How To Become A Machines Technician: What It Is and Career Path

What is a machines technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A machines technician installs, repairs, operates, and maintains types of machinery and machine components in various industries such as construction, manufacturing plants, and other organizations that rely heavily on mechanized processes. They assume some of the responsibilities of machinists or mechanical engineering technicians, ensuring the organization's compliance with safety standards and protocols.

To prevent malfunctions and ensure the safety of the machines and equipment, they perform preventive inspections and diagnose functionality issues. If there are problems with the machine, they are tasked to address and resolve them accordingly. They may also negotiate with vendors regarding machinery parts and complete work logs and other paperwork.

Becoming a machines technician requires a broad knowledge of mechanical and electrical equipment and tools. They must be detail-oriented and self-motivated. Physical strength and stamina are also important since they typically work long hours and render overtime.

People in this position have an associate's degree in mechanical engineering or other technical fields. Completing apprenticeship programs provides an edge for candidates who want to pursue this career.

ScoreMachines TechnicianUS Average

Salary

3.1

Avg. Salary $39,754

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.3

Growth rate 14%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.88%

Asian 3.44%

Black or African American 8.50%

Hispanic or Latino 15.93%

Unknown 4.22%

White 67.04%

Gender

female 14.86%

male 85.14%

Age - 50

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 50

Stress level

7.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.6

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a machines technician

Explore machines technician education requirements

Most common machines technician degrees

High School Diploma

33.6 %

Associate

28.2 %

Bachelor's

21.2 %

Start to develop specific machines technician skills

Skills	Percentages
CNC	9.78%
Hand Tools	6.24%
Calipers	6.19%
Math	5.41%
Good Communication	5.36%

Complete relevant machines technician training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New machines technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a machines technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real machines technician resumes.

Gain additional machines technician certifications

Machines technician certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific machines technician certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for machines technicians include Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) and OSHA Safety Certificate .

More About Certifications

Research machines technician duties and responsibilities

Maintain numerous automate scripts to assist in managing Linux systems.
Train employees on all safety practices and PPE usage.
Follow lock out/tag out protocol, practice good PPE and GMP protocol, help production when need.
Install plumbing and electrical components.

Prepare your machines technician resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your machines technician resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a machines technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable machines technician resume templates

Build a professional machines technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your machines technician resume.