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What is Industrial Mechanics?
Industrial Mechanics is a field of study in business focused on the maintenance and repair of industrial equipment and industrial machinery. Industrial equipment and machinery can include a variety of pumps, conveying systems, motors, engines, production equipment, and packaging machinery.
An industrial mechanics major will possess both academic know-how and practical experience to understand: the art of aligning gears and wheels, know the difference between rotary pumps and reciprocating pumps, utilize blueprints to assemble a variety of industrial equipment, understand the basics of hydraulics and pneumatics, & master the use of pressure gauges and flow meters.
Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types
Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS
2025 Best Industrial Mechanics Degree
The Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science is known for being an outstanding vocational and technical training school that provides various services to high school graduates of the state as well as its adult learners. The school was started operating in 1969 with the help of the Central County Public School District. Some of their popular majors include nursing training, construction, heavy equipment operation, and industrial mechanics. Today, the institution offers more than 18 middle school courses, and a wide range of in-house continuing education and adult courses, as well as provides students with convenience by offering roughly 350 online courses. The institution also aims to prepare students for an advancement in the career.
Acceptance Rate
89.77
Tuition
$15,340 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
New Castle School of Trades is an above-average for-profit university located in Union Township in the Youngstown area of Pennsylvania. It enrolled a total of 454 undergraduate students. Their popular professions include electricians, welding, HVAC and refrigeration engineering technicians. It was founded in 1945 and is known for being a multipurpose technical and trade institution that serves the people of Pennsylvania and its surrounding areas. The New Castle School of Trade provides hands-on training in different fields, such as: electrical, automotive and many other technical fields.
Acceptance Rate
100
Tuition
$20,736 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Rosedale Institute of Technology is an above-average private college located in Kennedy Township, Pennsylvania, in the Pittsburgh area. It was established in 1949 and is located at Rosedale Technical College and has a long history of providing vocational training to students. Popular majors include diesel engine mechanics, automotive mechanics, industrial mechanics, and truck, bus, and commercial vehicle operation. Graduating 79% of students, Rosedale Technical College alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $31,000. Rosedale provides students with the appropriate knowledge and equipment, as well as the necessary hands-on experience in their field.
Acceptance Rate
60.18
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
Tennessee Institute of Applied Technology-Memphis is a public institution that provides technical education for the local community of Memphis, Tennessee. It has a small campus with a total enrollment of 789 undergraduate students annually. Its popular professions include licensed nurse practitioner training, aircraft maintenance, and truck, bus, and commercial vehicle operation. The Tennessee Institute of Applied Technology is a major supplier of today’s workforce by developing their skills and knowledge in the modern industry. Academics at the institution are designed to provide excellent hands-on training for students that concentrates on the most in-demand professional employment options in the states. Graduates of the program are prepared to work in the medical, industrial, technical and other related fields.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$6,011 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Laurel Technical Institute is a for-profit college located in Sharon, Pennsylvania in the Youngstown Area. Their popular professions include bloodletting technicians, welding, cosmetology, health professions and related procedures, the construction industry as well as business, management, marketing and related support services. Students can earn degrees and certificates in 6 different fields. At Laurel Institute of Technology, 84% of undergraduates receive grants or grants, with an average scholarship or grant of US$7,969. Some of the programs offered by the institution, such as Industrial Mechanics, allows students to participate in internship programs wherein they will have an opportunity to work and gain experience and connections that they need for a successful career.
Acceptance Rate
91.86
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Cape Girardeau Career and Technology is located in southeast Missouri. The school offers academic courses for different professions in medical and technical fields. The institution prepares a job field suitable for adult students. Some of their popular majors are focused on nursing, physical therapy, industrial mechanics, and emergency medical technician. Approximately 77% of students at Cape Girardeau Tech can receive a starting salary of north of thirty one thousand dollars when entering an applicable professional industry.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$8,400 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Grand River Tech School is a public college located in Chillicothe, Missouri. Some of their popular majors include emergency medical technician, diesel mechanics, and automotive mechanics. post high programs offered at grand river technical school are: agriculture, auto services technology, automation & electrical technology, building trades, collision technology, certified medical tech, certified nurse aide, computer network technology, diesel services technology, emergency medical technician, firefighter, first-responder, paramedic and industrial mechanics. All programs are taught by certified staff that have industry experience in their program. The goal of the school is to prepare students for future success through vocational training. All programs are taught by certified staff that have industry experience in their program.
