Is Becoming an Industrial Maintenance Technician a Good Career Plan?

Most people are unfamiliar with the industrial maintenance field, but it can be an exciting career path for the right candidate.

Industrial maintenance technicians are analytical thinkers who pride themselves on figuring out how things work. They also tend to be hands-on individuals with an appreciation for non-routine work. If this sounds like you, keep reading!

We're about to answer “What is industrial maintenance?” as well as why preparing for the growing field could be a good plan!

What Is an Industrial Technician?

Industrial maintenance technicians service various types of machinery used in the manufacturing and energy industries. This can include cleaning, lubricating, testing and diagnosing equipment. They may also adhere to a strict maintenance schedule set by a team of industrial planners and engineers.

Their expertise is crucial, as it helps businesses maximize their assets. Let’s delve a bit deeper into the specifics of their responsibilities.

Industrial Maintenance Technician Job Description

Industrial maintenance techs complete the following tasks on any given day:

• Adhere to technical manuals when servicing equipment
• Repair and replace faulty components
• Run tests to ensure proper operation
• Run tests on malfunctioning equipment to determine the best course of repair
• Use diagnostic instruments to detect issues
• Clean, lubricate and calibrate equipment to maximize efficiency

Reasons to Prepare for an Industrial Maintenance Career

Industrial maintenance technician skills are in demand. The advancement of technology continues to increase the amount of automated manufacturing and energy equipment. Automated equipment requires routine maintenance and careful attention, creating a demand for the specialized skill set industrial technicians carry.

In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for industrial maintenance technicians is growing—employment is projected to grow 17% from 2023 to 2033.⁶⁴

Aside from demand, an industrial maintenance career can be an exciting path for those who:

• Prefer to work with their hands and be on their feet over sitting behind a desk
• Appreciate opportunities to think outside of the box
• Have excellent attention to detail and communication skills
• Take a proactive approach to their work as opposed to reactive
• Enjoy finding ways to maximize efficiency, whether it be the efficiency of a machine or their workflow

How Do You Become an Industrial Maintenance Technician?

While some technicians learn on the job after obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent, others attend a formal industrial maintenance technician training program first.

A training program familiarizes students with modern computer diagnostic equipment and teaches them industry-standard safety, electrical theory and more.

Universal Technical Institute’s (UTI) Industrial Maintenance Technician training program was created as a direct response to feedback from industry leaders so that students can develop relevant skill sets.¹ Course topics include:³³

• Energy Industry Fundamentals
• Safety Compliance
• Practical Math and Applied Physics
• Metrology
• DC Electrical Theory
• AC Electrical Theory
• Advanced Electrical and Industrial Controls
• Materials Processing, Fabrication and Basic Diesel
• Gas Turbine Theory and Process Technology
• Boilers and Steam Turbine Operations

The curriculum builds students’ knowledge from the ground up, so even if industrial maintenance is completely new to you, you can still enroll with confidence! 

How Long Does Industrial Maintenance Technician Training Take?

The length of training depends on the path taken to get there. Candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent typically undergo at least one year of on-the-job training. Others may embark on a longer apprenticeship program.

UTI Industrial Maintenance Technician program graduates can begin pursuing a career after completing the program in less than one year. The 7-month program is offered at our Rancho Cucamonga, CA; Lisle, IL; and Canton, MI, campuses.

Industrial Maintenance Career Outlook

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for industrial maintenance technicians in the United States was $59,830 in May 2022.⁶⁰ That means half of the industrial maintenance technicians earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

Where you live can also determine the type of industrial maintenance you perform. For instance, Illinois was the leading nuclear power-producing state in the U.S. in 2022. Industrial techs who work in the state may have more opportunities to service energy-producing equipment than manufacturing machinery.

With that said, let’s look at some of the career paths industrial technicians can pursue.

Industrial Technician Jobs

Entry-level industrial technicians may start in one of the following roles:

• Industrial maintenance technicians diagnose issues, evaluate performance, replace defective parts, conduct routine cleaning and perform tests on damaged parts to determine the appropriate repairs.

• Installation technicians install and repair machines and their related systems. They also assist engineers in solving efficiency issues related to installation or floor layout.

• Plant technicians maintain machinery in power plants, oil refineries and chemical plants. This entry-level position can lay a valuable foundation for those interested in eventually becoming a powerplant operator.

Our grads are prepared to pursue entry-level roles. As with any industry, over time technicians may be able to advance in their careers with experience and hard work.⁷⁷ Some advanced roles might include:

• Powerplant operators oversee power-generating and distribution systems. They monitor voltage, assess equipment efficiency, and regulate power flow.

• Facilities managers manage an organization's equipment, supplies, buildings and overall grounds. They’re in charge of project planning, maintenance and maximizing resources.

• Major component mechanics maintain industrial machinery, working closely with component manufacturers to ensure each piece of equipment meets specified standards. They are often familiar with stationary engineering as well.

Industrial Maintenance Career FAQ

What skills are required for an industrial maintenance technician?

In addition to critical thinking skills, industrial maintenance technicians should also have manual dexterity, technical aptitude and troubleshooting skills. Attending a training program before pursuing an industrial maintenance career can help you sharpen these skills.

What is the difference between industrial maintenance and millwright?

Industrial maintenance technicians primarily perform routine maintenance on machinery to maximize efficiency while millwrights install, disassemble and transfer machinery. They also perform complex repairs that require component replacement.

Study Industrial Maintenance at UTI

Although industrial maintenance isn’t as well-known as the other skilled-trade professions, it is a growing field with exciting opportunities.

Interested in learning more about how an industrial maintenance career path could align with your goals? Request more info today, and one of our Admissions Representatives will reach out to answer any questions you may have or advise you on the next steps!