by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 268 U.S. colleges awarded 9,157 degrees and certificates in Industrial Mechanics & Maintenance Technology. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 55% of graduates. College Factual ranks 156 schools in its 2027 Best Industrial Mechanics & Maintenance Technology Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $49,653 one year after completing, rising to $65,192 after four years.
A major in Industrial Mechanics & Maintenance Technology explores Industrial Mechanics And Maintenance Technology/technician. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Technical Knowledge And Skills To Repair And Maintain Industrial Machinery And Equipment Such As Cranes, Pumps, Engines And Motors, Pneumatic Tools, Conveyor Systems, Production Machinery, Marine Deck Machinery, And Steam Propulsion, Refinery, And Pipeline-Distribution Systems. Examples: [Industrial Plant Technician], [Industrial Equipment Technology], [Industrial Mechanic], [Millwright].
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., industrial mechanics & maintenance technology is a widely-pursued major, with 9,157 degrees awarded annually. 268 colleges award industrial mechanics & maintenance technology degrees, an average of 34 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 474.
By level, the 9,157 awards include 2,442 certificates, 1,375 associate degrees and 5,025 master’s degrees.
Women earned 7% of industrial mechanics & maintenance technology degrees and certificates in the latest year (616 of 9,157). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (5,789) and Hispanic or Latino (1,480), and international students earned 41.
College Factual ranks 156 schools in its 2027 Best Industrial Mechanics & Maintenance Technology Schools ranking, including 50 for associate degrees. It also ranks industrial mechanics & maintenance technology schools within 14 states. In all, 268 colleges offer industrial mechanics & maintenance technology programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Industrial Mechanics & Maintenance Technology Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common industrial mechanics & maintenance technology credential is the master’s degree: 5,025 of the 9,157 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to industrial mechanics & maintenance technology call most for Repairing, Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting, and for knowledge of Mechanical, Public Safety and Security and English Language, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Arm-Hand Steadiness, Problem Sensitivity and Near Vision.
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How long an industrial mechanics & maintenance technology degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 2,442 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 1,375 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 5,025 |
High school diploma or equivalent is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to industrial mechanics & maintenance technology, at 48.8%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 48.8% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 38.4% |
| Some college courses | 6.1% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 5.7% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.4% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.4% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 0.4% |
Source: O*NET Online.
7 occupations are related to Industrial Mechanics & Maintenance Technology, with an average median salary of $57,709; the strongest outlook belongs to Wind Turbine Service Technicians, at 14.9% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Service Technician, Salvager, Mechanic and Oven Equipment Repairer.
The occupation related to industrial mechanics & maintenance technology with the most projected jobs is Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons, at 628,417.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons | 628,417 | 12.0% |
| Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door | 577,707 | 5.5% |
| Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers | 534,900 | -2.0% |
| Wind Turbine Service Technicians | 488,197 | 14.9% |
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery | 434,170 | 6.1% |
| Millwrights | 139,345 | 9.2% |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | 80,559 | 7.8% |
Industrial Mechanics & Maintenance Technology graduates earn a median $49,653 one year after completing their program, $65,192 after four years and $60,175 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $49,653 |
| 4 years | $65,192 |
| 5 years | $60,175 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The same occupation is also the highest-paying one related to industrial mechanics & maintenance technology, with a median salary of $74,051.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Wind Turbine Service Technicians | $74,051 |
| Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door | $69,523 |
| Millwrights | $69,067 |
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery | $68,487 |
| Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons | $54,995 |
| Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers | $36,138 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | $31,702 |
Industrial Mechanics & Maintenance Technology has 2 similar majors in the Mechanic & Repair Technologies field, which together award 928 degrees a year; the largest are Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician (859) and Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians, Other (69). Browse all Mechanic & Repair Technologies majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician | 859 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians, Other | 69 |
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