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What is a manufacturing maintenance technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

A manufacturing maintenance technician is an individual who is responsible for ensuring that all equipment and machinery in a manufacturing facility are operating efficiently. Their job involves conducting routine maintenance, troubleshooting and repairing equipment, and performing preventive maintenance to avoid breakdowns. They should have a strong understanding of electrical and mechanical systems and are able to read technical manuals and blueprints. Overall, a manufacturing maintenance technician plays a crucial role in the manufacturing process.

ScoreManufacturing Maintenance TechnicianUS Average
Salary
4.0

Avg. Salary $51,440

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.6

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.20%

Asian 4.82%

Black or African American 10.06%

Hispanic or Latino 19.27%

Unknown 4.31%

White 60.34%

Gender

female 7.60%

male 92.40%

Age - 49
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 - 49
Stress level
7.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.3

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a manufacturing maintenance technician?

Pros

  • Good job security and stability

  • Good salary and benefits

  • Hands-on work with tangible results

  • Continuous learning and skills development

  • Satisfaction from fixing problems and making a difference

Cons

  • Physically demanding work

  • Long hours and shift work may be required

  • Pressure to meet production targets can be stressful

  • High level of responsibility for safety and quality control

  • Continuous pressure to keep up with advancements in technology

Manufacturing maintenance technician career paths

Key steps to become a manufacturing maintenance technician

  1. Explore manufacturing maintenance technician education requirements

    Most common manufacturing maintenance technician degrees

    Associate

    44.4 %

    Bachelor's

    21.5 %

    High School Diploma

    15.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific manufacturing maintenance technician skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Troubleshoot10.19%
    Preventative Maintenance10.13%
    PLC6.70%
    Industrial Maintenance6.58%
    Hand Tools6.54%
  3. Complete relevant manufacturing maintenance technician training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New manufacturing maintenance 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 manufacturing maintenance technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real manufacturing maintenance technician resumes.
  4. Research manufacturing maintenance technician duties and responsibilities

    • Manage and maintain CNC machines and auto blasting equipment as well as auxiliary equipment.
    • Perform general maintenance on HVAC units, replacing filters, both pre-filters and post HEPA filters.
    • Work involves the use of schematics and test equipment to troubleshoot electrical, mechanical and pneumatic integrate systems.
    • Work with hazardous materials following OSHA guidelines for proper personal protective equipment.
  5. Apply for manufacturing maintenance technician jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a manufacturing maintenance technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first manufacturing maintenance technician job

Zippi

Are you a manufacturing maintenance technician?

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Average manufacturing maintenance technician salary

The average manufacturing maintenance technician salary in the United States is $51,440 per year or $25 per hour. Manufacturing maintenance technician salaries range between $41,000 and $64,000 per year.

Average manufacturing maintenance technician salary
$51,440 Yearly
$24.73 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do manufacturing maintenance technicians rate their job?

-/5

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Manufacturing maintenance technician reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019
Cons

Nothing


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A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019
Pros

Love taking something that can't be used and giving it life again...

Cons

The pay is too low for the experience one must have...


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A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019
Pros

I like the technicality, reasoning and the calculative nature of the job


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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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