Acceptance Rate
74.65
Tuition
$6,000 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
3:1
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology - McMinnville has 27 colleges of applied technology. They are the state’s premier that provides state-of-the-art technical training for workers. Some of popular majors at TCAT include nurse training, heavy equipment maintenance technician, and machine and metal working. Tennessee Tech McMinnville graduates 87% of students with a starting salary of just north of twenty five thousand dollars per year.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$5,248 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Tennessee Technology Center, located in Shelbyville, Tennessee, began operation in 1964 through a bill passed by the Tennessee General Assembly the previous year. The school operated under the supervision of the Tennessee department of education, though this changed in 1983 when control was given to the Tennessee Board of Regents System, becoming one the 46 schools that comprise the system. The school is a public two year institution dedicated to providing quality career training for residents in the region.
Academics
Students of Tennessee Technology Center will earn a diploma or certificate through one of the many career programs available at the school. These programs are for high demand fields, and provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully work in a professional environment immediately after graduation. The school is dedicated to providing students with a quality education to assist in their development and allow for career growth.
Programs offered include:
- Practical Nursing
- Welding
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
- Drafting and CAD
- Automotive Technology
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students wishing to enroll at Tennessee Technical Center must complete and admissions application, be a high school graduate or hold an equivalent GED, show proof of vaccination, and take a basic skills assessment test. Financial aid is available in the form of grants. Eligibility and awards are determined through a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which provides all the information necessary for the school to review.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$6,605 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
MIAT College of Technology is a private for-profit technical school with branch campuses in Canton, Michigan and Houston, Texas. The college is accredited by the Federal Aviation Administration and also provides energy technology and transportation scheduling programs. Students enrolled in the programs can earn degrees and certificates in different fields including Industrial Mechanics, Repair Technologies, and Business, Management, Marketing, and other Related Services. In addition, the university also offers a variety of courses, including industrial mechanics, which focuses on the maintenance and repair of industrial equipment and industrial machinery. The college is committed to serving the people, especially students, employers and the community through vocational education, career development and enrichment education.
Acceptance Rate
83.33
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Murfreesboro has a mission to provide outstanding technical education that develops the today’s workforce through traditional and distance learning. The institution develops the professional and personal advancement of the students by preparing quality instruction that helps them gain skills and knowledge for employment and advancement in their existing or potential occupations. With 27 colleges that focus on applied technology, the institution is also known as the premier provider of outstanding technical training for workers to obtain professional training necessary for a rewarding career in today's competitive job market.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$5,105 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Tennessee Institute of Applied Technology-Morristown offers modern training programs that are designed to simulate the professional environment to prepare students for potential employment in the sites. It serves various counties in East Tennessee while its five campuses around the state offers a wide range of courses. The Tennessee Institute of Technology in Morristown has developed its program curriculum and training methods based on the needs of businesses of the today’s industry. Students who are interested to enroll in the institution can consider taking classes on some of the popular majors including nursing, automotive mechanics, technology, accounting, and welding.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,236 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$43,990 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
19:1
Established in 1965, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Jackson serves students by providing vocational and undergraduate degree programs that can last from two to four years. It has a mission to train individuals for useful and gainful occupations, by enhancing their full potential and skills that will help them have successful employment. The courses offered by the college usually concentrates on business, technology, and basic medical programs. Student resources and contents of the curriculum will be updated regularly to provide an exceptional educational experience.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,236 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
As a member of the Tennessee Regents System, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Newbern is nationally recognized for being the largest system of higher education in the United States. They are composed of six universities and 14 community colleges. It provides different courses according to the needs of companies and industries. Graduating 80% of students, Tennessee Tech Newbern alumni go on to earn a starting salary of near twenty two thousand dollars a year. Its mission is to be the premier provider for skilled workforce development including in Industrial Mechanics.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,236 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Paris serves as the premier provider of modern workforce development throughout the local communities of Tennessee. The college fulfills their mission by offering competency-based training through traditional and distance learning instruction methods that contribute to the community and economic development of the society. It also trains and retrains employed workers of today's industry, that’s why the programs and services of the college are economical and accessible, building relationships of trust within the business, community, and industry leaders. The institution also offers various programs that focus on the all-round growth of the students by encouraging them to take part in different sporting activities inside the campus as well as a wide range of programs in a variety of streams, providing quality education to students.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,236 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Knoxville is located in the Knox County and is accessible via I-75, I-40 and I-640. Founded in 1966 as Knoxville School, TTC-Knoxville became a part of the Tennessee Technical Center Systems and for over forty five years, the school has been providing excellent instructions to programs related to the demands of the local industry. Moreover, the school also empowers the local community of Knoxville by providing education opportunities and jobs to the local people. In fact, the graduates in TTC-Knoxville are considered as one of the country’s most skilled workers in different industries.
