Maintenance Workers, Machinery
Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.
Also called: Lubricator · Machine Repairer · Maintainer · Maintenance Craftsman · Maintenance Man · Maintenance Mechanic
Median pay (national)
$60,500
$40,080–$83,560 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
56,540
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-2.8%
~4,800 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for maintenance workers, machinery shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $83,560 versus $40,080 at the bottom 10% — 2.1x. The median of $60,500 leaves roughly 38% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -2.8% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 4,800 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 50 states with released data, Wyoming pays the most for this role (median $85,830, +42% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $29,660 — a 189% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Learning Strategies
- Mathematics
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Dismantle machines and remove parts for repair, using hand tools, chain falls, jacks, cranes, or hoists.
- Reassemble machines after the completion of repair or maintenance work.
- Lubricate or apply adhesives or other materials to machines, machine parts, or other equipment according to specified procedures.
- Collaborate with other workers to repair or move machines, machine parts, or equipment.
- Read work orders and specifications to determine machines and equipment requiring repair or maintenance.
- Inspect or test damaged machine parts, and mark defective areas or advise supervisors of repair needs.
- Collect and discard worn machine parts and other refuse to maintain machinery and work areas.
- Record production, repair, and machine maintenance information.
- Install, replace, or change machine parts and attachments, according to production specifications.
- Set up and operate machines, and adjust controls to regulate operations.
Tools & technology
- SAP software
- Computerized maintenance management system software CMMS
- Database software
- Management information systems MIS
- Scheduling software
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Design
- Education and Training
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics