Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights
🤍 Save CareerIndustrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights play a vital role in the US economy, with 538K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $63,510, with projected growth of 13% through 2034 (Much faster than average).
💰 Salary Range
📈 Growth Outlook
🔥 High Growth — 13% projected growth🤖 AI Automation Risk
AI may assist but is unlikely to replace this role.
🤖AI Impact Deep Dive: Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights
🔬 AI Impact Deep Dive: Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights
AI Collaboration Score
Measures how much AI tools are used as collaborative assistants in this role (0% = no AI involvement, 100% = AI-intensive workflow)
🔮 Future Outlook
The core of this occupation involves physical labor, manual dexterity, and real-time troubleshooting in unpredictable physical environments, which provides a strong barrier against AI automation. While AI will significantly enhance diagnostic capabilities and predictive maintenance scheduling, the actual repair, installation, and physical manipulation of heavy machinery still require human presence and mechanical skill.
Analysis based on Microsoft "Working with AI" research (2025), O*NET task data v30.2, and Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational projections. Updated March 2026.
🌅A Day in the Life
🌟Career Outlook & Getting Started
Why It's Promising
With 13% projected growth and a median salary of $63,510, this career offers strong prospects. The large employment base (0.5M jobs) means abundant opportunities across the country.
How to Get Started
Entry typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Start by exploring relevant AP courses in high school, gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteering, and connecting with professionals in the field.
Who Is It For
Anyone interested in industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights who wants to build a rewarding career in this field.
🎓Majors & Top Schools
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights make in 2026?▼
The median salary for a Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights is $63,510 per year. Entry-level positions start around $38,106, while experienced professionals can earn up to $101,616 depending on location, specialization, and industry.
How do I become a Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights?▼
Entry typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Start by exploring relevant AP courses in high school, gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteering, and connecting with professionals in the field. The typical education requirement is no degree required.
What degree do you need to be a Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights?▼
Most Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights positions require no degree required. However, some professionals enter the field through alternative paths like bootcamps, certifications, or self-directed learning.
What AP courses should I take to become a Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights?▼
Check PathLeap for personalized AP course recommendations for Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights. The right AP courses depend on your target college major and career specialization.
What does a Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights do on a daily basis?▼
As a industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwright, your day involves a mix of specialized tasks that require both expertise and adaptability. You work with colleagues, clients, or patients depending on the setting, applying your training to solve real-world problems.
Is Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights a good career in 2026?▼
With 13% projected growth and a median salary of $63,510, this career offers strong prospects. The large employment base (0.5M jobs) means abundant opportunities across the country. Job growth is projected at 13%, which is declining. The median salary of $63,510 also positions it competitively in the job market.
Will AI replace Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrightss?▼
Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights has an AI automation risk score of 30/100 (Low). AI will change how this work is done, but the core skills remain valuable. Professionals who learn to work with AI tools will have a significant advantage.
What kind of person makes a good Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights?▼
Anyone interested in industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights who wants to build a rewarding career in this field. Success in this role also depends on continuous learning and adaptability, especially as the field evolves with new technology and industry trends.
Is Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights Right for You?
Take our career quiz to see how Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights matches your personality. Get personalized AP course recommendations and see what similar students are exploring.
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