Industrial Maintenance

If you’re someone who likes every day to provide a different challenge — and who enjoys being multifaceted enough to meet those challenges — then Industrial Maintenance may be the field for you. These skilled professionals are the go-to in any factory or industrial facility, trained to handle a number of situations. They are key players in keeping machinery rolling and the production schedule on time.

WHAT DOES AN INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN DO?

Industrial maintenance personnel are the mechanical experts in any manufacturing facility, trained to assemble, repair and service expensive equipment. They have a wide skill set that allows them to adapt to various situations.

Examples of machines they may work with are robotic welding arms, automobile assembly line conveyor belts, hydraulic lifts, production machinery and packaging equipment. Companies often consult with their industrial maintenance personnel before purchasing new equipment.

The industrial maintenance field can be broken down into the following job titles: Industrial machinery mechanics • Detect and correct errors before the machine damages itself or the product. • Use technical manuals, understanding of industrial equipment and observation to determine the cause of a problem. • Utilize computerized diagnostic systems and vibration analysis techniques to determine the cause of malfunctions. • Disassemble malfunctioning machines, repair or replace parts, reassemble, then test. • Work with hand tools; also utilize lathes, grinders and drill presses. Welding skills are often required. Machinery maintenance workers • Perform basic maintenance and repairs on machines. • Clean, lubricate, perform basic diagnostic tests, check performance, test damaged machine parts. • Following machine specifications and adhering to maintenance schedules, they also perform minor repairs. • Use a variety of tools from screwdrivers and socket wrenches to hoists. Millwrights • Install, maintain and disassemble industrial machines. • Perform repairs, including replacing worn or defective parts of machines. • May take apart entire machines to relocate them or make room for new equipment. • Disassemble, categorize and package each part of the machine. • These projects can take a few hours or can take several weeks.

WHERE DO INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS WORK?

The vast majority of these skilled professionals work in a manufacturing or industrial plant. A small percentage work for companies that specialize in industrial repair and maintenance.

Most of these technicians are employed full time during regular business hours, but they may also serve on-call, night or weekend shifts. The majority of work is typically performed indoors.

Workers must follow safety precautions and usually wear some form of protective equipment, such as hardhats, safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, gloves and earplugs.

WHAT’S THE JOB OUTLOOK?

The outlook for this job sector is bright. There were 6,120 positions in Arkansas in 2018 and that figure is expected to grow 14% by 2028, per the U.S. Department of Labor, growing much faster than the national average.

Machinery maintenance workers held 12,590 positions in 2016 and are expected to grow by 15% in 2026. Millwrights numbered 480 in 2016 and will grow to 510 positions over the next five years, up 8%. All three professions are growing faster than the national average.

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE? Industrial Machinery Mechanics • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $32,040 annually/$15.40 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $48,560 annually/$23.34 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $73,400 annually/$35.29 per hour Machinery Maintenance Workers • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $26,000 annually/$12.52 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $36,800 annually/$17.70 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $50,300 annually/$24.20 per hour Millwrights • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $26,000 annually/$12.52 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $36,800 annually/$17.70 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $50,300 annually/$24.20 per hour

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL? • Mechanical skills • Production/processing methods • Math skills • Repair/maintenance skills • Operation monitoring • Troubleshooting/diagnosis

HOW DO I LEARN THE CRAFT?

Most workers in this field have at least a high school diploma and, depending on the position, may complete some post-secondary education up to an associate degree. Industrial maintenance programs are generally offered through community colleges and may include courses such as welding, mathematics, hydraulics and pneumatics.

Industrial machinery mechanics may receive more than a year of on-the-job training and often receive some college coursework as well.

Most millwrights go through an apprenticeship program that lasts about four years, after which they can usually perform tasks with less guidance. Employers, local unions and contractor associations typically sponsor apprenticeship programs.