Industrial machinery/components play a significant role in an industry’s manufacturing and production process. They are in charge of the machine operations that function in production facilities.
Various jobs are available if you are looking for a job in industrial machinery/components, provided you have the right skills and qualifications.
This article will list the best-paying jobs in industrial machinery and components and provide some beneficial advice on securing these jobs.
Table of contents
What Is Machinery And Component Industry?
The machinery industry includes businesses that make engines, turbines, and power transmission equipment, as well as agricultural, construction, and mining machinery.
The Machinery Industry is made up of establishments that mainly focus on manufacturing
- Construction, mining, and oil and gas field machinery
- Lawn and garden tractors and home lawn and garden equipment
- Packaging machinery
- Power transmission equipment (except automotive gaskets, seals, and packing supplies)
- Metalworking machinery
- Spaceships and other aircraft
- Ventilating, heating, air conditioning, and commercial refrigeration equipment
- Agricultural implements and hay-harvesting machinery
- Refrigeration and service industrial refrigeration equipment
- Pumps
- Laundry equipment
- Logging, sawmill, papermaking, printing, and woodworking machinery
- Turbines (except aircraft engines)
What Is Industrial Machinery
Industrial machinery and equipment are those machinery and equipment used by a production sector in the industry. It can further be said to be those mechanical, electrical, and/or electronic devices used to perform a specific function and produce a certain result.
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Is Industrial Machinery A Good Career Path?
A career in industrial machines/components is a highly promising one to the availability of various job prospects. The job outlook in this industry is projected to grow by 10% in the coming 10 years.
This broad field comprises different career paths like designing and developing new equipment to repair and maintenance of existing ones. As such, there is a job option for everybody provided you have the right skills and training.
If you are seeking a career in industrial machinery, here are a few things you need to bear in mind:
- It is pertinent to note that you must have strong communication and problem-solving skills.
- You need to understand how to work with technological equipment like computers and other high-ended tech equipment.
- You need to have practical experience in how to use the required tools.
Moving on, let’s look at the 15 best-paying jobs in industrial machinery/components.
15 Best Paying Jobs In Industrial Machinery/ Components In 2023
If you’re seeking a high-paying career, the machinery industry may be the ideal choice for you.
Here is a list of the best-paying jobs in the industrial machinery/components industry:
- Senior Mechanical Engineer
- Research and Development Engineers
- Industrial designers
- Instrumentation Engineer
- Automation Engineer
- Powertrain engineer
- Agricultural Equipment Mechanics
- Crane Operators
- Locomotive Engineers
- Mechanical Engineer
- Maintenance and Repair Engineers
- Millwrights
- Quality Engineers
- Plant manager
- Assembly line worker
1. Senior Mechanical Engineer
Estimated salary range – $108,823 to $123,066 per year
A senior mechanical engineer is one of the best-paying jobs in industrial machinery/components. Their earnings are usually based on competence and qualifications.
To become a senior mechanical engineer, you must have at least years of experience in the industry and relevant related skills.
You can shoot your shots if you know you are qualified for this position.
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2. Research and Development Engineers
Estimated salary range – $56,000 to $109,028 per year
Research and development engineers are one of the high-earning jobs in the machinery industry.
In the United States, salaries for Research & Development (r&d) Engineers range from $56,000 to $84,000, with a median income of $70,000. The middle 67% of Research & Development (r&d) Engineers earn $70,000 per year, with the top 67% earning $84,000 to $109,028.
A research and development engineer is responsible for operating new and innovative machinery, to ensure that they meet the required product and safety standards.
While you may not necessarily require a degree in engineering to work in this field, having one will give you an edge over other candidates.
Research and development engineers generally work in large industrial companies or research institutes.
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3. Industrial designers
Estimated salary range – $75,000 to $99,367 per year
Industrial designers are professionals who design products, objects, devices, and services used by people in the industry and the world at large. Primarily, they focus on a product’s physical appearance, manufacturability, and functionality.
To succeed as an industrial designer, you’ll need a degree in Industrial Design or a related field and experience working with CAD software.
