How much does a machinery mechanic make?

In the United States, experience and in-demand skills, such as computer or electrical troubleshooting, can raise pay; useful certifications may help too. Pay also varies by employer or industry, location, and hours—night, weekend, on-call, or overtime work can change total earnings. Fame usually matters little in this behind-the-scenes job.

Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans. Excludes “Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines” (49-3042), and “Maintenance Workers, Machinery” (49-9043).

What's a typical day like?

They read manuals, inspect and lubricate factory machines, and use tests to find faults. If a conveyor vibrates, they may check for worn belts or bearings, replace parts, then run the machine to be sure it works.

In the U.S., most people finish high school, then learn on the job for a year or more; classes in welding, math, blueprints, and computers can help. For the related millwright job, an apprenticeship often takes about four years.

Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

A machinery mechanic may diagnose a hidden problem just by noticing a machine’s vibration—then decide whether a worn belt or weak motor bearing is to blame.

The US figure is the median and the Japan figure is the average, so it's not a perfect comparison. Prices differ too.