Industrial machinery mechanics
SOC Code: 49-9041
Industrial machinery mechanics carries a 33% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $63,760 and +16.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 439,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 33% AI exposure, Industrial machinery mechanics sits 4 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 41% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Industrial machinery mechanics sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Industrial machinery mechanics has ai exposure of 33%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Industrial machinery mechanics vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Industrial machinery mechanics is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Industrial machinery mechanics (SOC 49-9041) carries an AI exposure score of 33%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 439,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +16.1% change through 2034 - a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $63,760, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Industrial machinery mechanics. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Repair or maintain the operating condition of industrial production or processing machinery or equipment.
- 2. Repair or replace broken or malfunctioning components of machinery or equipment.
- 3. Clean, lubricate, or adjust parts, equipment, or machinery.
- 4. Disassemble machinery or equipment to remove parts and make repairs.
- 5. Reassemble equipment after completion of inspections, testing, or repairs.
- 6. Examine parts for defects, such as breakage or excessive wear.
- 7. Record repairs and maintenance performed.
- 8. Operate newly repaired machinery or equipment to verify the adequacy of repairs.
- 9. Record parts or materials used and order or requisition new parts or materials, as necessary.
- 10. Observe and test the operation of machinery or equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using voltmeters or other testing devices.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Quality Control Analysis
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Production and Processing
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Physics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Industrial machinery mechanics?
Industrial machinery mechanics has an AI exposure score of 33%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Industrial machinery mechanics?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Industrial machinery mechanics is projected to grow by 16.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 439,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Industrial machinery mechanics?
Key skills for Industrial machinery mechanics include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Equipment Maintenance, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Industrial machinery mechanics earn?
The median annual wage for Industrial machinery mechanics is $63,760, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Industrial machinery mechanics?
The typical entry-level education for Industrial machinery mechanics is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Long-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Industrial machinery mechanics?
Industrial machinery mechanics roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).