Industrial machinery mechanic vs rig mechanic

The differences between industrial machinery mechanics and rig mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an industrial machinery mechanic and a rig mechanic. Additionally, an industrial machinery mechanic has an average salary of $51,053, which is higher than the $44,088 average annual salary of a rig mechanic.

The top three skills for an industrial machinery mechanic include tig welding, MIG and control circuits. The most important skills for a rig mechanic are hand tools, troubleshoot, and mechanical equipment.

Industrial machinery mechanic vs rig mechanic overview

	Industrial Machinery Mechanic	Rig Mechanic
Yearly salary	$51,053	$44,088
Hourly rate	$24.54	$21.20
Growth rate	14%	14%
Number of jobs	41,720	89,556
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Diploma, 29%	High School Diploma, 28%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	2	2

Industrial machinery mechanic vs rig mechanic salary

Industrial machinery mechanics and rig mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Industrial Machinery Mechanic	Rig Mechanic
Average salary	$51,053	$44,088
Salary range	Between $38,000 And $67,000	Between $29,000 And $66,000
Highest paying City	Minneapolis, MN	-
Highest paying state	Colorado	-
Best paying company	Sierra Pacific Industries	-
Best paying industry	Construction	-

Differences between industrial machinery mechanic and rig mechanic education

There are a few differences between an industrial machinery mechanic and a rig mechanic in terms of educational background:

	Industrial Machinery Mechanic	Rig Mechanic
Most common degree	Diploma, 29%	High School Diploma, 28%
Most common major	Electrical Engineering Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Industrial machinery mechanic vs rig mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between industrial machinery mechanics' and rig mechanics' demographics:

	Industrial Machinery Mechanic	Rig Mechanic
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 99.0% Female, 1.0%	Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 3.4% White, 66.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	Black or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 3.4% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between industrial machinery mechanic and rig mechanic duties and responsibilities

Industrial machinery mechanic example responsibilities.

Organize a procedure for rapid plumbing repairs by proactively devising a solid inventory system for effectively managing spare parts and tools.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.

Rig mechanic example responsibilities.

Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.

Industrial machinery mechanic vs rig mechanic skills

Common industrial machinery mechanic skills

Tig Welding, 15%
MIG, 11%
Control Circuits, 8%
Routine Maintenance, 8%
Repair Equipment, 8%
Plant Equipment, 8%

Common rig mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 13%
Troubleshoot, 12%
Mechanical Equipment, 10%
Cranes, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 7%
Mud Pumps, 6%

Industrial Machinery Mechanic vs. similar jobs

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Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Industrial Machinery Mechanic vs Rig Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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