The average salary of an industrial engineer in the US is $75,000 per annum. Entry-level engineers start at $61,5440 per annum while highly experienced industrial designers earn up to $98,485 annually.
According to a report on the Bureau of Labor Statistics, industrial designers are expected to experience very high demand in the future and can earn up to $99,367 per year.
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4. Instrumentation Engineer
Average salary per year – $98,383
If you’re looking for a high-paying and rewarding career in machinery, an instrumentation engineer may be a good fit if you meet the requirements.
Instrumentation engineering is concerned with control processes that rely on sensors as input. This branch of engineering is focused on equipment procedures that use sensors to monitor a variety of factors such as pressure, pH, voltage, temperature, and others.
The average salary of instrumentation engineers in the United States ranges from $98,383 to $110,000 annually.
To excel as an instrumentation engineer, you must have good math and problem-solving skills.
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5. Automation Engineer
Average salary per year – $95,320
Next on our list of best-paying jobs in industrial machinery/components is the automation engineer.
An automation engineer is responsible for designing, building, maintaining, and operating industrial robotic systems.
So, if you have a degree in engineering or a related field and are looking for a job that gives room for creativity in solving complex problems, an automation engineer is an ideal fit.
The average salary of an automation engineer in the USA ranges from $95,320 to $101,487 annually.
As automation becomes more common, the demand for automation experts will skyrocket.
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6. Powertrain engineer
Estimated salary range – $53,640 to $128,430 per year
The duty of a powertrain engineer is to design, construct, test, and maintain engines and transmissions in vehicles.
To become a powertrain engineer, you need a degree in engineering or a related field, and experience working with engines and transmissions.
The compensation of Powertrain Engineers in the US is from $53,640 to $128,430, with a median salary of $83,590. The mid-level Powertrain Engineers make $83,200, with the top 83% making $128,430.
If you’re looking for the best-paying jobs in industrial machinery/components, powertrain engineering may be your ideal choice.
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7. Agricultural Equipment Mechanics
Average salary per year – $64,220
An agricultural equipment mechanic is a highly skilled and trained technician who farmers and farm equipment dealers call in to perform repairs and regular maintenance on large and expensive pieces of machinery.
If you have sufficient knowledge of how agricultural equipment works, you may be in a better position for this high-paying industrial job.
The remuneration of agricultural equipment mechanics differs according to years of experience and education level. Nevertheless, their salaries range from $28,670 to $64,220.
8. Crane Operators
Average salary per year – $62,240
Crane operators use cranes or draglines to lift, move, position, or place machinery, equipment, and other heavy things on construction or industrial sites, ports, railway yards, surface mines, and other comparable places.
They are usually hired by construction, mining, shipbuilding, railway, and crane rental companies.
In the United States, the typical compensation for a crane operator is roughly $62,240 per year, with an additional $7,500 per year for overtime.
The risk level in this job is high, as such maximum care and attention to detail are advised as any mistake can lead to serious injury or even death.
Crane operators work full-time and are paid on an hourly basis.
9. Locomotive Engineers
Average salary per year – $74,022
If you’re looking for a high-paying job in industrial machinery/components, you can apply to be a locomotive engineer if you meet the job requirements.
Locomotive engineers are responsible for the secure and efficient operation of trains.
To practice as a locomotive engineer, you need to have a degree in railway engineering or a related field. In addition to a degree in railway engineering, you can also have experience in mechanical and electrical engineering.
The estimated average salary of locomotive engineers in the United States is $74,022.
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10. Mechanical Engineer
Average salary per year – $79,710
Mechanical engineers design and create power-generating machinery like electric generators, internal combustion engines, steam and gas turbines, and power-consuming machines like refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.
They are also responsible for the construction of elevators and escalators.
The salary of mechanical engineers ranges from $67,372 to $98,562 annually. In comparison, their average salary in the US is $79,710 per year.
To earn more as a mechanical engineer, you need to specialize in a specific type of machinery.
To become a mechanical engineer, you must have a doctoral degree and industry-relevant experience.
