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What does an industrial technician do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read

An industrial technician oversees the different methods and systems used in a facility, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. They are in charge of performing various tasks such as performing installations, reviewing blueprints and schematics, testing equipment and machinery, and conducting inspections and assessments to ensure that systems comply with the safety codes and standards. They may also perform research and analyses, troubleshoot problems, and replace or fix components when necessary. Furthermore, an industrial technician provides technical support to staff while implementing safety policies and regulations.

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Industrial technician responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real industrial technician resumes:

  • Organize a procedure for rapid plumbing repairs by proactively devising a solid inventory system for effectively managing spare parts and tools.
  • Wear proper PPE such as gloves, steel toe boots, safety goggles, face shield, ear plugs.
  • Maintain motors, variable frequency drives, instruments and PLC system hardware.
  • Organize, install and troubleshot control wiring for Allen Bradley PLC system.
  • Audit maintenance an production employees for proper PPE, L.O.T.O, and safety policy compliance.
  • Participate in weekly safety meetings, ensure compliance with federal and OSHA regulations at all times.
  • Create a new safety program for facility approve by OSHA meeting all their requirements for a small business.
  • Test electro-mechanical subsystems for circuit integrity and operational reliability.
  • Programme and install VFD's.
  • Trouble shooting and programming of Allen-Bradley VFD Powerfex family of drives.
  • Collaborate with license electricians to assure ISO compliance.
  • Perform all workmanship to establish company manufacturing and quality ISO standards.
  • Mull and assemble commercial/ residential windows.

Industrial technician skills and personality traits

We calculated that 7% of Industrial Technicians are proficient in Preventative Maintenance, OSHA, and PLC. They’re also known for soft skills such as Manual dexterity, Mechanical skills, and Troubleshooting skills.

We break down the percentage of Industrial Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Preventative Maintenance, 7%

    Managed and accounted for equipment/resources; conducted equipment and component inspections, functional checks, and performed preventative maintenance.

  • OSHA, 6%

    Maintain a safe industrial atmosphere free from OSHA incidents and Loss of Primary Containment.

  • PLC, 6%

    Answered rapidly to malfunctions of machinery and repaired any malfunctions, Program PLC.

  • Control Systems, 6%

    Maintained 350 Pneumatic control systems.

  • EPA, 6%

    File and maintain proper EPA forms to stay abreast on current regulation.

  • Safety Procedures, 4%

    Initiated and developed safety procedures Assisted in training of new employees Experience in problem solving techniques

"preventative maintenance," "osha," and "plc" are among the most common skills that industrial technicians use at work. You can find even more industrial technician responsibilities below, including:

Manual dexterity. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an industrial technician to have is manual dexterity. Their role and responsibilities require that "industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights must have a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination when handling very small parts." Industrial technicians often use manual dexterity in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "produce complex components using computer numeric control (cnc) equipment, utilising g-code programming and manual machining techniques. "

Mechanical skills. Many industrial technician duties rely on mechanical skills. "industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights use technical manuals and sophisticated diagnostic equipment to figure out why machines are not working," so an industrial technician will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways industrial technician responsibilities rely on mechanical skills: "managed the mechanical assembly department and implemented new testing procedures for control panels. "

Troubleshooting skills. industrial technicians are also known for troubleshooting skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to industrial technician responsibilities, because "industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights must observe, diagnose, and fix problems that a machine may be having." An industrial technician resume example shows how troubleshooting skills is used in the workplace: "perform overhead crane repairs, electrical troubleshooting, and mechanical repairs. "

Most common industrial technician skills

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Compare different industrial technicians

Industrial technician vs. Facility maintenance technician

A facility maintenance technician is responsible for inspecting the safety and security of the facilities, including the operational tools, equipment, and machinery, to avoid potential hazards in the production area and maintain timely project deliverables. Facility maintenance technicians perform a regular check on the equipment, identifying glitches and inconsistencies, and repairing defective components to avoid delays in operation. They also install and assemble new machines, requiring them to have comprehensive knowledge of reading schematics and blueprints. A facility maintenance technician records incident reports and suggests immediate safety actions to management.

