FAQ
Machinery Maintenance Worker FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a machinery maintenance worker.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a machinery maintenance worker: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about machinery maintenance workers
Do I need a degree?
No.
Is it a path to mechanic?
Yes.
Is the job growing?
BLS projects little change.
How much does a machinery maintenance worker make?
The median annual wage for machinery maintenance workers was $60,850 ($29.25 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $42,000 and the highest 10% earned more than $88,550.
How long does it take to become a machinery maintenance worker?
Most people need about A year or more on the job of training. A high school diploma and long-term on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a machinery maintenance worker?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Is machinery maintenance worker a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -1.9% from 2025–35 (a projected decline), with about 4,400 openings each year. Upsides include no degree needed; a common challenge is that dirty work.
What skills does a machinery maintenance worker need?
Key technical skills include lubrication, belt and filter changes, basic mechanics, and hydraulics basics. Employers also value reliability, attention to detail, and safety awareness.
What certifications are available for machinery maintenance workers?
Common credentials include MLT I, OSHA 10, Forklift certification, and Industrial maintenance certificate. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Machinery Maintenance Worker fit quiz, compare with Industrial Maintenance Technician, or explore Machinery Maintenance Worker training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 49-9043 (Maintenance workers, machinery).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Maintenance workers, machinery (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.