Maintenance Workers, Machinery
Maintenance workers keep machinery running smoothly by lubricating equipment, replacing worn parts, and performing routine upkeep. They work in manufacturing plants, factories, mills, and other facilities where machinery operates continuously. Their preventive work stops breakdowns before they happen and keeps production on schedule.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against maintenance workers, machinery and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves inspecting machinery for signs of wear, applying lubricants to moving parts, and replacing damaged components like belts, bearings, or seals. Workers follow maintenance schedules and checklists to ensure all equipment receives proper care. They may spend time troubleshooting mechanical issues, documenting maintenance work, and coordinating with production crews about equipment status and downtime.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely do well in this work if you prefer hands-on, practical tasks and following established procedures and standards. You're organized and detail-oriented, comfortable working with machines and tools, and prefer clear guidelines and predictable responsibilities over constant change.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Maintenance Worker Supervisor (Maintenance Worker Foreman) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Marion, Illinois · $40.95–$47.78
- Maintenance Worker Supervisor (Maintenance Worker Foreman) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Victorville, California · $40.16–$46.8
- MWR Maintenance Worker · Commander, Navy Installations Command · Seal Beach, California · $46576–$50416
- Maintenance Worker · Air Force Materiel Command · Edwards AFB, California · $22.32–$23.25
- Maintenance Worker · Veterans Health Administration · Augusta, Georgia · $26.3–$30.67
- Maintenance Worker (MVO) NA-07 · United States Army Installation Management Command · Fort Lee, Virginia · $22.15–$25.83
- Maintenance Worker · Forest Service · Location Negotiable After Selection · $30.98–$30.98
- Maintenance Worker · Forest Service · Multiple Locations · $23.93–$25.05
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | $81,720 | $84,620 | $111,020 | 280 |
| New Hampshire | $59,420 | $77,070 | $83,890 | 130 |
| Kentucky | $60,230 | $76,710 | $157,260 | 2,920 |
| Nevada | $53,280 | $75,500 | $91,730 | 750 |
| Rhode Island | $60,310 | $72,040 | $83,660 | 110 |
| California | $53,160 | $67,840 | $78,820 | 4,130 |
| New York | $56,490 | $67,610 | $81,620 | 2,760 |
| Virginia | $53,790 | $65,500 | $80,660 | 1,420 |
| South Carolina | $53,030 | $64,910 | $76,320 | 960 |
| Tennessee | $52,000 | $64,790 | $72,010 | 800 |
| Iowa | $58,660 | $64,760 | $79,340 | 900 |
| Wisconsin | $56,850 | $64,310 | $75,720 | 420 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Machine Maintenance, Service and Repair Level II - Preventative Maintenance — National Institute for Metalworking Skills
- Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT) — Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals
- Machine Maintenance Service and Repair Level III - Machine Service and Repair III — National Institute for Metalworking Skills
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against maintenance workers, machinery and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 49-9043.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.