by our College Data Analytics TeamAlthough we don't always see the large machinery that operates factories or businesses it provides a critical function. These machines help manufacture materials, maintain electric systems, and regulate power. Technicians work around the clock to fix and maintain broken machinery. A major in Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance will equip students with the technical knowledge and skills required to repair and maintain this heavy equipment.
While studying this major you will be taking courses in blueprint reading, computer programming, hydraulics, mechanical drawing, and electronics. This major is commonly offered as a certificate; however it can be obtained as an Associate's degree.
In 2020-2021, heavy/industrial equipment maintenance was the 195th most popular major nationwide with 8,717 degrees awarded. This 155 less than the prior year, a decrease of 1.8%.
This year's Best Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Schools ranking compares 66 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom equipment maintenance rankings further below.
This is a great major for students who love to learn how things work. You will be presented with a variety of different machinery including cranes, pumps, pneumatic tools, conveyor systems, and production machinery. Classes will teach you to work with sophisticated diagnostic machinery and be comfortable reassembling big, complex equipment.
Students should be good problem solvers in order to diagnose issues and find solutions. Attention to detail and a steady hand are important. Most programs require student to acquire an apprenticeships in order to gain work experience and to learn the fundamentals first hand. This usually involves working alongside professionals in the field.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most equipment maintenance degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Once you obtain your degree, additional equipment maintenance certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
There are many different equipment maintenance degree levels. You can spend many years getting as high as a in heavy/industrial equipment maintenance to something that takes less time like a . Depending on the heavy/industrial equipment maintenance degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
An associate degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to equipment maintenance, with approximately 7.4% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to equipment maintenance tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma | 41.5% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 37.2% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 7.3% |
| Some College Courses | 7.2% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 2.7% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in heavy/industrial equipment maintenance careers have.
The education level required is different depending on the equipment maintenance career you are seeking.
Individuals who have completed a program in Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance have different career options. Industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workers repair and maintain factory equipment and other industrial machinery. Other jobs you might find work in are general maintenance and repair workers, heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians, and millwrights.
Want a job when you graduate with your equipment maintenance degree? Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance careers are expected to grow 7.9% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to heavy/industrial equipment maintenance.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | 370,100 | 6.7% |
| Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics | 137,900 | 8.2% |
| Machinery Maintenance Workers | 94,700 | 5.6% |
| Millwrights | 43,400 | 9.9% |
| Elevator Installers and Repairers | 24,800 | 12.2% |
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance graduates between 2017-2019 reported earning an average of $44,254 in the 2019-2020 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $18,967 to as high as $68,180. As you might expect, salaries for equipment maintenance graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for heavy/industrial equipment maintenance graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers equipment maintenance grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Elevator Installers and Repairers | $79,370 |
| Wind Turbine Service Technicians | $58,000 |
| Millwrights | $56,250 |
| Rail Car Repairers | $56,020 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | $54,000 |
With over 740 different equipment maintenance degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased equipment maintenance school rankings to help you with this.
One of 7 majors within the Mechanic & Repair Technologies area of study, Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Industrial Mechanics & Maintenance Technology | 7,800 |
| Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician | 882 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies, Other | 35 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Maintenance & Repair | 56,539 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration | 19,594 |
| Electronics Maintenance & Repair | 7,770 |
| Precision Systems Maintenance | 1,932 |
| Mechanic & Repair Tech (Other) | 1,267 |
