The Industrial machinery/components sector is an important sector of the economy, representing about one-third of the US gross domestic product (GDP) and employing about 20% of the total workforce. The sector includes manufacturing industries that produce industrial machinery, equipment, and components.
Industrial Machinery/Components are significant contributors to the global economy. This sector includes machinery, equipment, and components used in manufacturing. The industry also includes equipment and components used in mining and construction.
The industry consists of manufacturers of industrial machinery and equipment and suppliers of parts and accessories for these products.
The products manufactured include:
- Agricultural machinery
- Construction Equipment
- Mining machinery
- Household appliances
- Office automation equipment
- Printing and copying machines
- Semiconductors
- Electronic components
- Electronic instruments for measuring, testing, and navigation
Basically, the Industrial machinery/components sector is a subsector of the Manufacturing industry. It includes establishments primarily manufacturing products from metal, nonmetal, and plastic materials or a combination of these materials. Establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing machinery and equipment for industries such as paper and pulp, chemicals, petrochemical, steel, rubber, food products, and textiles are included.
Is Industrial Machinery/Components a Good Career Path?
Yes, industrial machinery/components is a good career path. If you like working with your hands and enjoy being around machines this becomes the best career path for you. You’ll need to be able to fix and assemble new equipment, maintain older machines, and repair broken parts. You can work in various automotive, aerospace, medical, and commercial manufacturing industries.
You must understand that Industrial machinery/components are a highly specialized field that requires extensive training and experience, so you should be ready to commit your time and energy.
Best Paying Jobs in Industrial Machinery/Components
The best-paying jobs in Industrial Machinery/Components include; Mechanical engineer, Project manager, Machinist, Tool and Die Manager, Machine Operator, Electrical Engineer, Chemical Engineer, and Utility System Worker. Most of the best paying jobs in industrial machinery components are in the engineering field, making it a highly technical industry.
This article contains the list of the best-paying jobs in Industrial Machinery/Components for career starters or experienced individuals. But before we do, let us talk about the background study of the subject matter.
Below are some of the best-paying jobs in industrial machinery/components that you can start your career with.
1. Mechanical engineer
A mechanical engineer designs and develops machines, devices, moving parts, tools, and other items that must be able to perform specific functions under controlled conditions. They use engineering principles when designing these products and systems, including electronics, software, or other components.
Mechanical engineers may also be responsible for developing new materials that can be used to make more efficient machines or components for existing ones. They have a median annual salary of $79,680.
2. A Project Manager
A project manager oversees large-scale projects for an organization or company. They’re responsible for managing all aspects of their assigned projects to run smoothly and on time. Project managers may work directly with clients to determine what needs to be done. They have a median annual salary of a Project manager: $79,430
3. Machinist
Machinists make and repair industrial machines, such as lathes, milling machines, and drill presses. They also may fabricate parts or assemble components. The median annual wage is $42,440.
4. Tool and Die Maker
Tool and die makers construct dies that stamp out metal products like car parts, tools, appliances, and toys. They also may make molds for casting metal pieces or plastic items such as bottle caps or eyeglasses frames. The median annual wage is $44,610.
5. Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist
CNC machinists use computers to program automated equipment used in manufacturing processes such as cutting or drilling metal parts or plastic prototypes from CAD designs into machined parts using computer-controlled machining processes such as EDM wire cutting, waterjet cutting, and laser beam machining, among others depending on the material being cut or drilled for the part being produced by the CNC machine tool operator’s work station in an industrial factory manufacturing facility. They earn about $52,640 and even more as a median annual salary.
6. Machine Operator
This job requires you to operate machines that cut, form, or shape material. You could work with computer numerical control (CNC) machines or other automated systems. It’s essential that you understand how these machines work and know how to fix them when they go wrong.
The machine operator is crucial in the industrial machinery/components industry, as it ensures that processes and products run smoothly. Their median annual salary is $37,111
7. Electrical Engineer
They design and develop electrical equipment such as radar, electrical motors, and navigation systems. They oversee the above production and ensure it goes through proper testing before it is released to the market.
Electrical engineers earn $101,780 as their average annual salary, which can be more in some regions.
8. Metallurgical Engineer
They are responsible for conducting testing of materials to ensure their safety, developing processes for recycling materials, creating accurate testing processes, and investigating the material failure.
There is a projected 20% increase in the demand for metallurgical engineers in the next five years. Their average annual salary is pegged at $74,890
9. Chemical Engineer
They design and develop chemical manufacturing processes. Also, they apply the principles of chemistry, biology, and physics to solve the problem of the production or use of chemicals, food, fuel, or drugs. They earn about $105,550 on average every year.
10. Industrial Machinery Repairer
Industrial machinery repairers repair and maintain industrial machineries, such as conveyor systems, robot production systems, and automated packaging machines. They make sure that these machines are working correctly and safely. They earn about $82,450 and even more based on their experience and talent.
11. Power Generation Equipment Repairer
Power generation equipment repairers fix and maintain large diesel engines, boilers, turbines, and other power-generating equipment used in industries such as mining or construction. They may also install or maintain electrical components of the equipment. In the United States, their average yearly pay is $58,868.
12. Utility System Worker
Utility system workers install, maintain, and repair the systems that provide water, gas, and electricity to homes and businesses. These systems include water heaters, air conditioners, furnaces, and boilers. They also work on telephone lines, cable television, and city traffic lights. They earn about $63,877 yearly as an average salary.
What are the Qualifications to Get Best Paying Jobs in the Industrial Machinery/Components?
For an Industrial Machinery/Components job, you need to have a few basic skills and certification:
- A degree in engineering or a related field
- Familiarity with CAD software and 3D modeling
- Familiarity with machining processes, including lathes, mills, and CNC machines
- Knowledge of hand tools like drills and grinders
- An understanding of materials science and metallurgy
- An ability to read blueprints
There is no single path to becoming an industrial machinery expert. You can obtain a degree in mechanical engineering or industrial technology, but there are other ways to enter this career field.
Your best bet is to go through an apprenticeship program with a local manufacturer or distributor of industrial equipment. It will give you hands-on experience that will be invaluable in your career.
Also, if you can get the below additional skills, it will give you a better edge.
- CNC Programming.
- CAD/CAM
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some of the key companies that operate in this sector?
The key companies in the Industrial machinery/components are General Electric Company (GE), Siemens AG, ABB Ltd., Alstom SA., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., AECOM Technology Corp., Schneider Electric SE, and Rockwell Automation Inc.
What are the main challenges facing the Industrial machinery/components sector?
We expect various challenges to continue to be faced by this sector, including increasing costs of materials and labor shortages due to demographic changes. e also expect that there will be growing environmental regulations and standards, which will impact production processes.
Conclusion
Industrial Machinery/component is energy and a highly specialized industry that requires beyond you have an engineering background, you must be open to learning specialized professional skills. The more skills and experience you have, the better chance of getting a good job placement.