The school offers fulltime programs which include automotive technology, computer information technology, collision repair, computer network systems, cosmetology, dental assisting, diesel powered equipment technology, HVAC, industrial electricity, industrial maintenance, machine tool technology, medical assistant, medical office information technology, practical nursing, truck driving and welding. Moreover, the school also offers online courses for those who want to take technical diplomas. Their online courses include medical coders, nursing assistance, cake decorating, phlebotomy, heat pump technology, quickbooks and technology foundation.
Students who wish to enroll in TTC-Knoxville are required to pay the flat rate of $183 per credit hour. Moreover, other fees such as technology fees as well as student insurances are not yet included. Generally, a student taking up a total of 432 clock hours are required to pay $1050 inclusive of the tuition and other fees.
On the other hand, students who wish to proceed and acquire associate or bachelor degree in a community college or state university can do so by enrolling in schools that are accredited by the Tennessee Board of regents. Examples of such schools include Roane Community College, University of Tennessee and Volunteer State Community College.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,929 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Elizabethton is considered as the prime workforce training provider in the northeastern areas of Tennessee. The school serves the counties of Johnson, Carter, Sullivan, Washington and Unicoi. It was first named as the State Area Vocational School at Elizabethton in 1965 but was later renamed in 1994 after it became a part of the Tennessee Technology Center. The TTC-Elizabethton is located near the banks of the Doe River near the Cherokee National Forest and the Watauga River which makes the campus conducive for learning among students as they are far from any disturbances from the major city scene.
The school’s mission is to provide competency-based trainings to students as well as employees in the local industry setting and this is the reason why the programs offered in TTC-Elizabethton are all geared to making students competitive in highly in-demand jobs. The programs offered in TTC-Elizabethton include automotive technology, nursing aide, computer information technology, diesel-powered equipment technology, electronics, HVAC, plumbing and pipe fitting and welding. Moreover, the school also offers online programs for those who want to earn certificates in dietary management, business writing, sanitation, and food safety.
The tuition fees and its changes are governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents. As off Academic Year 2012-2013, the rate of the tuition fee hasn’t been increased yet and still remained at $183 for 1 to 40 credit hours for the basic programs.
On the other hand, graduates from the TTC-Elizabethton who are seeking for higher education can transfer their credits to local community colleges and universities that are accredited by the Tennessee Transfer Pathway. Currently, TTC-Elizabethton has transfer agreements with Mayland Community College but students can still transfer to universities like the University of Tennessee and Union University.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,765 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Northern Michigan University was established in 1899 as a public institution with the purpose to offer teacher preparation programs for the local community of Marquette, Michigan. Fitness, business, marketing, health professions, visual and performing arts, recreation, management, biomedical sciences, and leisure studies are some of the offered areas of study in the university. In addition, more than half of the full-time undergraduate students who are enrolled in the university are also eligible to receive a scholarship or grant award north of five thousand dollars. Northern Michigan University also offers undergraduate and specialist certifications for students who are interested in Industrial Mechanics.
Acceptance Rate
65.59
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Pulaski is a modern training institution that can simulate the professional environment of employment. The controlling reason for providing training is to prepare people for useful and profitable occupations, thereby enhancing their employment potential. For the past four decades, Tennessee Technology Center-Pulaski has been committed to creating a learning environment to prepare students for success in the global market. It is a small institution with 206 undergraduates and Pulaski graduate students from Tennessee Institute of Applied Technology, with a starting salary of $26,200. The institution offers training in different fields including the licensed practical program for individuals who are interested to become a nurse, and certificates for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator programs.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,236 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Livingston is a mid-level institution that provides quality technical education and training for individuals living in the communities of Livingston, Tennessee. Its popular programs and training include Licensed Nurse Training (LPN), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT Paramedic), Industrial Mechanics, and Auto Mechanic. Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Livingston is a 2-4 year college that was founded in 1966. It also has 27 vocational degree programs that are focused on applied technology.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,236 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
25:1
In 1969, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Harriman was first founded in a stretch of sixteen acres of land in Roane County in Harriman, Tennessee. In October 1, 1970, the construction of the first school building was completed and the school was first named as the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Harriman. The school grew and got accreditations from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools as well as the Council on Occupational Education. Today, the campus of TTC-Harriman has a total area of 60,227 square feet that is devoted to academic purposes while some 48,700 square feet is devoted to laboratory use.
