Industrial maintenance technician salary in the USA is around $64,520 per year at the national median for industrial machinery mechanics, which is the closest BLS occupation for industrial maintenance technician jobs. That works out to about $31.02 per hour, although actual industrial maintenance technician pay can be lower for new workers and much higher for experienced technicians, specialized maintenance workers, and people working in high-paying states or industries. An industrial maintenance technician is responsible for keeping factory machines, production equipment, conveyor systems, motors, pumps and other industrial equipment working properly. This guide covers industrial maintenance technician salary, hourly pay, salary by state, starting salary, experience, job duties, skills, education, certification and career outlook in the United States.
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Industrial Maintenance Technician Salary in the USA
The industrial maintenance technician salary in the USA can be a good option for people who like mechanical work and fixing machines instead of sitting at a desk all day. The job is also sometimes listed as industrial maintenance mechanic, industrial machinery mechanic, maintenance technician or machinery maintenance technician. The exact job title can change from one company to another, but the work is usually connected with maintaining and repairing production machinery.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median annual wage for industrial machinery mechanics was $64,520 in May 2025. The median hourly wage was about $31.02 per hour. The BLS wage data also shows that the lower-paid workers can earn considerably less than the median, while experienced workers in strong industries and higher-paying locations can earn well above it.
This means the answer to “how much does an industrial maintenance technician make?” is not one fixed number. A new technician may start at a lower rate, while an experienced industrial maintenance technician with electrical, hydraulic, PLC, welding or advanced troubleshooting skills can move into higher-paying positions.
Industrial Maintenance Technician Salary at a Glance
- National median salary: $64,520 per year
- National median hourly pay: $31.02 per hour
- National mean salary: $68,460 per year
- National mean hourly pay: $32.91 per hour
- Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Common training: Long-term on-the-job training
- Main work location: Manufacturing and industrial facilities
- Common job titles: Industrial Maintenance Technician, Industrial Maintenance Mechanic, Industrial Machinery Mechanic and Maintenance Technician
The median and mean numbers are different, and that matters when looking at an industrial maintenance technician salary. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less. Mean is an average of the wages. For this reason, a salary website should not treat the mean and median as the same thing.
Industrial Maintenance Technician Salary by State
Industrial maintenance technician salary by state can be quite different. Location, manufacturing activity, local demand, employer size and cost of living all affect what a technician can earn. The table below uses the May 2025 median annual wage for Industrial Machinery Mechanics, which is the closest BLS occupation to the industrial maintenance technician job title. The District of Columbia is not included because this is a 50-state table.
| State | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $61,920 |
| Alaska | $77,390 |
| Arizona | $74,790 |
| Arkansas | $59,760 |
| California | $74,400 |
| Colorado | $75,600 |
| Connecticut | $69,950 |
| Delaware | $67,320 |
| Florida | $60,650 |
| Georgia | $61,130 |
| Hawaii | $77,330 |
| Idaho | $62,860 |
| Illinois | $76,200 |
| Indiana | $63,950 |
| Iowa | $64,400 |
| Kansas | $65,830 |
| Kentucky | $64,560 |
| Louisiana | $60,260 |
| Maine | $72,310 |
| Maryland | $71,870 |
| Massachusetts | $72,840 |
| Michigan | $64,250 |
| Minnesota | $71,960 |
| Mississippi | $57,760 |
| Missouri | $67,390 |
| Montana | $67,250 |
| Nebraska | $64,110 |
| Nevada | $77,750 |
| New Hampshire | $64,150 |
| New Jersey | $74,760 |
| New Mexico | $60,670 |
| New York | $69,740 |
| North Carolina | $62,430 |
| North Dakota | $65,990 |
| Ohio | $65,130 |
| Oklahoma | $61,540 |
| Oregon | $75,670 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,840 |
| Rhode Island | $64,770 |
| South Carolina | $62,330 |
| South Dakota | $61,560 |
| Tennessee | $65,010 |
| Texas | $61,930 |
| Utah | $70,720 |
| Vermont | $63,180 |
| Virginia | $64,020 |
| Washington | $77,220 |
| West Virginia | $61,710 |
| Wisconsin | $66,620 |
| Wyoming | $78,320 |
The state figures show why searching only for an “average industrial maintenance technician salary” can give an incomplete picture. In May 2025, Wyoming had one of the highest state median wages at about $78,320, while Mississippi was about $57,760. Several western and northern states also had median wages above the national figure. These numbers are not adjusted for differences in living costs, so a higher salary does not automatically mean more buying power.
