What does an industrial maintenance technician do?
If you're considering a career in industrial maintenance, or simply curious about this essential profession, read on to discover what it entails, salary expectations, and educational pathways.
What Does an Industrial Maintenance Technician Do?
As an industrial maintenance technician, your responsibilities are vital to keeping machinery running smoothly across various industries. Here’s a concise overview of what you do:
Repair and Maintenance: Diagnose and repair industrial machinery to ensure it operates efficiently and safely.
Cleaning and Adjustment: Regularly cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting machinery prevents breakdowns and maintains peak performance.
Inspection and Testing: Inspect machinery for defects, disassemble equipment for repairs, and ensure everything is reassembled correctly for optimal function.
Documentation: Keeping meticulous records of repairs and maintenance activities helps track equipment history and plan future maintenance.
Diagnosis and Troubleshooting: Using tools like voltmeters, you identify and resolve equipment malfunctions promptly.
Blueprints and Manuals: Referring to blueprints and manuals guides you in correctly installing, operating, and maintaining machinery.
Fabrication and Welding: Fabricate parts and perform welding to repair machinery effectively when necessary
Programming and Demonstration: You program computer-controlled machinery and demonstrate equipment functions to operators.
Parts Management: Managing parts inventory, ordering materials, and ensuring availability for repairs are crucial aspects of your role.
Top-Paying Industries
Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution
Average Annual Wage: $95,200
Industrial maintenance workers in this sector are essential for maintaining the complex machinery and systems that generate and distribute electrical power.
Other Pipeline Transportation
Average Annual Wage: $94,210
The maintenance of pipeline infrastructure for transporting commodities like natural gas and petroleum requires skilled technicians.
Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing
Average Annual Wage: $93,910
Industrial maintenance workers in this sector oversee the upkeep of machinery used in refining and processing petroleum and coal products.
Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil
Average Annual Wage: $89,600
Maintaining pipelines dedicated to transporting crude oil demands meticulous attention to prevent disruptions.
State Government (excluding Schools and Hospitals)
Average Annual Wage: $89,580
Industrial maintenance workers employed by state governments maintain various facilities and equipment critical for public services.
Top-Paying States
District of Columbia: $83,660 per year
Alaska: $81,950 per year
Wyoming: $74,460 per year
Hawaii: $74,240 per year
Washington: $71,680 per year
Education and Training Requirements
While requirements can vary by employer and specific roles, most maintenance technician positions typically require:
High School Diploma or Equivalent: A foundational education in mathematics, science, and technical skills.
Technical Training: Completing a vocational program, apprenticeship, or certification in industrial maintenance, which may cover topics like electrical systems, mechanical systems, hydraulics, and pneumatics.
Certifications: Obtaining certifications such as those from the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) or the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) can enhance employability and career advancement opportunities.
Why Consider a Career in Maintenance?
The world of maintenance offers a dynamic and rewarding career path for individuals seeking stability, growth, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact. Here are some key reasons why you should consider a career in Industrial maintenance:
High Demand and Job Security: Manufacturing facilities, power plants, and countless other industrial operations rely heavily on skilled technicians to maintain and troubleshoot complex machinery. Both nationally and in Georgia, industrial maintenance is experiencing significant growth. In the US, projected growth (2022-2032) is 15% (much faster than average), and in Georgia specifically, it's 28%. This promises a bright outlook for anyone pursuing this job.
Continual Learning and Intellectual Challenge: Industrial maintenance is not a routine job. Technicians are constantly presented with new problems to solve, requiring them to diagnose and repair diverse equipment breakdowns. This fosters a dynamic work environment that demands continuous learning and intellectual problem-solving.
Development of a Broad Skillset: Unlike specialized mechanics, industrial maintenance technicians become well-rounded troubleshooters. They gain expertise across various disciplines, working on electrical systems, mechanical components, and everything in between. This comprehensive skillset allows them to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Competitive Compensation and Career Growth: Industrial maintenance offers competitive salaries, and experienced technicians with additional certifications can significantly increase their earning potential. Furthermore, the field presents ample opportunities for advancement into supervisory or leadership roles, allowing for career progression.
Conclusion
For those contemplating a career in industrial maintenance, the prospects are promising. Whether you are drawn to the technical challenges, the potential for career progression, or the opportunity to contribute to essential industries, industrial maintenance remains a compelling choice in today’s job market.
Ready to dive into the world of maintenance? Explore your opportunities with Impel Careers.
