Although 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.
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In 2021-2022, heavy/industrial equipment maintenance was the 195th most popular major nationwide with 8,446 degrees awarded.
This year's Best Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Schools ranking compares 32 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.
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Requirements for Getting a Degree in Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance
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.
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Prior Education for an Equipment Maintenance Program
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.
Types of Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Degrees
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%
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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.
Career Opportunities for Equipment Maintenance Majors
AverageNumber of Jobs
$48.4kAverage Starting Salary
8% GrowthJob Outlook 2016-26
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.
Growth Projected for Equipment Maintenance Careers
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%
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How Much Money Do People With a Equipment Maintenance Degree Make?
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance graduates between <nil> reported earning an average of $48,427 in the <nil> timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $19,794 to as high as $70,305. As you might expect, salaries for equipment maintenance graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
High Paying Careers for Equipment Maintenance Majors
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
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Getting Your Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Degree
With over 760 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.
Top Ranking Lists for Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance
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Study Areas in Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance
One of 7 majors within the Mechanic & Repair Technologies area of study, Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance has other similar majors worth exploring.
by our College Data Analytics Team