What Does an Industrial Maintenance Technician Do?
An industrial maintenance technician keeps production machines running. When a machine stops, the technician has to find what went wrong, repair it and help get production running again. But the job is not only about fixing broken equipment. Preventive maintenance is a big part of the work because companies want to find problems before a machine causes a major production shutdown.
Industrial maintenance technicians can work with mechanical parts, electrical systems, motors, pumps, conveyor equipment, production lines, bearings, belts and other industrial equipment. Some jobs also require knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, controls and programmable logic controllers.
- Inspect industrial machinery and production equipment
- Find mechanical and electrical problems
- Repair or replace damaged machine parts
- Perform preventive maintenance
- Read technical manuals and equipment drawings
- Test machines after repairs
- Adjust and calibrate industrial equipment
- Keep maintenance records
- Work with production staff when equipment fails
- Follow workplace and machine safety procedures
The work can be physical at times. A technician may need to stand for long periods, climb around equipment, work in tight areas or handle tools and machine parts. Safety is important because industrial equipment can contain moving parts, electrical energy, heat, pressure and other hazards.
Industrial Maintenance Technician Hourly Pay
Industrial maintenance technician hourly pay is another common search because many maintenance jobs are paid by the hour. The national median hourly wage for industrial machinery mechanics was about $31.02 per hour in May 2025. The BLS mean hourly wage was higher at about $32.91.
Hourly pay can change a lot depending on the employer and technician skills. A person just entering the trade may make less than the national median, while an experienced technician working overtime, night shifts or in a specialized manufacturing plant can make considerably more.
Overtime can also make a difference in yearly income. Some manufacturing plants operate around the clock, so maintenance technicians may work evenings, weekends or rotating shifts. BLS notes that overtime is common in this occupation group.
Industrial Maintenance Technician Starting Salary
The industrial maintenance technician starting salary is normally lower than the national median because the BLS median includes workers at different experience levels. A new technician may begin with basic mechanical maintenance duties and then earn more after gaining experience with electrical systems, PLCs, hydraulics and other equipment.
Starting pay also depends on whether the person already has technical training. Someone with an industrial maintenance certificate, mechanical training or hands-on experience may be more attractive to employers than someone with no technical background.
- Entry-level maintenance helper
- Junior industrial maintenance technician
- Industrial maintenance mechanic trainee
- Maintenance technician apprentice
- Machine maintenance technician
These early jobs can be a useful way to build practical experience. Industrial maintenance is a field where being able to actually diagnose and repair equipment can become very valuable as experience increases.
Industrial Maintenance Technician Salary by Experience
Experience can make a big difference in industrial maintenance technician salary. A new worker normally needs time to learn the machines, tools and maintenance system used by the company. After a few years, the technician can handle more difficult breakdowns and may be trusted with electrical controls, PLC systems and other advanced equipment.
There is no single salary number for every experience level because companies and locations pay differently. But generally, an industrial maintenance technician with several years of hands-on experience can move above the national median salary, especially when the worker has skills that are difficult to find.
- Entry level: Basic maintenance, inspections and assisting experienced technicians
- Early career: Independent repairs, preventive maintenance and equipment troubleshooting
- Experienced technician: Advanced troubleshooting, electrical and mechanical systems
- Senior technician: Complex repairs, controls, PLCs and mentoring other workers
- Lead technician: Maintenance planning, troubleshooting and coordination with production teams
Experience with one type of machine can be useful, but technicians who can work across several systems often have more opportunities. For example, someone who understands mechanical equipment as well as electrical controls can be more valuable to a manufacturing employer.
How Much Does an Industrial Maintenance Technician Make a Year?
So, how much does an industrial maintenance technician make a year? The national median for the closest BLS occupation, industrial machinery mechanics, is about $64,520 per year. The national mean wage is around $68,460 per year.
