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INDUSTRIAL
MECHANICS
Overview
Industrial machinery mechanics install, maintain, and fix machinery in
factories.
Industrial machinery mechanics try to prevent problems before they occur.
They inspect machines to make sure they are working properly. They also
clean, oil, and grease parts and tighten belts on a regular basis. When
problems occur, mechanics talk with machine operators to find out what is
wrong. They also check the machines for error messages. Some machines
monitor themselves and alert mechanics to where problems may be. Then
mechanics inspect the equipment and look for common causes of trouble.
They start by looking for loose connections or worn out parts. If they do
not find the problem easily, mechanics test the equipment. To test the
electrical or mechanical systems, mechanics use special equipment such as
voltmeters. Mechanics must take machines apart to run these tests. They
analyze the information from tests and discussions with operators to
determine what is wrong with the equipment. Then mechanics make
adjustments or replace worn parts and put equipment back together. When
they are finished, mechanics run machines to see if they work.
Programs
(Industrial
Mechanics and related)
Mechanics are under pressure to fix equipment quickly because breakdowns
usually stop or slow production. Thus, mechanics may not spend much time
testing and repairing equipment parts on the floor. They often replace
parts quickly with new parts, and bring the broken parts back to their
shop for repair.
Mechanics keep some parts in stock. They keep track of which parts they
have used and order more when the supply is low. Sometimes mechanics make
new parts. They use machines to cut and shape metal. They may also weld
pieces of metal together.
In addition to making repairs, mechanics help install new machines. They
determine the best process for setting up the machines. They do this by
studying blueprints and information from manufacturers. Once the machine
is installed, mechanics check that the installation was done correctly.
They may enter instructions for computer-controlled machinery. Finally,
they demonstrate the equipment to machine operators.
Mechanics keep records of their maintenance and repair work. They record
which parts they replace on each machine and the date.
Work
Activities
The following list of occupational
tasks is specific to this career.
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Perform
routine maintenance of machinery.
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Talk to
machinery operators to evaluate how machinery is working.
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Examine
parts for defects or wear.
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Adjust and
test machinery.
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Repair and
replace worn out or damaged parts.
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Cut and weld
metal to repair or make new machinery parts.
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Order parts
and materials.
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Take apart
machinery and put it back together.
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Operate
machinery to make sure it works.
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Install new
machinery.
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Enter
instructions to program computer-controlled machines.
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Keep
maintenance and repair records.
People in this
career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to
many occupations.
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Repair and
maintain mechanical and electronic equipment.
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Inspect
machinery and materials.
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Handle and
move tools and parts.
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Get
information to do the job.
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Perform
general physical activities.
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Control
machines and processes.
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Implement
ideas.
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Make
decisions and solve problems.
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Update and
use job-related knowledge.
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Identify
parts and actions of machinery.
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Judge the
quality of machine operations.
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Estimate the
characteristics of products and materials.
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Communicate
with machine operators and supervisors.
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Analyze data
or information.
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Interact
with computers.
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Monitor
processes, materials, and surroundings.
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Evaluate
information against standards.
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Document and
record information.
Working
Conditions
In a typical work setting, people in this career:
Interpersonal
Relationships
Physical Work
Conditions
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Often work
indoors.
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Often wear
protective clothing and gear, such as earplugs and work boots.
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Are often
exposed to hazardous equipment. There is some possibility of moderate
injury from this exposure.
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Are often
exposed to hazardous situations that may result in cuts or burns. The
likelihood of even slight injury from this exposure is low.
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Are
sometimes exposed to noises that are loud or uncomfortable.
Work
Performance
Hours/Travel
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Work at
least 40 hours per week.
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May work
overtime or weekends to fix broken machines.
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May be
on-call to come in for emergency repairs.
Physical
Demands
People in this
career frequently:
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Use hands to
handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
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Stand or sit
while examining parts.
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Bend or
twist the body.
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Kneel,
stoop, or crouch while replacing parts.
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Repeat the
same motions.
It is important
for people in this career to be able to:
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Make quick,
precise adjustments to machine controls.
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Use fingers
or hands to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
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Bend,
stretch, twist, or reach out.
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Hear sounds
and recognize the difference between them.
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Hold the arm
and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
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See
differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
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See details
of objects that are less than a few feet away.
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Make fast,
simple, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
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Use muscles
for extended periods without getting tired.
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Use muscles
to jump, sprint, or throw objects.
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Use muscles
to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
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Focus on one
source of sound and ignore others.
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Keep or
regain the body's balance.
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Determine
from which direction a sound came.
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React
quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
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Use stomach
and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without
getting tired.
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Choose
quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to
different signals.
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Determine
the distance between objects.
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Move arms
and legs while remaining in one place.
It is not as
important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to:
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See objects
in very low light.
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Speak
clearly so listeners can understand.
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While
looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
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Be
physically active for long periods without getting out of breath.
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Coordinate
movement of several parts of the body while the body is moving.
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See details
of objects that are more than a few feet away.
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Recognize
and understand the speech of another person.
