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Do you enjoy fixing things, solving problems, and working with your hands? A career as an Industrial Machinery Mechanic could be a great match for you!
All data shown on this page reflects the six-county Heart of Texas region: Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, and McLennan counties.
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Minimum Education Required
About Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Career Overview
Industrial Machinery Mechanics (SOC 49-9041) are essential to keeping manufacturing and industrial operations running smoothly. They inspect, maintain, and repair machines used in factories and production facilities, helping to prevent costly breakdowns and ensuring equipment runs efficiently. These skilled professionals work with tools, technology, and blueprints to troubleshoot problems and keep operations on track.
Starting Annual Salary
2022-2032 Job Growth
Minimum Education
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Training programs and the HRTX colleges where they are offered are listed below. Click the links to view each college’s program web page.
About Industrial Machinery Mechanics
What do Industrial Machinery Mechanics do?
Industrial Machinery Mechanics do more than just fix machines—they’re troubleshooters, tinkerers, and problem-solvers who keep production lines moving. In this section, you’ll get a closer look at what it’s like to work in this hands-on career—from the types of machines you might work on to the skills and training you’ll need to succeed. You’ll also find out what these mechanics earn and how that compares to the cost of living in our region. Click the slider above each label below to explore more about life as an Industrial Machinery Mechanic!
$40,057
2023 Starting Annual Salary
$55,323
2023 Mean Annual Salary
$62,956
2023 Experienced Annual Salary
$19.26
2023 Starting Hourly Wage
$26.60
2023 Mean Hourly Wage
$30.27
2023 Experienced Hourly Wage
What does this salary and wage information mean for you? As an Industrial Machinery Mechanic, you’ll start off earning solid pay—and as your experience grows, so does your earning potential. Whether you’re just getting started or aiming for a more advanced role, this career offers strong opportunities to grow your income over time. Want to explore what your future lifestyle could look like? Use the Texas Reality Check tool linked below.
Industrial Mechanics
Inspect, maintain, and repair machines used in factories and plants to keep production running smoothly.
Mechanics/Welders
Fix and assemble metal parts, troubleshoot equipment issues, and perform welding to keep machinery in top condition.
Electromechanical Technicians
Work with both electrical and mechanical systems to install, test, and repair automated equipment.
Shop Helpers
Assist skilled mechanics with tools, parts, and setup while learning hands-on skills in a fast-paced environment.
Industrial Equipment Mechanics
Diagnose and repair large industrial machines, perform routine maintenance, and help prevent costly breakdowns.
Production Mechanics
Keep manufacturing lines running by setting up, maintaining, and repairing equipment used in day-to-day production.
Industrial machinery mechanics are needed across many industries—from manufacturing and energy to food production and equipment repair. Depending on the workplace and type of machinery, job titles can look a little different. Want to know which roles employers are hiring for the most in the Heart of Texas? This list highlights the top job titles posted in the region so you can see where the most opportunities are right now.
Maintain Equipment
Keep machines in top shape by checking and caring for them regularly.
Repair Mechanical Parts
Fix parts that are damaged or not working right to avoid bigger problems.
Clean Tools & Equipment
Remove dirt and debris so parts stay in good condition.
Inspect for Damage
Look closely at parts to spot cracks, wear, or other issues.
Test Equipment
Run machines after repairs to make sure everything works correctly.
Read Blueprints & Diagrams
Read blueprints and diagrams to understand how machines should be built, installed, or repaired.
Industrial Machinery Mechanics keep the wheels of industry turning—literally. From fixing broken parts to fine-tuning equipment and reading blueprints, their work is active, hands-on, and always important. Check out our list to see some of the tasks you might tackle each day on the job!
Mechanical
Supports understanding of how machines and tools are designed, used, repaired, and maintained.
English Language
Helps with reading manuals, writing reports, and understanding safety instructions on the job.
Production & Processing
Aids in maintaining equipment used in manufacturing, quality control, and efficient production.
Mathematics
Used to take measurements, make calculations, and ensure precision when working with machinery.
Design
Supports the ability to read blueprints and technical drawings for accurate repairs and installations.
Engineering & Technology
Applies technical knowledge to solve problems, improve machine performance, and use modern tools.
Every career requires a strong base of knowledge—and industrial machinery mechanics are no exception. This list highlights the top subjects that help you succeed in the field. See which areas you already know and which ones you might want to learn more about as you explore this career.
Equipment Maintenance
Performing regular maintenance and knowing when service is needed to prevent breakdowns.
Operation & Control
Managing the controls of machines or systems to keep them running correctly.
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or indicators to ensure machines are working as expected.
Repairing
Using tools, hands-on skills and techniques to fix machines and get them back in working order.
Troubleshooting
Figuring out the cause of equipment problems and deciding how to solve them.
Quality Control Analysis
Testing and inspecting equipment or parts to make sure they meet safety and performance standards.
Wondering what it takes to succeed as an Industrial Machinery Mechanic? These are the top skills local employers are looking for—like problem-solving, attention to detail, and hands-on repair abilities. Whether you’re good at fixing things, spotting issues quickly, or keeping machines in top shape, these in-demand skills can set you up for success in this high-demand career.
Conveyor & Conveying Equipment Manufacturing
Build and maintain conveyor systems that move materials through factories and warehouses.
Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing
Keep precision equipment running smoothly in facilities that produce and package medications.
Food Manufacturing
Maintain and repair machines that process, package, and prepare food products in factories and production facilities.
Cut Stone & Stone Product Manufacturing
Service machines that cut, polish, and shape stone for construction and design projects.
Insurance Agencies & Brokerages
Inspect and evaluate machinery for insurance claims and risk assessments.
Police Protection
Maintain mechanical systems in police vehicles and equipment to support public safety operations.
Industrial Machinery Mechanics aren’t limited to one type of workplace—they’re needed across a wide range of industries. From factories to public safety and even insurance, these skilled workers help keep essential machines running. Explore some of the most common places hiring mechanics in the Heart of Texas and see where your skills could take you.
Education & Training
What You Need to Become an Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Wondering how to get started? This section covers the steps, training options, and local programs that can help you begin your Industrial Machinery career in the Heart of Texas.
Career Entry Options
There’s more than one way to get started as an Industrial Machinery Mechanic. Whether you’re jumping into the workforce after high school or taking a short-term training program at a technical college, you’ve got options. In this section, you’ll see the different ways to begin your path—so you can choose the one that fits your goals, timeline, and learning style.
Regional Training Programs
Want to launch your Industrial Machinery career without leaving the region? The Heart of Texas offers hands-on training programs to help you get started. From short-term certificates to apprenticeships and associate degrees, local colleges have options to match your goals. Click the links below to explore programs and take your first step toward a career in Industrial Machinery Maintenance.
Opportunities & Outlook
Your Future as an Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Industrial Machinery Mechanics are a key part of keeping production lines running—and demand for their skills is rising. With over 650 people already working in the field across the Heart of Texas and 84 new jobs opening each year, there’s plenty of opportunity to grow.
The field is expected to grow by 18.7% by 2032, making it one of the faster-growing skilled trades in the region. If you enjoy working with your hands, solving problems, and keeping things running smoothly, this career offers strong job security and room to advance.
Projected Growth
Current Job Size
New Jobs Each Year
Monthly Job Postings
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These careers are targeted occupations in the Heart of Texas region—meaning they’re in high demand, offer competitive wages, and provide strong opportunities for long-term growth. Explore other in-demand roles within the manufacturing industry to find the right fit for you.
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$27,296
6%
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Data Not Available
Data Not Available
Data Not Available
Associate degree
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First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
Manufacturing, Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
$19.28
$40,103
7%
High school diploma or equivalent
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Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Manufacturing, Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
$19.26
$40,057
18.7%
High school diploma or equivalent
TSTC Waco Campus, Hill College
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Manufacturing, Manufacturing
$14.31
$29,774
10.6%
High school diploma or equivalent
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$16.23
$33,755
12.9%
High school diploma or equivalent
Hill College, Navarro College, TSTC Waco Campus