Machinery Maintenance Mechanics Description OES Code: 851100 Repair and maintain the operating condition of industrial production and processing machinery, printing machinery, and refinery and pipeline distribution systems. Duties include repairing machinery and mechanical equipment, such as pumps, conveyor systems, and motors, in accordance with diagrams, operating manuals, or manufacturer's specifications. Exclude Millwrights and Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, such as crane, bulldozer, grader, or conveyor mechanics. CA Wages/hour:nonunion median range New, no experience: minimum minimum – $7.65 New, experienced: $11.00 $8.00 – $13.87 3 yrs+ experience: $14.50 $11.50 – $17.14 CA Wages/hour:union median range New, no experience: $13.00 minimum – $15.00 New, experienced: $17.00 $12.00 – $19.00 3 yrs+ experience: $17.00 $17.00 – $19.00 Note: Wages indicated here are for Machinery Maintenance Mechanics, OES: 851190 Most employers are unionized. Wages vary with type and size of company, level of experience and union contract agreements. Local Wages • CCOIS Survey • OES Survey Hours & Benefits Fringe benefits may include paid sick leave, vacations and holidays, health and dental insurance, and retirement plans. Employment Trends Employment 1990 151,020 Projected Employment 2005 180,270 Growth Rate 1990-2005 19% Openings due to Separations 40,110 Employment Trends by California County Although there does not seem to be a great deal of expansion in companies that hire these workers, there is still a sizable market for skilled Maintenance Mechanics. The highest concentrations are found in the canning, preserving, packaging, metal fabrication and plastic companies. A smaller number of Maintenance Mechanics are located in construction companies, hospitals, government facilities, mines and public utilities. The trend toward industrial automation, with increasingly complex and more expensive machinery, may tend to increase the demand for additional Maintenance Mechanics to perform essential preventive maintenance routines necessary to maintain and fully utilize these devices. Advancement Advancement for Maintenance Mechanics is usually in the form of salary increases. Large companies may offer promotion into supervisory positions. Getting the Job & Other Information Maintenance Mechanics should register for work with unions, private employment agencies, and the California Employment Development Department. Newspaper advertisements are a good source of job leads for mechanics. Word-of-mouth and direct application to employers are other methods of learning about job openings. Mechanics belong to unions affiliated with particular industries. Some unions include the United Rubber, Cork Linoleum, and Plastic Workers of America; United Auto Workers, International Chemical Workers; United Industrial Workers; Teamsters Union; International Longshoremen's and Warehousemen's Union; and the International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers. For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Click arrow at bottom left of image to begin. Requires QuickTime Education and Training Many employers prefer high school graduates. Suggested high school courses are mathematics, physics, machine shop, mechanical drawing and blueprint reading. Many workers start as machinist and mechanic helpers, learn various skills of the trade, and then transfer and train to become Maintenance Mechanics. Some entry-level mechanics train through formal apprenticeship programs offered by manufacturing companies. These programs require three to four years to complete and include on-the-job training and related classroom instruction such as shop mathematics, blueprint reading and welding. Contact the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards, for detailed information. Skills & Other Requirements Mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity and good physical condition are also necessary. Repair work is relatively safe; however, hazards may include cuts and bruises from sharp tools and metal objects. Safety helmets, goggles, metal-tipped shoes and other protective devices help prevent serious injuries. Maintenance Mechanics may work alone or with other workers and trainees. Maintenance Mechanics perform "preventive maintenance" routines -- a series of prescribed tests and measurements conducted at regular intervals on machinery to ensure continuous operation and to detect possible breakdown conditions before actual equipment failure. They also make adjustments to machinery using precision measuring instruments and are responsible for cleaning, greasing and oiling machinery to prevent breakdowns. When breakdowns occur, Maintenance Mechanics determine the cause of trouble and make the necessary repairs. In maintaining and repairing equipment, they often follow blueprints, sketches, diagrams, lubrication charts, operation manuals and engineering specifications. They first observe the machinery in operation to locate the cause of trouble and may dismantle it to reach the defective parts. They then repair or replace the faulty parts using a variety of hand and power tools and welding equipment. They often use catalogs to order replacement parts. If a part is not readily available, the mechanic may sketch the needed part and have it fabricated by the plant machine shop. Maintenance Mechanics then test the repaired machinery to see that it works properly. Working Conditions Maintenance Mechanics work in areas that are usually noisy, but well lighted and ventilated. The work may be dirty and greasy. Work may be inside or outside. Mechanics must be able to stand, stoop, lean, lift and squat. They should have normal or corrected vision and hearing and must have full use of both hands. References Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system. California Occupational Guide: Maintenance Mechanics #136 Related Occupation: Machinists #9, Tool & Die Makers #15, Stationayr Engineers #234 Training: California State Training Inventory © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997. Questions or Comments? Contact us.