Why Industrial Mechanics?

It's Fun

Not many jobs allow you to 'play' with such a large variety of tools and machinery. Grinding and cutting a variety of materials with an angle grinder is a special kind of joy. Using a torch to make metal glow so bright you need eye protection, watching it melt like butter if you go too long. Hitting a stubborn nut or bolt with a hammer till it obeys your commands. Going to the areas of the building that are otherwise restricted and being able to essentially control every part of the building or a machine. That's just called Tuesday.

It's Profitable

It should not come as a surprise that performing a job that has a specialized skill set that can only be performed onsite, needs specialized knowledge, can be a bit dangerous at times, and can make or break an entire operation would pay well. While payrates differ in different parts of the world and country, try searching for industrial mechanics jobs on indeed and you'll see the typical rate in your area.

The most recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the median salary for all installation, maintenance and repair jobs as $50,080. This an 8% higher wage than national medium of $46,310 for all occupations. For those who specialize in machinery repair it's an 28.5% increase with a median average of $59,470. In addition to having a high than average pay rate. Most employers in this field only require a high school degree. Without the need for college, you can start your career right after you graduate without taking out any student loans.

 
Besides money from work, the skills you learn along the way will be useful to many other people. Before you know it, everyone and their mother will be asking you to do some work for them once they find out what you do. From fixing lawnmowers to installing new lights in their homes. Side work will be available all the time.

 

It's Stable

While many saw loss of jobs during various recessions, lockdowns, natural disasters and any other number of unfortunate events. Mechanics were always around. If a machine breaks down, someone has to fix it. The generator needs testing. Toilets need unclogging. Lights need to be replaced. Fires need to be put out. Spice must flow.

During hard economic times companies tend to not invest in new machinery and instead try to maximize what's currently on hand. Older machines break down more often and need more love and care to stay afloat at times. It's not surprising that companies also tend to try and hire more mechanics during these times, but they can rarely fill their quotas as the market is intense and often the ones paying the most get the limited number of mechanics in an area.

 

Work anytime

Are you a night owl? Overnight shifts often pay a shift differential and are usually available since it's not a 'normal' schedule, so those roles are often understaffed. Don't like mornings or overnight? Swing shift it is. You don't watch sports? Take the weekend shift, it too tends to have another shift differential. Most industries that need you, operate 24/7 meaning you'll be able to find those perfect hours you've longed for if you look around.

Work in an industry you want

Industrial mechanics are employed not just in manufacturing. The machinery needed to keep our modern economy running is found in all sectors. Food and beverage is heavily mechanized. Maybe you like beer, large breweries use tons of electronics and conveyors to move and monitor their product. If you prefer baked goods, you'll find a commercial bakery to your liking. With ovens that can be bigger than your house and refrigerated spaces the size of a neighborhood. Any parcel handling services like the USPS, DHL, UPS and FedEx have miles of conveyors and sorting equipment.

If you prefer to travel, you can work directly for the companies that make this equipment. Many companies that make packaging equipment, air compressors, boilers, chillers, cooling towers and other specialty machines tend to have training programs and repair to their customers worldwide. Even tool companies do this. Hilti has instructors specializing in their powder actuated tools that travel around training mechanics to use their products. Sure you'll be working, but you'll be getting paid to see the world. If you specialize in food and beverage, you may even spend a few months in France, Italy or Germany. Outside of the USA they make some great equipment and do training in their facilities.