What does an industrial maintenance mechanic do?
An industrial maintenance mechanic is responsible for ensuring the efficiency and optimal performance of industrial equipment and machinery to support operations and prevent operational delays. Industrial maintenance mechanics perform regular maintenance for the equipment, inspecting the components for any malfunctions, and conduct immediate repairs as needed. They also write resolution reports for reference and recommend supplies and resources to avoid the reoccurrence of system problems and downtimes. An industrial maintenance mechanic must have excellent organizational and analytical skills to measure and calibrate instruments properly and identify inconsistencies.
Industrial maintenance mechanic responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real industrial maintenance mechanic resumes:
- Move equipment and machine components, using hoists, rollers, and hand trucks.
- Perform testing of water heater, mixing valves, boilers, mechanically equipment throughout.
- Familiarize with drill presses, lathes, mills, MIG and TIG welding techniques and tools.
- Maintain, repair and update rooftop HVAC units, air handlers, exhaust fans, etc.
- Repair chillers, cooling towers, and all heating and air conditioning systems in the plant.
- Fabricate, bend and tig stainless steel hoppers, tanks, platforms, ladders and hand rails.
- Maintain and overhaul positive displacement and various centrifugal pumps, air lock rotary valves, and blowers.
- Pot feed boilers, complete water analyses on boilers, chemical pump calibrations & pot feed boilers.
- Weld using MIG and TIG welding equipment to fabricate new and repair existing machinery and equipment as needed.
- Follow work instructions and OSHA safety rules, including the use of all PPE and other safety equipment.
- Maintain electric pallet jacks, electric/propane forklifts, scissor lifts, JLG aerial lifts, gantry and bridge cranes.
- Replace and adjust items such as sensors, cylinders, bearings, belts, AC/DC motors, and gearboxes.
- Order and store different parts components and motors, generators, PLC harnesses that's essentials in fabricating the machines.
- Lead man, diagnose, repair, replace electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, PLC and steam systems components.
- Construct, repair, alter, modify, maintain plant electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, waste water systems.
Industrial maintenance mechanic skills and personality traits
We calculated that 16% of Industrial Maintenance Mechanics are proficient in Industrial Maintenance, Hand Tools, and Mechanical Equipment. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Dexterity, and Troubleshooting skills.
We break down the percentage of Industrial Maintenance Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Industrial Maintenance, 16%
Promoted to this maintenance position after completing Industrial Maintenance School and successful experience as a Machine Operator.
- Hand Tools, 8%
Realigned and adjusted components such as motors, gearboxes, clutches, and brakes and using hand tools and following diagrams.
- Mechanical Equipment, 4%
Job Duties: Maintains production and quality by ensuring operation of machinery and mechanical equipment.
- PLC, 4%
Preform repair and troubleshooting preventive maintenance on Electrical Hydraulic pneumatic PLC.
- Production Equipment, 4%
Supervised all new machinery installations and performed daily repairs on high volume time sensitive production equipment.
- Conveyor Systems, 3%
Trained/certified as Industrial Electronics Mechanic by the United States Postal Service - conducted routing preventative maintenance/troubleshooting/repair of industrial bulk conveyor systems.
Common skills that an industrial maintenance mechanic uses to do their job include "industrial maintenance," "hand tools," and "mechanical equipment." You can find details on the most important industrial maintenance mechanic responsibilities below.
Customer-service skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an industrial maintenance mechanic to have is customer-service skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "these workers interact with customers on a regular basis." Industrial maintenance mechanics often use customer-service skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "performed preventative maintenance on electrical panels and distribution systems, saving customers 30% off future repair spending. "
Dexterity. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling industrial maintenance mechanic duties is dexterity. The role rewards competence in this skill because "many repair and maintenance tasks, such as repairing small devices, connecting or attaching components, and using hand tools, require a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination." According to an industrial maintenance mechanic resume, here's how industrial maintenance mechanics can utilize dexterity in their job responsibilities: "fabricate special lifting and towing attachments, hydraulic systems, shields, and other devices according to blueprints or schematic drawings. "
Troubleshooting skills. This is an important skill for industrial maintenance mechanics to perform their duties. For an example of how industrial maintenance mechanic responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "workers find, diagnose, and repair problems." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of an industrial maintenance mechanic: "crane technician- responsible for troubleshooting, repair and preventative maintenance of overhead, gantry and jib cranes. ".