We looked at the average industrial technician salary and compared it with the wages of a facility maintenance technician. Generally speaking, facility maintenance technicians are paid $3,013 lower than industrial technicians per year.Even though industrial technicians and facility maintenance technicians are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require osha, plc, and safety procedures in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an industrial technician are more likely to require skills like "preventative maintenance," "control systems," "epa," and "ac." On the other hand, a job as a facility maintenance technician requires skills like "plumbing," "ladders," "customer service," and "maintenance tasks." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Facility maintenance technicians really shine in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $45,090. Comparatively, industrial technicians tend to make the most money in the energy industry with an average salary of $44,563.On average, facility maintenance technicians reach similar levels of education than industrial technicians. Facility maintenance technicians are 0.7% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Industrial technician vs. Preventive maintenance technician

A preventive maintenance technician performs routine facility maintenance to prevent possible mechanical failure. The technicians change worn out machine parts before they can cause mechanical damage. They keep the facility operating. It is their job to conduct quality assessments, maintain inventory, and schedule repairs. Also, they see to it that machines are up and running at all times. They are expected to be equipped with skills in customer service, problem-solving, reading comprehension, business operation, and mechanical aptitude.

On average, preventive maintenance technicians earn a $1,653 lower salary than industrial technicians a year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Industrial technicians and preventive maintenance technicians both require similar skills like "preventative maintenance," "osha," and "plc" to carry out their responsibilities.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, industrial technician responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "control systems," "epa," "safety procedures," and "ac." Meanwhile, a preventive maintenance technician has duties that require skills in areas such as "customer service," "dishwashers," "plumbing," and "water filters." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Preventive maintenance technicians earn a lower average salary than industrial technicians. But preventive maintenance technicians earn the highest pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $47,655. Additionally, industrial technicians earn the highest salaries in the energy with average pay of $44,563 annually.preventive maintenance technicians earn similar levels of education than industrial technicians in general. They're 1.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Industrial technician vs. Facilities technician

Facilities Technicians are employees who manage the upkeep of the company's facilities. They are in charge of maintaining the different equipment, fixtures, and furniture in the office. They conduct routine maintenance and regular check-ups to ensure that everything is working properly at all times. In case of malfunctioning items, facilities technicians try to repair these items if they know how or schedule the item for repair. They also ensure that the facility's occupational safety and health standards are met, and the employees follow safety protocols.

An average facilities technician eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of industrial technicians. The difference in salaries amounts to facilities technicians earning a $2,244 lower average salary than industrial technicians.By looking over several industrial technicians and facilities technicians resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "preventative maintenance," "osha," and "plc." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

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 technician resumes include skills like "control systems," "epa," "ac," and "electric motors," whereas a facilities technician is more likely to list skills in "plumbing," "customer service," "ladders," and "maintenance tasks. "

Facilities technicians earn the highest salary when working in the energy industry, where they receive an average salary of $48,629. Comparatively, industrial technicians have the highest earning potential in the energy industry, with an average salary of $44,563.facilities technicians typically earn similar educational levels compared to industrial technicians. Specifically, they're 0.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Industrial technician vs. Electrical maintenance technician

An electrical maintenance technician is primarily in charge of installing and repairing electrical systems. Their responsibilities often revolve around liaising with clients to identify their needs, examining electrical damages or defects on houses or establishments, troubleshooting, and performing fixes and replacements as needed. Aside from providing technical support, an electrical maintenance technician may also train junior technicians and monitor their progress. Furthermore, in a company setting, one must conduct regular maintenance checks on electrical systems to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.

Electrical maintenance technicians typically earn higher pay than industrial technicians. On average, electrical maintenance technicians earn a $17,310 higher salary per year.According to resumes from industrial technicians and electrical maintenance technicians, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "osha," "plc," and "control systems. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "preventative maintenance," "epa," "safety procedures," and "ac" are skills that commonly show up on industrial technician resumes. On the other hand, electrical maintenance technicians use skills like preventive maintenance, switches, ladders, and ac on their resumes.electrical maintenance technicians enjoy the best pay in the hospitality industry, with an average salary of $61,573. For comparison, industrial technicians earn the highest salary in the energy industry.In general, electrical maintenance technicians hold similar degree levels compared to industrial technicians. Electrical maintenance technicians are 1.5% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of industrial technician

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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