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Move arms
and legs quickly.
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Quickly and
repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
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Adjust body
movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of
moving objects.
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See objects
in very bright or glaring light.
Skills
& Abilities
People in this career need to:
Communicate
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Read and
understand written information.
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Express
ideas clearly when speaking.
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Listen to
others, understand, and ask questions.
Reason and
Problem Solve
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Follow
guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
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Identify
problems and review information. Analyze options and apply solutions.
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Notice when
something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
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Combine
several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
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Use
reasoning to discover answers to problems.
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Think of new
ideas or creative ways to solve problems.
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Identify
what must be changed to reach goals.
Work with
Things
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Maintain
equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of
maintenance is needed.
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Repair
machines or systems.
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Determine
the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
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Test and
inspect products or processes. Evaluate quality or performance.
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Watch
gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Determine
the tools and equipment needed to do a job.
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Install
equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
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Operate and
control equipment.
Perceive and
Visualize
Knowledge
People in this career need knowledge in the following areas:
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Mechanical:
Knowledge of designing, using, and repairing machines and tools.
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Engineering
and Technology: Knowledge of how to build machines, buildings, and
other things. Also includes knowledge of how to use computers,
machines, and tools to do work more usefully.
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Computers
and Electronics: Knowledge of computer hardware and software.
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Physics:
Knowledge of the features and rules of matter and energy. Areas of
knowledge include air, water, light, heat, weather, and other natural
events.
Interests
People in this career are people who tend to:
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Consider
good working conditions important. They like jobs offering steady
employment and good pay. They want employment that fits their
individual work style. They may prefer doing a variety of tasks,
working alone, or being busy all the time.
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Consider
support from their employer important. They like to be treated fairly
and have supervisors who will back them up. They prefer jobs where
they are trained well.
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Have
realistic interests. They like work activities that include practical,
hands-on problems and solutions. They like to work with plants,
animals, and physical materials such as wood, tools, and machinery.
They often prefer to work outside.
Preparation
Many industrial machinery mechanics receive
their training through apprenticeships. These four-year programs combine
on-the job training with classroom instruction. Students learn to read
blueprints, weld, and take machines apart. They also study math,
hydraulics, and electronics.
Some mechanics learn their skills on the job. They start as mechanic
helpers. They may also take classes at a community or technical college or
from a machinery manufacturer.
High school courses in machine shop, math, physics, drafting, and
computers provide a good background.
Hiring Practices
Most employers prefer to hire applicants who have a high school diploma or
GED. For apprenticeships, applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Employers may require applicants to pass a physical exam and
drug-screening test.
Employers look for applicants who are in good physical condition. They
also look for people who have good eye-hand coordination. Experience
repairing machinery can be helpful.
Licensing
& Certification
No State of Minnesota license requirements are found for this career
Wages
In Minnesota, the median wage for industrial machinery mechanics is $19.92
per hour, which works out to $3,453 per month for a full time worker.
Half of all industrial machinery mechanics earn between $16.80 and $23.55
per hour, or between $2,590 and $3,980 per month.
Nationally, the median wage for industrial machinery mechanics is $2,870
per month. Half of all these mechanics earn between $2,270 and $3,645 per
month.
Earnings vary by industry and area of the country. The mechanic's level of
skill and responsibility also affect wages. In general, mechanics who
belong to a union receive higher wages than nonunion mechanics.
Industrial machinery mechanics who work full time usually receive
benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health
insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.
Employment
In Minnesota, about 4,090 industrial machinery mechanics work in this
medium occupation.
Nationally, about 197,300 industrial machinery mechanics work in this
medium-sized occupation. This number does not include industrial machinery
mechanics who are self-employed.
Industrial machinery mechanics work in many industries. Jobs are located
wherever industrial machinery is used. However, jobs are concentrated in
heavily industrialized areas.
Outlook
In Minnesota, the employment for
industrial machinery mechanics is expected to grow more slowly than
average for all occupations through the year 2012.
Specific information about the outlook for industrial machinery mechanics
is not available at the national level.
Other types of industrial machinery workers are expected to grow more
slowly than average through the year 2012. Many of the factors that affect
these workers will also affect industrial machinery mechanics. Although
new industrial buildings are built each year, they have new machinery.
Newer machines tend to be more reliable and need less maintenance, which
slows job growth. At the same time, older equipment is being replaced.
This further reduces the need for industrial machinery mechanics.
Slowdowns in the economy usually do not affect these workers as much as
they affect production workers. Mechanics can use slow periods to do major
maintenance work.
Despite the slow growth rate, job openings will occur as current workers
leave this occupation.
Advancement Opportunities
Opportunities for advancement are limited. Advancement often is in the
form of working on more complex machinery. Mechanics may need more
training to advance to other machines. Those who have good people skills
may become supervisors. Highly skilled mechanics may become millwrights,
master mechanics, or tool and die makers.
Page
last updated in August 2006.
Source: Minnesota
Department of Children, Families & Learning (MCIS) Minnesota
Career Information System
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