The three companies that hire the most industrial maintenance mechanics are:
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Compare different industrial maintenance mechanics
Industrial maintenance mechanic vs. Mechanic
Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between industrial maintenance mechanics and mechanic. For instance, industrial maintenance mechanic responsibilities require skills such as "mechanical equipment," "plc," "production equipment," and "conveyor systems." Whereas a mechanic is skilled in "customer service," "customer vehicles," "diagnosis," and "maintenance services." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Mechanics really shine in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $51,758. Comparatively, industrial maintenance mechanics tend to make the most money in the construction industry with an average salary of $52,513.On average, mechanics reach similar levels of education than industrial maintenance mechanics. Mechanics are 0.4% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Industrial maintenance mechanic vs. Maintenance engineer
A maintenance engineer is responsible for the maintenance of industrial machinery and inspects equipment defects for immediate troubleshooting or replacement as needed. Maintenance engineers install and upgrade system components to improve system optimization and perform diagnostic systems to locate any adjustments. They also conduct routine checks, assist clients with technical faults, and ensure that the equipment works safely for certain operations. A maintenance engineer must have excellent knowledge of the mechanical industry to address technical malfunctions immediately.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, industrial maintenance mechanic responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "conveyor systems," "production machines," "cranes," and "mig." Meanwhile, a maintenance engineer has duties that require skills in areas such as "guest rooms," "maintenance tasks," "boilers," and "kitchen equipment." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Maintenance engineers tend to reach similar levels of education than industrial maintenance mechanics. In fact, they're 4.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Industrial maintenance mechanic vs. Equipment mechanic
An equipment mechanic specializes in inspecting and repairing mechanical systems, ensuring quality and efficiency. They typically respond to issues and concerns, identify client needs, conduct inspections, and perform corrective measures and repairs as needed. An equipment mechanic may also liaise with clients, explaining to them the extent of repairs and provide cost-estimates. Furthermore, it is essential to perform regular maintenance checks to ensure its efficiency and safety of operators, all while building positive relationships with customers to strengthen the client base.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from industrial maintenance mechanic resumes include skills like "production machines," "lockout tagout," "calipers," and "conveyor belts," whereas an equipment mechanic is more likely to list skills in "cdl," "customer service," "diesel engines," and "ground support equipment. "
Equipment mechanics earn the highest salary when working in the transportation industry, where they receive an average salary of $54,089. Comparatively, industrial maintenance mechanics have the highest earning potential in the construction industry, with an average salary of $52,513.equipment mechanics typically earn similar educational levels compared to industrial maintenance mechanics. Specifically, they're 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Industrial maintenance mechanic vs. Maintenance helper
A maintenance helper performs basic support tasks to assist maintenance technicians in installing and repairing machines and equipment. Their responsibilities typically include gathering and handing tools, changing fixtures such as light bulbs and faucets, preparing workspaces, and cleaning work areas and equipment. They may also liaise with vendors or suppliers, build positive relationships with clients, and handle calls and correspondence. Moreover, maintenance helper must utilize their experiences to learn more complex tasks and gain industry insight.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between industrial maintenance mechanics and maintenance helpers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an industrial maintenance mechanic might have more use for skills like "plc," "production equipment," "conveyor systems," and "hydraulic systems." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of maintenance helpers require skills like "mowing," "maintenance tasks," "grounds maintenance," and "perform routine maintenance. "
The energy industry tends to pay the highest salaries for maintenance helpers, with average annual pay of $37,360. Comparatively, the highest industrial maintenance mechanic annual salary comes from the construction industry.maintenance helpers reach similar levels of education compared to industrial maintenance mechanics, in general. The difference is that they're 1.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of industrial maintenance mechanic
Updated January 8, 2025