These figures should be used as a national guide rather than a promise of what every worker will earn. Actual industrial maintenance technician pay can depend on experience, state, industry, shift schedule, overtime and the type of equipment being maintained.
For example, a technician working a normal day shift in a small facility may have a different income from an experienced technician working rotating shifts in a large manufacturing plant. Overtime and shift premiums can also increase yearly earnings.
Industrial Maintenance Technician Salary Per Month
People also search for industrial maintenance technician salary per month when comparing this career with other jobs. Using the national median annual wage of $64,520, the simple monthly equivalent is about $5,377 per month before taxes.
This is only a calculation from annual salary and should not be treated as the actual paycheck. Some technicians are paid hourly, and their monthly income can change because of overtime, holidays, bonuses or the number of hours worked.
- Annual median: $64,520
- Approximate monthly equivalent: $5,377
- Approximate weekly equivalent: $1,241
- Median hourly wage: $31.02
Actual take-home pay will be lower after federal taxes, state taxes where applicable, Social Security, Medicare, insurance and other deductions.
Highest Paying States for Industrial Maintenance Technicians
The highest paying states for industrial maintenance technicians are not always the states with the largest number of jobs. Industrial maintenance work is strongly connected with manufacturing, energy, food processing, transportation equipment and other industrial activity. A state with a strong industrial sector can create more demand for skilled maintenance workers.
Based on the May 2025 state median data used in this article, Wyoming, Alaska, Nevada, Hawaii, Arizona, California, New Jersey, Oregon, Colorado and Washington are among the states with comparatively high median wages for industrial machinery mechanics.
Wyoming stands out in the state data with a median wage around $78,320. Alaska is also above $77,000, while Nevada and Hawaii are around the upper-$77,000 range. But workers should also compare housing costs and other living expenses before deciding that one state is automatically better.
Industrial Maintenance Technician Salary in Manufacturing
Manufacturing is one of the most important industries for industrial maintenance technicians. Factories depend on machines and production lines running correctly, so maintenance workers are needed to reduce downtime and keep equipment operating.
Industrial maintenance technicians can be found in many different manufacturing environments. The equipment can be very different depending on what the factory produces, but the basic purpose of maintenance stays similar: inspect equipment, prevent failures and repair machines when something goes wrong.
- Automotive manufacturing
- Food and beverage manufacturing
- Plastic and chemical manufacturing
- Metal and machinery manufacturing
- Paper and packaging plants
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Electronics manufacturing
- Building material production
Manufacturing plants that operate 24 hours a day can have a strong need for maintenance technicians because equipment cannot simply wait until the next morning to be repaired. This can also create opportunities for night-shift, weekend and overtime work.
Industrial Maintenance Technician Jobs and Work Environment
Industrial maintenance technician jobs are mostly found where large machines or production equipment are used. Manufacturing plants are the biggest employment area, but the skills can also transfer to warehouses, distribution facilities, utilities, food processing operations and other industrial workplaces.
The work environment is usually different from a normal office job. There can be machine noise, dust, heat, moving equipment and industrial materials. Technicians may need protective equipment and must follow lockout/tagout and other safety procedures.
Some technicians work during regular business hours, but many industrial facilities run multiple shifts. Because of this, evening, overnight, weekend and holiday work can be part of the job.
Industrial Maintenance Technician Education Requirements
One good thing about this career is that a four-year college degree is normally not required to enter industrial maintenance. The typical entry-level education for industrial machinery mechanics is a high school diploma or equivalent.
However, employers may prefer candidates who have technical education or previous mechanical experience. Community colleges, technical schools and vocational programs can teach the basic skills needed for industrial maintenance work.
- High school diploma or GED
- Industrial maintenance training
- Mechanical maintenance courses
- Electrical systems training
- Hydraulics and pneumatics training
- PLC and industrial controls training
- Welding or machining experience
- Hands-on maintenance experience
Education alone is usually not enough for a strong industrial maintenance career. Employers also want people who can diagnose a real machine problem and safely repair it. Hands-on practice becomes very important in this field.