The TTC-Harriman has indeed grown into a massive academic institution that offers quality technical training to its students in preparation of finding rewarding employment opportunities in the future. Aside from teaching young students, the school also offers retraining programs for employees who want to upgrade their skills to help them with their employment.
With the professional faculty members and staffs, TTC-Harriman offers programs such as automotive technology, business system technology, cosmetology, industrial maintenance technology, practical nursing, residential wiring technology and welding technology. Moreover, the school also offers certificate online programs in computer information technology and business information technology. For employers seeking to retrain their employees, the school also offers part-time training in different industrial protocols and processes. Since the Academic Year of 2012-2013, the tuition fee still remained the same and the basic rate per credit hour is $183 for basic programs while programs that involve laboratory works are $100 higher than the flat rate.
Students who go to TTC-Harriman eventually transfer to a community college or to a four-year college or university. Those who do so can take advantage of the Tennessee Transfer Pathway which allows them to transfer to local colleges and universities that are accredited with the Tennessee Board of Regents. Such schools include the following:
- Cleveland State Community College
- Columbia State Community College
- Motlow State Community College
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,236 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
Formerly called the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Covington, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Covington was established originally as a statewide system in 1963 by the Tennessee Legislature. However, it was only in 1966 when TCAT opened its first classes. It is considered as the seventh largest system of higher education in the country and it is run by the Tennessee Board of Regent.
TTC-Covington is fully accredited by the Commission on Occupational Education and the State Office of Veterans has also approved for TTC Covington to train veterans. Today, TTC Covington offers competent training programs through traditional classroom instructions to distance learning education to give people more opportunities for education and empowering their lives once they enter the labor market.
The college offers many fulltime programs which include automotive technology, computer information technology, HVAC, industrial maintenance technology, machine tool technology and practical nursing. Moreover, the school also offers high school training for high school students to have better leverage before entering formal college education.
The tuition fee rate in TTC Covington is $183 per credit hour but programs with laboratory classes have higher rates. Basically, a trimester fee schedule of an average student taking 432 hours is about $912. On the other hand, students who wish to transfer to other schools to seek higher education should take advantage of the Tennessee Transfer Pathway wherein they can transfer to colleges and universities that are part of the Tennessee Board of Regent System.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,236 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Dickson was established in 1964 first named Dickson State Area Vocational Technical School before 1983 but it was the Senate Bill 746 that transferred the governance of the old technical school to the Tennessee Board of Regent thus it was later renamed in 1994 to the Tennessee Technology Center in Dickson.
Currently, the TTC in Dickson is nestled within the 22,610-square meter campus that is complete with educational facilities which is conducive for students to be able to improve their knowledge and skills. The school offers fulltime programs including medical transcription, medical billing, automotive technology, business systems, welding and practical nursing to name a few. Moreover, the school also offers online programs to those who cannot go to a physical school. As of academic year 2012-2013, the tuition fee rate of TTC Dickson is $183 per credit hour for basic programs while add on fee of $100 is imposed on the practical nursing program.
Since most students consider studying at TTC Dickson as a stepping stone for higher education, they can proceed to community colleges and universities that are accredited by the Tennessee Board of Regents which include King University, Lane College, Milligan College and Tennessee State University to name a few.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,236 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology - McKenzie started out as the McKenzie School in 1964. It was became operational during 1965 and was only restricted to three programs which include automotive mechanics, drafting and office occupation. Following the same year, the school implemented more programs including HVAC and industrial electronics to meet the demands of the local community. Although the 1963 legislature have indicated that all technical and vocational schools should be under the Tennessee Technology Center System, it was only in 1983 when the McKenzie School became a part of the system. Alongside its acceptance to the TTC System was the change of its name to what it is called today.
