Industrial Machinery Mechanic

O*NET: Industrial Machinery Mechanics·49-9041.00

The Verdict:Industrial machinery mechanics perform hands-on disassembly, repair, and welding inside massive factory equipment amid belts, gears, and hydraulics. Each breakdown demands real-time physical adaptation no robot handles. AI augments diagnostics and scheduling, enabling faster repairs without replacing the craft. Demand remains robust.

Resilience Score

/100

Resilient

Score tiers

Highly Resilient81–100

Resilient61–80

Moderate Risk41–60

High Risk21–40

Critical Risk0–20

How is this scored?

Task Resilience

How much of this role's daily work remains beyond AI and robotic automation.

30% of score

Physical Presence

The degree to which this job needs a human present — hands-on, in the field, or in the room.

20% of score

Human Necessity

How important the unique human edge is — for trust, accountability, or judgment.

15% of score

Regulatory Shield

How strong the legal requirement is for a human in this job (by law, licensing, or credentials).

13% of score

Technological Maturity

How far AI remains from performing this role's core functions.

10% of score

Displacement Evidence

The volume of jobs in this field being eliminated by AI or automation right now.

12% of score

Score last updated: February 2026Full methodology

Avg Salary

Median annual wage from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 release.

$64k

Job Growth (10yr)

Projected change in total number of jobs (not salary) from 2024–2034. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections.

+16.1%

AI Exposure

Percentage of this role's analyzed tasks that AI can handle autonomously or nearly so. 1 of 16 tasks are classified as AI-exposed.

Low exposure

Task Analysis

This role's core work is hard to automate.
10 of 16 tasks require human judgment, presence, or trust. The 31% that are AI-leverage offer an edge — professionals who learn these tools will outperform those who don't.

1exposed

5AI leverage

10human-essential

View all 16 tasks

AI Can Handle This1 task

Tasks AI can do autonomously or nearly so

Record repairs and maintenance performed.

AI Leverage5 tasks

Master these tools — humans who do outperform those who don't

Record parts or materials used and order or requisition new parts or materials, as necessary.

Analyze test results, machine error messages, or information obtained from operators to diagnose equipment problems.

Study blueprints or manufacturers' manuals to determine correct installation or operation of machinery.

Enter codes and instructions to program computer-controlled machinery.

Assign schedules to work crews.

Human Advantage10 tasks

Tasks requiring trust, presence, or novel judgment

Repair or maintain the operating condition of industrial production or processing machinery or equipment.

Repair or replace broken or malfunctioning components of machinery or equipment.

Clean, lubricate, or adjust parts, equipment, or machinery.

Disassemble machinery or equipment to remove parts and make repairs.

Reassemble equipment after completion of inspections, testing, or repairs.

Examine parts for defects, such as breakage or excessive wear.

Operate newly repaired machinery or equipment to verify the adequacy of repairs.

Observe and test the operation of machinery or equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using voltmeters or other testing devices.

Cut and weld metal to repair broken metal parts, fabricate new parts, or assemble new equipment.

Demonstrate equipment functions and features to machine operators.

Resilience Landscape

Industrial Machinery Mechanic lands in Stable, Lower Pay

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