Industrial Maintenance Technician Skills
The skills needed for an industrial maintenance technician are a mix of mechanical knowledge, electrical knowledge, troubleshooting and safety awareness. A technician does not always know what is wrong when arriving at a broken machine. The worker has to test different parts and identify the actual cause of the problem.
- Mechanical troubleshooting
- Electrical troubleshooting
- Preventive maintenance
- Hydraulic systems
- Pneumatic systems
- Motors and drives
- Bearings, belts and gears
- Wiring and electrical components
- PLC basics
- Reading technical drawings
- Using hand and power tools
- Equipment inspection
- Safety procedures
- Problem-solving
Electrical and automation skills can be especially useful as modern factories use more sensors, automated production equipment and computer-controlled machines. A technician who can understand both traditional mechanical equipment and newer automated systems may have more career options.
Industrial Maintenance Technician Certification
Certification is not always required for an industrial maintenance technician job, but it can help a worker show technical knowledge to employers. The exact certification requirements depend on the company and the type of equipment being maintained.
Some technicians also earn training or certifications related to electrical work, industrial controls, hydraulics, pneumatics, safety or specific manufacturers' equipment. Certification should be selected based on the type of maintenance job the person wants rather than collecting certificates without practical skills.
For someone starting this career, a combination of technical education, hands-on practice and relevant certification can be a stronger path than education alone.
Industrial Maintenance Technician Career Growth
Industrial maintenance does not have to remain an entry-level job. A technician can build experience and move into more specialized or senior positions. Some workers eventually become maintenance supervisors or managers, while others prefer to remain highly skilled technicians.
- Maintenance Helper
- Maintenance Technician
- Industrial Maintenance Technician
- Senior Maintenance Technician
- Lead Maintenance Technician
- Maintenance Supervisor
- Maintenance Manager
- Reliability Technician
- Industrial Controls Technician
Another possible direction is specialization. Workers can focus more heavily on electrical systems, automation, PLCs, robotics, machinery reliability or a particular manufacturing system. These specialized skills can help a technician move into more advanced maintenance roles.
Industrial Maintenance Technician Job Outlook
The job outlook for industrial maintenance workers is positive because modern factories depend heavily on machinery and automation. When companies use more automated equipment, they still need skilled workers to inspect, maintain, troubleshoot and repair that equipment.
The BLS projects strong growth for industrial machinery mechanics within the broader maintenance occupation group. Industrial machinery mechanics are projected to grow by about 18% from 2025 to 2035, while the broader group of industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers and millwrights is projected to grow about 14%.
The BLS also projects many job openings each year because of employment growth and workers leaving the occupation. This means there can be opportunities for new workers as well as experienced maintenance technicians.
Is Industrial Maintenance Technician a Good Career?
Industrial maintenance technician can be a good career for someone who enjoys fixing things, working with tools and solving mechanical problems. It can also be a practical career path for people who do not want to spend four years getting a college degree before starting skilled work.
The salary is reasonably strong compared with many jobs requiring only a high school diploma, and experienced workers can build additional value by learning electrical, automation and PLC skills.
- No four-year college degree normally required
- Good demand in manufacturing and industrial workplaces
- Hands-on work instead of mostly desk work
- Opportunity for overtime and shift work
- Skills can transfer between industries
- Career growth into senior and supervisory roles
- Opportunity to specialize in automation and controls
The job is not perfect for everybody. Industrial maintenance can be physically demanding, and some workplaces have noise, heat, machinery hazards and unusual working hours. People who prefer a quiet office environment may not enjoy this career as much.
What Affects Industrial Maintenance Technician Salary?
Industrial maintenance technician salary is affected by more than just the job title. Two technicians doing similar work can have different pay because they work in different states, industries or shifts. Experience and technical skills also make a big difference.
- Experience: Experienced technicians usually have more earning potential than beginners.
- Location: Pay can be higher in states and cities where industrial workers are in strong demand.
- Industry: Some manufacturing and industrial industries pay more than others.
- Technical skills: Electrical, PLC, automation and controls knowledge can increase job opportunities.
- Shift: Night, weekend and rotating shifts can sometimes include additional pay.
- Overtime: Extra working hours can increase yearly income for hourly technicians.
