Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Machinery Maintenance Worker
What machinery maintenance workers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a machinery maintenance worker?
Start the lube route. From there, the day usually includes lubricate machinery, change belts and filters, and clean equipment. Full time, often shifts.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a machinery maintenance worker working full time.
- Start the lube route.
- Grease bearings.
- Change hydraulic filters.
- Replace a worn belt.
- Clean a mixer.
- Check oil levels.
- Log PMs.
Where machinery maintenance workers work
Workers are on factory floors, often in noisy, oily areas.
Hours and schedule
Full time, often shifts.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Lubricate machinery
- Change belts and filters
- Clean equipment
- Inspect for wear
- Make minor adjustments
- Record maintenance
- Report problems
Tools you’ll use every day
- Grease guns
- Oil cans
- Wrenches
- Filter tools
- Flashlights
- Tablets for CMMS
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- No degree needed
- Path to mechanic jobs
- Steady work
- Hands-on
What’s hard
- Dirty work
- Noise
- Shift work
- Repetitive routes
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like machines
- I don’t mind getting dirty
- I’m reliable
- I follow routines
- I care about safety
- I want a path to mechanic
Not sure? Take the free Machinery Maintenance Worker fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use lockout/tagout
- Keep guards on
- Wear PPE
- Clean spills