11. Maintenance and Repair Engineers
Average salary per year – $75,397
If you’re looking for a high-paying job in the machinery industry, Maintenance and Repair Engineers should be an ideal pick.
Maintenance and repair engineers handle the maintenance and restoration of machines, ensuring they function efficiently and optimally.
The average salary of maintenance engineers in the United States is $75,397, but the salary range typically falls between $67,043 and $87,247.
To apply for this job, you need to have a degree in engineering or mechanical sciences backed with experience in repairing and maintaining machinery.
12. Millwrights
Average salary per year – $62,191 per year
A millwright is a trained tradesperson who sets up, dismantles, maintains, fixes, and moves machinery in power plants, factories, and construction sites. They are responsible for all kinds of machinery in the industry, ranging from grinding wheels to mills.
Millwrights work with specialized tools, such as welders or hydraulic bolters.
According to salaries reported on Indeed, the average salary for a millwright is $62,191 per year in the United States and $7,000 overtime per year.
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13. Quality Engineers
Average salary per year – $79,131
A quality engineer is in charge of developing a strategic plan to improve company operations and increase output. Additionally, they create the company’s quality standards and test procedures to represent efficiency, dependability, and performance.
Quality engineers are also in charge of creating documentation that reports flaws and defects in the manufacturing process and makes efforts to identify a solution.
To become a quality engineer, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Most companies clearly state their preference for a master’s degree holder with experience working as a quality engineer.
The average annual salary for a quality engineer in the U.S is $79,131.
14. Plant manager
Average salary per year – $94,947
We can’t talk about the best-paying jobs in industrial machinery/components without enlisting the plant manager.
The plant manager is a production professional responsible for ensuring that all daily operations of the plant run smoothly and effectively.
To be employed as a plant manager, you need to have proven experience as a plant manager and sufficient knowledge of business and management principles (budgeting, strategic planning, resource allocation, and human resources).
According to Indeed, the average salary for a plant manager is $94,947 per year in the United States and $6,500 profit sharing per year.
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15. Assembly line worker
Average salary per year – $41,922
Assembling line personnel is responsible for a number of duties related to the assembly of items on an assembly line. They typically work in industries and are paid by the hour.
It is their duty to add parts to products, test them, and package them for distribution.
Assembling line personnel may also be responsible for running machinery that aids in the assembly process in some circumstances.
Before you secure a job as an assembly line worker in a factory, you need to undergo on-the-job training to learn how to do the job. Assembly line workers make an average of $41,922 per year, according to payscale.
What Are The Educational Requirements To Become An Industrial Machinery and Component Operator
While entry-level roles in industrial machinery are available, many occupations in this industry need formal education and/or experience.
If you wish to become an expert in Industrial machinery and component operations, you need to obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. This will make it easier for you to climb the professional ladder.
Additionally, obtaining certification programs such as ABET/NACE shows a level of expertise in the field.
Moreso, having a strong foundation in mathematics and science will give you an edge when looking for a job in industrial machinery and components.
FAQs On Jobs In Industrial Machinery/Components
Industrial machinery and equipment are those machines used by a manufacturer in a manufacturing establishment. Machinery is referred to any mechanical, electrical, or electronic device designed and used to execute some function and to produce a certain effect or result.
Machinery does not comprise buildings designed particularly to house or support machinery. On the other hand, equipment is any tangible personal property used in an operation or activity.
Engine Operated Machines are those machines that operate by an engine. A good example of engine-operated machines are vehicles that are widely used for transportation. Examples: Fork Lift, Crane Machines, Railway engines, etc.
A career in industrial machinery/components is a highly promising one to the availability of various job prospects. The job outlook in this industry is projected to grow by 10% in the coming 10 years.
Conclusion
Just as seen in the list above, salaries in the industrial machinery industry differ based on the role and amount of expertise. Overall, this is a well-paying industry with promising job prospects.
References
- atlanticride.com – Best Paying Jobs in Industrial Machinery and Components
- techpluto.com – Best Paying Jobs in Industrial Machinery/Components
- thecollectionbureau.com – 12 best-paying jobs in industrial machinery/components
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