- Employer size: Large manufacturing companies may offer different pay and benefits than small facilities.
- Education and training: Technical training can help a new worker qualify for better positions.
Because of these factors, someone should not choose a maintenance career based only on one salary number found online. Looking at the local job market, employer benefits, overtime rules and cost of living gives a better picture of the real earning potential.
Industrial Maintenance Technician Overtime Pay
Overtime is important for some industrial maintenance technicians because many factories operate continuously. Machines may need maintenance during nights, weekends or holidays, and a breakdown cannot always wait for the normal working shift.
For hourly workers, overtime can make a noticeable difference in annual income when extra hours are available. However, overtime is not guaranteed every week. Some facilities have very predictable schedules, while others may have more overtime when production is high or when a major machine problem happens.
- Night shift maintenance
- Weekend maintenance
- Emergency equipment repairs
- Planned plant shutdowns
- Production maintenance during busy periods
- Holiday or special shift work
A technician considering a job should ask the employer about the normal work schedule, overtime availability and shift differential before comparing offers.
Industrial Maintenance Technician Benefits
Salary is only one part of total compensation. Industrial maintenance technician jobs can also come with benefits depending on the employer. Large manufacturing companies and industrial employers may offer health insurance, retirement plans, paid vacation and other employee benefits.
- Health insurance
- Dental and vision insurance
- 401(k) or other retirement plans
- Paid vacation
- Paid holidays
- Sick leave
- Overtime opportunities
- Shift differential
- Training assistance
- Tuition or education support
Benefits can make a lower base salary more competitive. For example, two employers may offer similar hourly pay, but one may have better health coverage, retirement contributions or paid time off. Workers should compare the complete compensation package instead of salary alone.
Industrial Maintenance Technician vs Maintenance Mechanic
The terms industrial maintenance technician and maintenance mechanic are often used for similar jobs, but the exact duties depend on the employer. A maintenance mechanic may be more focused on mechanical equipment, while an industrial maintenance technician can have a broader role involving mechanical, electrical and automated systems.
Modern industrial maintenance jobs are becoming more technical. A factory technician may work on motors and bearings one day and troubleshoot sensors, control panels or automated equipment the next day.
This is why learning multiple technical areas can be useful. Workers who only know one type of repair may have fewer options than technicians who can troubleshoot several types of industrial equipment.
Industrial Maintenance Technician vs Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Industrial machinery mechanic is the official BLS occupation that provides one of the closest matches for industrial maintenance technician salary research. The names are not always identical in job advertisements, but there is significant overlap in the work.
Industrial machinery mechanics maintain and repair factory machinery and production equipment. Industrial maintenance technicians may have the same basic responsibilities, while some employers use the technician title when the position includes more electrical, controls or automation work.
For salary research, this distinction is important. Search engines may show several salary estimates for “industrial maintenance technician” because different websites group similar job titles differently. Government occupational data is therefore useful as a reliable benchmark.
Industrial Maintenance Technician Tools and Equipment
An industrial maintenance technician works with many different tools and testing equipment. The exact tools depend on the facility, but basic mechanical and electrical tools are common in the job.
- Wrenches and socket sets
- Screwdrivers and hand tools
- Power tools
- Multimeters
- Electrical testing equipment
- Alignment tools
- Pressure gauges
- Lubrication equipment
- Diagnostic equipment
- Computer-based maintenance systems
Modern maintenance departments also use computerized maintenance management systems, often called CMMS. Technicians may use these systems to receive work orders, record repairs, track equipment history and schedule preventive maintenance.
Industrial Maintenance Technician Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is one of the most important parts of industrial maintenance. The goal is to find and correct problems before equipment fails during production.
A technician may inspect belts, bearings, motors, lubrication systems, electrical connections and other machine components according to a maintenance schedule. Small problems can sometimes be corrected before they turn into expensive equipment failures.
- Inspect equipment on a regular schedule
- Lubricate moving components
- Replace worn parts
- Check electrical connections
- Inspect belts and bearings
- Monitor unusual vibration or noise
- Test safety systems
- Record maintenance work
Preventive maintenance can reduce unexpected downtime. For a manufacturing company, avoiding a major production shutdown can be worth a lot of money, which is one reason skilled maintenance workers are important to industrial operations.
