The median annual wage of industrial machinery mechanics was $45,420 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,880, and the top 10 percent earned more than $68,130.
The median annual wage of machinery maintenance workers was $38,460 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,440, and the top 10 percent earned more than $59,640.
Most industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workers are employed full time during regular business hours. However, mechanics may be on call or assigned to work nights or weekends. Overtime is common, particularly for mechanics.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition