jobs Pay
- What Do Basic Industries Jobs Pay
Author
Di has been a writer for more than half her life. Most of her writing so far has been fiction, and she’s gotten short stories published in online magazines Kzine and Silver Blade, as well as a flash fiction piece in the Bookends review. Di graduated from Mary Baldwin College (now University) with a degree in Psychology and Sociology.