The Tennessee Technology Center in McKenzie is considered as the premier training school for students who are seeking technical employment upon graduation. Moreover, the school has also provided training workshops to local employees who want to update their skills. Currently, it offers a wide variety of programs including automotive technology, business systems technology, electronics and green technology, computer information technology, HVAC/refrigeration, industrial maintenance and welding technology. Currently, the tuition fee rate in TTC-McKenzie still remains at $183 which was imposed last year.
Moreover, the school also accepts dual enrollment for high school students. This means that students can take courses at TTC-McKenzie while they are still studying in high school at the same time. Upon their graduation from high school, the student can then proceed with their education at TTC-McKenzie without worrying that their units will not be credited. On the other hand, students who wish to pursue higher learning can go to any community college or university they wish as the Tennessee Board of Regent is accredited by many local colleges and state universities that will credit the units of students from TTC-McKenzie.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,236 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
Top Industrial Mechanics Degrees
Degree programs in industrial mechanics will typically be found as certificate programs and associate degree programs at community colleges, trade schools, technical colleges, and universities. Use the tools on this portal to help you decipher the degree path makes the most sense for you and you career.
To assist with this, we have created a summary of the most popular degree pathways and a clustering of accredited schools that offer degrees in industrial mechanics. The process is designed to be a quick way to gather valuable information from top colleges in your desired field of study.
Industrial Mechanics Certificate Programs
Certificates in industrial mechanics a designed to be a tight clustering of focused classes. These classes will help students gain knowledge and proficiency by blending academics with pragmatic, hands-on experience.
A certificate from an accredited college in IM can help students enter the field or help bolster your existing resume to help advance your career. Programs can be completed in as quick as six months up to two-years depending on the design of the program, school resources, and required credits.
Industrial Mechanics Associate Degrees
An associate’s degree in industrial mechanics is a 2-year program. Degrees at this level are conferred as an Associate of Science (AS) given the science-heavy coursework in the program. Students can expect to take both general education courses and core classes.
General education classes may include English composition, economics, psychology, creative writing, and sociology. The core classes in industrial mechanics will contain a series of courses that may include the following:
- Health, Safety, and the Environment
- Process Technology
- Natural Gas Compression
- Oil and Gas Essentials
- Mechanical Maintenance
- Mechanical Drives
- Pumps
- Rigging
- Welding Trades
- Hydraulics
- Industrial Electricity
- Industrial Diagrams
- Maintenance Welding
Requirements for Industrial Mechanics
In terms of educational requirements, an industrial mechanic major will need to have passes a cluster of specific courses. Curriculum will vary by school and degree level but will generally include the following courses:
- Business Management
- Operations Management
- Mechanical Engineering
- Budgeting and Scheduling
- Project Management
- Production and Processing
- Statistical Analysis
- Mathematics
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Machining
- Communications
- Electromechanical Instrumentation
Employment in Industrial Mechanics
Industrial mechanic majors will have a high degree of specialization given the specific coursework and classroom projects. That being said, the core skills may help students pivot into similar career opportunities. Examples of adjacent career types worthy of consideration may include: heavy equipment mechanic, automotive service mechanic, millwright, automotive service technician, maintenance specialist, electric motor technician, power tool repair tech, electrical repair, stationary engineer, and industrial equipment repair.
Industrial Mechanic Jobs & Career Outlook
Industrial mechanics are slated to see a job increase of 9% in the coming reporting period. This will translate to 33,000 new job openings for seasoned veterans and incoming college graduates. Similarly, jobs for industrial machinery mechanic are projected to jump 16% and a 14% lift for electricians. The median income for an industrial mechanic is $51,360 a year. A swiftly growing industry coupled with above average wages typically make a great career opportunity for those willing to invest in their education.
What Titles Do Industrial Mechanics Go By?
When looking for jobs in the trade, it will be important to understand the job titles that correspond to the study of industrial mechanics. In addition to the core title, you may see the following job titles for an industrial mechanic:
Master Mechanic | Instrument and Electrical Technician |
Mechanic | Repair Technician |
I&C Tech | Service Technician |
Overhauler | Maintenance Mechanic |
Control Technician | Maintenance Technician |
Electrical & Instrument Technician | I&E Tech |
Electrical Maintenance Technician | Electrical and Instrument Mechanic |
Industrial Machinery Mechanic | Electrical Technician |
Industrial Mechanic | Instrument and Control Technician |
E&I Tech | Technical Support Specialist |
Machine Adjuster |