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How to Become an Industrial Maintenance Technician
Good with tools? Like keeping machines running and solving hands-on problems? A career in industrial maintenance could be a smart move, and you don’t need a college degree to get started.
Maintenance Technician Job Overview
Industrial maintenance technicians repair, monitor, and maintain equipment in manufacturing plants, warehouses, and other production facilities. They work on everything from conveyor belts and packaging lines to robotic systems and hydraulic machinery.
Job Duties
- Perform routine maintenance like oiling, greasing, or cleaning machinery
- Diagnose and repair mechanical or electrical issues in production equipment
- Use meters, gauges, and software to monitor machine performance
- Replace belts, gears, bearings, and other worn parts
- Record maintenance activities and report equipment issues
Salary Information
- Entry Level: $44,430
- Median Annual Salary: $63,510
- Experienced: $91,620
Get Trained
You don’t need a degree to work in industrial maintenance, but technical skills are important. Many employers will train you on the job, but formal programs can help you qualify faster and move up more quickly.
Finish high school or earn a GED: This is typically required to begin training or get hired.
Look into technical training: Many maintenance techs attend short programs in industrial maintenance, mechatronics, or electromechanical systems at trade schools or community colleges.
Start with an entry-level role: Positions like maintenance helper or equipment operator can lead to full technician roles over time.
Apply for apprenticeships: Some unions and employers offer registered programs that pay you while you learn on the job.
Resources for Your Journey
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree to become a maintenance technician?
No. Many roles require only a high school diploma and some hands-on training or short-term coursework.
Where do maintenance techs work?
Industrial maintenance technicians often work in factories, food processing plants, distribution centers, or utility facilities.
What kind of equipment will I work on?
How can I get experience without formal training?
Start in a maintenance assistant role or apply for entry-level technician jobs that offer on-the-job training.
Is this job physically demanding?
Yes. Maintenance techs often lift heavy tools, climb ladders, and work in tight spaces or noisy environments.
Can I grow in this field?
Absolutely. With experience and certifications, you can become a lead technician, supervisor, or move into controls, automation, or facilities management.
Get Certified
Maintenance Tech Certifications
OSHA 10 General Industry
A common safety credential for technicians in warehouses, factories, and other industrial settings.
EPA Section 608
A certification required for anyone who maintains, services, repairs, or disposes of equipment that contains regulated refrigerants.
Certified Maintenance & Reliability Technician (CMRT)
A recognized credential for industrial maintenance techs who work with electrical, mechanical, or control systems.