Industrial Maintenance Technician Troubleshooting Skills
Troubleshooting is one of the most valuable skills in this career. When a machine stops working, the technician needs to determine what caused the failure instead of simply replacing random parts.
A good technician follows a logical process. First the problem is identified, then the equipment is inspected and tested. The technician uses measurements, machine information and experience to narrow down the possible cause.
- Identify the machine problem
- Inspect the equipment
- Check electrical and mechanical components
- Test possible failure points
- Find the root cause
- Repair or replace the failed component
- Test the machine after repair
- Document the maintenance work
Strong troubleshooting ability can become especially valuable when production is stopped. A technician who can find the problem quickly may help reduce expensive downtime.
Can an Industrial Maintenance Technician Make $80,000 a Year?
Yes, an industrial maintenance technician can potentially make $80,000 or more a year, but it is not the normal salary for every worker. The national median wage for the closest BLS occupation is about $64,520, so reaching $80,000 generally requires factors such as experience, location, overtime, specialized skills or a higher-paying employer.
Technicians in higher-paying states can have a better chance of reaching this level. Overtime and shift work can also increase annual earnings for hourly workers.
Workers with advanced electrical, PLC, automation or industrial controls skills may have more opportunities to move into higher-paid technical positions. However, salary depends on the employer and local market, so an $80,000 salary should not be considered automatic.
Can an Industrial Maintenance Technician Make $100,000?
Some experienced industrial maintenance workers may reach or exceed $100,000 in total annual earnings, but this is above the national median and should not be treated as a typical base salary. Reaching this level may require significant overtime, specialized technical skills, supervisory responsibility or employment in a high-paying industrial environment.
It is also important to check whether a salary figure includes overtime, bonuses and other compensation. A job advertised as “$100,000 earning potential” may not mean a $100,000 guaranteed base salary.
How to Increase Industrial Maintenance Technician Salary
A technician who wants to increase industrial maintenance technician salary can focus on skills that are useful across modern manufacturing plants. Mechanical maintenance is still important, but employers also need workers who understand electrical systems, automation and controls.
- Learn industrial electrical systems
- Build PLC troubleshooting skills
- Learn hydraulics and pneumatics
- Understand motors and variable frequency drives
- Improve mechanical troubleshooting
- Learn industrial automation
- Gain experience with robotics
- Earn useful industry certifications
- Take advanced technical training
- Move into lead or supervisory positions
One of the better strategies is to become the technician who can solve problems other workers cannot easily solve. A person who understands mechanical systems plus electrical controls and automation can be useful in many modern factories.
Is Industrial Maintenance Technician a Good Career in the USA?
Industrial maintenance technician can be a strong skilled-trade career in the USA. It does not normally require a four-year college degree, and the work is connected to industries that depend on machines and production equipment.
The national median pay of about $64,520 gives the occupation a solid salary base, while experienced workers can potentially earn more through advanced skills, overtime, shift work and career advancement. Job demand is also supported by the need to maintain increasingly complex industrial equipment.
The main downside is the work environment. This is not an easy desk job. Technicians can work around heavy machinery, noise, heat and electrical or mechanical hazards. Some positions also require nights, weekends or rotating shifts.
Final Thoughts on Industrial Maintenance Technician Salary
Industrial maintenance technician salary in the USA is around $64,520 per year at the national median for the closely related BLS occupation of industrial machinery mechanics, or about $31.02 per hour. The national mean wage is higher at about $68,460 per year.
Actual industrial maintenance technician pay can be higher or lower depending on state, experience, industry, employer, shift and technical skills. Workers with electrical, PLC, automation and advanced troubleshooting abilities can create more opportunities for themselves as factories become more automated.
For someone who enjoys repairing machines, solving problems and working with tools, this can be a practical career without the need for a traditional four-year college degree. With experience and additional technical training, an industrial maintenance technician can move toward senior technician, lead technician, reliability, controls or maintenance management positions.
Overall, the career offers a combination of skilled hands-on work, reasonable salary potential and long-term demand in the American industrial sector.