Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians graduates earn $83,301 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 49.9%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Wind Turbine Service Technicians is among the highest-growth roles in the field.
About Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians is a focused area of study within Mechanics & Repair. Graduates typically earn around $83,301 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 374 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 8,614 students complete this program each year, most earning a certificate. Training is practical and skills-based, with a fast path from classroom to job site.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$65,331
Median Earnings · 4yr
$83,301
Colleges Offering
374
Graduates / Year
8,614
Avg Net Price / yr
$8,321
How Much Do Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians Graduates Earn?
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians graduates earn $83,301 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $72,669 and $105,418.
$65,331
1 Year After Graduation
Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.
$83,301
4-Year National Median
Well above average for college graduates.
$83,528
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a moderate earnings spread across Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians graduates. Region and union membership drive the gap more than any other factor. Union jobs in high-cost metros pay significantly more than non-union positions elsewhere.
$72,66925th pct.
$83,301Median
$105,41875th pct.
Why This Program Pays Off Fast
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $83,301 against an estimated $33,284 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
Based on outcomes from 2 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 8,614 students who complete Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians programs each year, the majority (62%) earn a certificate degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
62%36%
Certificate62%
Associate's36%
Doctorate2%
What Can You Do With a Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians Degree?
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians connects to 6 occupations in the job market. Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers leads at $109,910/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Assemble, install, repair, or maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters.
Inspect wiring connections, control panel hookups, door installations, and alignments and clearances of cars and hoistways to ensure that equipment will operate properly.
Assemble, install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, moving sidewalks, and dumbwaiters, using hand and power tools, and testing devices such as test lamps, ammeters, and voltmeters.
Disassemble defective units, and repair or replace parts such as locks, gears, cables, and electric wiring.
Install, repair, and maintain mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors.
Record maintenance information, including test results, material usage, and repairs made.
Disassemble and repair mechanical control devices or valves, such as regulators, thermostats, or hydrants, using power tools, hand tools, and cutting torches.
Lubricate wearing surfaces of mechanical parts, using oils or other lubricants.
High school diploma or equivalent16,500 openings/yr177K employed nationally
RepairingTroubleshootingEquipment MaintenanceOperations MonitoringOperation and Control
Day-to-day responsibilities
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining.
Repair and replace damaged or worn parts.
Test mechanical products and equipment after repair or assembly to ensure proper performance and compliance with manufacturers' specifications.
Operate and inspect machines or heavy equipment to diagnose defects.
High school diploma or equivalent45,700 openings/yr440K employed nationally
RepairingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshooting
Day-to-day responsibilities
Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.
Repair or maintain the operating condition of industrial production or processing machinery or equipment.
Repair or replace broken or malfunctioning components of machinery or equipment.
Clean, lubricate, or adjust parts, equipment, or machinery.
Inspect, diagnose, adjust, or repair wind turbines. Perform maintenance on wind turbine equipment including resolving electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic malfunctions.
Troubleshoot or repair mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical malfunctions related to variable pitch systems, variable speed control systems, converter systems, or related components.
Perform routine maintenance on wind turbine equipment, underground transmission systems, wind fields substations, or fiber optic sensing and control systems.
Diagnose problems involving wind turbine generators or control systems.
High school diploma or equivalent4,800 openings/yr60K employed nationally
Operations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingOperation and Control
Day-to-day responsibilities
Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.
Dismantle machines and remove parts for repair, using hand tools, chain falls, jacks, cranes, or hoists.
Reassemble machines after the completion of repair or maintenance work.
Record production, repair, and machine maintenance information.
Top Colleges for Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Mechanics & Repair Programs
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians is one of 8 specializations within Mechanics & Repair. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
Strong earnings and positive career growth make Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians a solid option. The 4 strengths and 2 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.
PROS
Strong median salaryGraduates earn $83,301 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +49.9% over the next decade, with Wind Turbine Service Technicians among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 75,200 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
High upside potentialTop earners (75th percentile) in this program reach $105,418, a strong ceiling for high performers.
CONS
Licensure often requiredMany positions in this field require trade licenses, certifications, or apprenticeship completion. These add time and cost beyond the academic credential.
Declining roles in some areas1 related career show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
How much do Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians graduates earn?
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians graduates earn a national median of $83,301 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $72,669 and $105,418. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians degree?
One year after graduation, Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians degree holders earn a median of $65,331. That climbs to $83,301 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians degree?
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians degree holders pursue careers including Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers, which pays a median of $109,910/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians program take?
Most Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians certificate programs take one to two years of full-time study. Some are available in as little as one semester at community colleges.
How many colleges offer Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians?
374 colleges and universities in the United States offer Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $83,301 and an average net price of roughly $8,321/yr, a Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians and Mechanics & Repair?
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians is a focused concentration within the broader Mechanics & Repair field. The Mechanics & Repair major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians graduates?
Employers hiring Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians graduates consistently prioritize technical proficiency, safety compliance, and hands-on problem-solving. Certifications, apprenticeships, and demonstrated practical experience typically carry as much weight as academic credentials in this field.
Is graduate school worth it for Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians graduates?
With a median salary of $83,301, graduate study in Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians can meaningfully increase long-term income, particularly for specialized or professional programs aligned with high-demand roles. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians graduates?
The job outlook for Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians graduates is strong overall. Related occupations project an average of +12.6% job growth over the next 10 years. Wind Turbine Service Technicians is among the strongest-growth roles at +49.9%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
Related Mechanics & Repair Programs
Other programs in Mechanics & Repair. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
Free, data-backed guides to help you decide, built on the same federal data as this profile.
H
How to Choose a Major Pillar
A decision framework for picking a college major using your interests, aptitudes, and federal earnings data to reach a defensible choice before applying.
The real cost of a second major, when it pays back and when it doesn't, and why a focused single major with a relevant minor often beats a double major.
Why the 10-year job-growth outlook often matters more than today's salary, what the BLS projections measure, and how to use them to weigh the future of a field, not just its present.
Original data analyses built on the same federal data as this profile. Rankings, outliers, and patterns, no opinions.
All 38 Majors, Ranked by What Graduates Earn
The highest-earning college major out-pays the lowest by a factor of two and a half. The full ranking of all 38 fields by median graduate earnings, with job growth alongside.
Major earnings
Highest paying majors
Job growth
STEM
Field of study
Does Engineering Tech Out-Earn Engineering? The Data Says No
A popular claim holds that the applied engineering-tech degree pays more than the theoretical one. Across every program, engineering wins by about $10,000.
Engineering tech
Engineering
Program earnings
Applied degree
Technician careers
STEM Is Not One Thing: The Pay Gap Within STEM
Across 88 STEM programs the top one out-earns the bottom by $65,000 a year. Operations research pays $122,531; environmental design pays $57,461.
STEM earnings
Engineering pay
Computer science
Program earnings
Major choice
Continue Exploring
Browse our full directory: every college, major, program, and career we track, all built from verified government data.