If a hands-on career where you repair and install machinery sounds good to you, it won’t be a surprise to ask, ‘is industrial machinery/components a good career path.’ And in this post, we are going to be answering every question you might have about working in the industrial machinery industry.
Almost everything in our economy today has its origin in a factory. Even our foods are made there. So factories are an important part of our economy. However, not many people would love to work in factories because jobs there can be tasking and come with a level of risk. But instead, you could work on the machines that are used in these factories. The machines need someone to install, repair, and maintain them so production can be at its best.
If you are not sure if you should pick a career in the industrial machinery/components industry, you should keep reading this. By the time you get to the end of the post, you will already have an answer to the question, ‘is industrial machinery/components a good career path.’
Table of Contents
First, What Does An Industrial Machinery Mechanic Do?
Working as an engineer in industrial machinery and components means you will be working a lot with machinery usually used in factories. You will likely be in charge of repairing and maintaining those equipment, such as packaging equipment, conveying systems, and production machinery.
Some other tasks of an industrial mechanic are reading technical manuals to understand controls and equipment, replacing and repairing broken components, performing required tests to ensure machines are working well, calibrating and adjusting machinery and equipment, and many more.
Is Industrial Machinery/Components A Good Career Path?
Let’s answer the question right out of the bat. Many things make the industrial a good one for anyone who would like to work in factories. First, jobs there are in high demand – thanks to the increase in new machines and automation in factories. Therefore, more people are always needed to maintain these new machinery. That means you may not have a problem with getting a job and enjoying different growth opportunities in the machinery industry.
Also, salary in this industry is quite lucrative. We know this is one of the biggest motivations for anyone asking, ‘Is industrial machinery/components a good career path?’ The average salary of an industrial mechanic is around $55,000 per year.
There is also high job satisfaction, getting to see that you are working with new and sophisticated machinery, and that you are an important factor in the production line. Jobs in this industry are also secured, providing you with growth opportunities that are necessary for career growth.
If you enjoy working with large machines, not mind getting dirty working with your hands, then picking a career path in industrial machinery/components is good.
Is Industrial Machinery/Components a Good Career Path: Some Job Opportunities There
There is a wide range of job opportunities available for you in the industry. Let’s take a look at some popular ones and what they do.
Industrial machinery mechanics: These are also called maintenance mechanisms, and they are often in charge of ensuring the proper working of machines and fixing any technical faults.
- Machinery maintenance engineers are responsible for maintaining, repairing, and conducting routine checks on machinery using the manuals.
- Millwrights: They install, disassemble, and move machinery in factories and power plants.
- Industrial designers: Design and manufacture products. They often combine art, business, and engineering to develop cutting-edge machinery for factories. Their roles are very important.
- Assemblers and fabricators: They often work with finished products. They assemble finished products, getting them into the right places with the use of machines.
- Industrial product managers: They are responsible for the coordination of daily operations. They plan day-to-day activities in the factory.
- Quality control inspectors: They examine products and manufacture materials to detect any issues with the products. Their role is very important in the industry.
What Are Some High-Paying Jobs in the Industry
Still answering the question, ‘Is industrial machinery/components a good career path,’ let’s look at some high-paying jobs in the industrial machinery industry. There are different roles in the industry, and each comes with a varying salary. For instance, working as a millwright, your average salary will be around $55,000 per year. But working in an engineering position, you might earn up to $95,000 in a year. Below are some of the high-paying jobs you might want to consider:
- Instrumentation engineer – earns around $108,000 per year
- Powertrain engineer – average annual salary is around $102,000
- Senior mechanical engineer – earns about $99,000 per annum
- Research and development engineer –earning is around $93,000 per annum
- Automation engineer – average salary per year is $90,000
- Heavy equipment and aircraft mechanics – earn an average of $64,000 per year
- HVAC mechanic – the average salary is $49,000
What Is The Educational Requirement In Industrial Machinery/Components?
There is no one-size-fits-all here. The educational requirements vary depending on the position you are applying for. With a high school diploma, you can get entry-level job positions in the industry. And if you have your bachelor’s or master’s, you will be to secure a job in a higher position. The summary is that there is a job position for every level of education.
What Skills Are Required For A Job In The Industrial Machinery/Components Industry?
Rapping up on this topic of, ‘is industrial machinery/components a good career path,’ let’s look at some extra skills you may need to add to your education and certifications. Some of the important skills you need are:
- Ability to read – because you will be reading a lot of technical handbooks
- Basic understanding of how machines work
- Ability to pay attention to details
- Good hand-eye coordination
- Troubleshooting skills
- Various unique skills depending on the type of machinery you are working with
Final Note on ‘Is Industrial Machinery/Components a Good Career Path’
The short answer to the question is yes, especially if you have a love for working with machinery and factory life. The industry is full of various job opportunities, and job security is at its best. You will get to be at the center of where things are happening in a factory because you will be in charge of the maintenance and operation of the machines. So job satisfaction is good.
Payment is also good here. An average industrial mechanic earns about $55,000 per annum. However, you should also know that this is different from the regular 9-5 jobs you probably know.
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