Industrial Machinery Mechanics vs. Maintenance and Repair Workers, General: Who Earns More?
Industrial Machinery Mechanicss out-earn Maintenance and Repair Workers, Generals by $15K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Industrial Machinery Mechanicss land at $64,520 and Maintenance and Repair Workers, Generals at $49,590. The education gap is real: industrial machinery mechanic programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while maintenance and repair workers, general programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Industrial Machinery Mechanicss is District of Columbia ($87,670); for Maintenance and Repair Workers, Generals it's District of Columbia ($60,310).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Industrial Machinery Mechanics median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Industrial Machinery Mechanicss or Maintenance and Repair Workers, Generals?
Industrial Machinery Mechanicss earn more nationally. The median is $64,520 for Industrial Machinery Mechanicss versus $49,590 for Maintenance and Repair Workers, Generals, a difference of $15K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Industrial Machinery Mechanics or Maintenance and Repair Workers, General?
Industrial Machinery Mechanics has the better 10-year outlook at 16.1% projected growth, compared to 3.8% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Industrial Machinery Mechanics or Maintenance and Repair Workers, General?
Industrial Machinery Mechanics typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Maintenance and Repair Workers, General requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Industrial Machinery Mechanicss get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Industrial Machinery Mechanicss at $87,670/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Industrial Machinery Mechanics vs. Maintenance and Repair Workers, General pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Industrial Machinery Mechanicss earn $87,670 vs. $60,310 for Maintenance and Repair Workers, Generals. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.