Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians, Other.

Degree Overview

Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians, Other (CIP 47.0399) is a skilled technical trades field focused on maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting large-scale industrial, construction, and heavy-duty equipment that powers modern infrastructure and production. This classification includes specialized and emerging equipment maintenance programs that go beyond standard diesel or industrial mechanic tracks, preparing technicians to work on complex machines used in construction, manufacturing, mining, logistics, energy, and public works.

For a degree search site, Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies represents power, reliability, and critical economic value. Cranes, excavators, loaders, conveyors, turbines, presses, and industrial machinery are the backbone of physical production—and when they stop, entire operations halt. This degree appeals to students who want a hands-on, high-responsibility career with strong wages, low automation risk, and long-term demand across essential industries.

What Is a Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies Degree?

A Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians degree or certificate is a workforce-focused program that trains students to service, maintain, and repair large, complex mechanical and electromechanical systems. Programs under the “Other” designation often emphasize specialized equipment, hybrid systems, or industry-specific machinery not covered by standard maintenance programs.

This degree typically focuses on:

• Heavy equipment and industrial machinery systems
• Mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical diagnostics
• Preventive and predictive maintenance practices
• Equipment safety, inspection, and documentation
• Troubleshooting under real-world operating conditions

Community colleges, technical institutes, and industry training centers offer this degree to:

• Prepare students for entry-level and specialized heavy equipment technician roles
• Support industrial and infrastructure workforce needs
• Address shortages of skilled maintenance technicians
• Train workers for evolving and high-capital equipment systems

These programs emphasize applied learning in shop, lab, or field-based environments.

What Will You Learn?

Students learn how heavy and industrial equipment operates as integrated systems combining mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and electronic components. You’ll study how engines, drivetrains, pumps, valves, control systems, and structural components work together under high loads and demanding conditions.

The curriculum emphasizes diagnostics, maintenance, and reliability. Students learn to identify wear patterns, interpret fault codes, perform inspections, and carry out repairs that minimize downtime and extend equipment life. Because failures can be costly or dangerous, accuracy, documentation, and safety discipline are core priorities.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Graduates typically develop skills such as:

• Heavy equipment diagnostics and troubleshooting—fault isolation and repair
• Preventive and predictive maintenance—reducing breakdowns
• Hydraulic and pneumatic systems understanding—fluid power control
• Mechanical systems repair—engines, drivetrains, components
• Basic electrical and electronic systems—sensors, wiring, controls
• Use of diagnostic tools and software—codes, meters, scanners
• Equipment inspection and safety compliance—risk prevention
• Technical documentation and reporting—service records and logs

These skills are essential for maintaining high-value equipment safely and efficiently.

Topics You May Explore

Because this is an “Other” classification, coursework varies by program but often includes:

• Introduction to Heavy and Industrial Equipment: systems and applications
• Engines and Powertrains: diesel and industrial power systems
• Hydraulics and Fluid Power Systems: pumps, valves, actuators
• Electrical and Electronic Controls: sensors and diagnostics
• Industrial Machinery Maintenance: conveyors, presses, turbines
• Equipment Inspection and Reliability: condition monitoring
• Welding and Fabrication Basics: structural repair support
• Safety, Lockout/Tagout, and Regulations: hazard control
• Applied Lab or Field Practicum: real equipment service

Programs often tailor coursework to regional industries such as construction, mining, manufacturing, or energy.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

A Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies, Other degree prepares students for technician roles focused on keeping large machinery operational and safe. Advancement is typically based on experience, certifications, and technical depth.

Common career paths include:

• Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technician: construction and infrastructure
• Industrial Maintenance Technician: manufacturing and plants
• Equipment Service or Field Technician: on-site repair roles
• Fleet or Equipment Maintenance Technician: logistics and transport
• Mining or Energy Equipment Technician: specialized machinery
• Maintenance Planner or Reliability Technician: preventive systems
• Long-Term Path: senior technician, supervisor, specialist, or contractor

Highly skilled technicians often become indispensable assets to employers.

Where Can You Work?

Graduates work wherever large-scale equipment and machinery are used:

• Construction and heavy equipment companies
• Manufacturing and industrial plants
• Mining, quarrying, and extraction operations
• Energy, utilities, and power generation facilities
• Transportation, logistics, and fleet operations
• Public works and infrastructure agencies
• Equipment dealers and service providers

Heavy equipment technicians support the physical backbone of the economy.

How Much Can You Earn?

Earnings vary by industry, equipment type, location, and experience.

Typical ranges include:

• Entry-level heavy equipment technicians: often $45,000–$60,000
• Experienced industrial or field technicians: commonly $60,000–$85,000
• Senior specialists, supervisors, or reliability experts: can reach $90,000–$120,000+

Overtime, certifications, travel, and critical-industry roles can significantly increase compensation.

Is This Degree Hard?

Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies, Other is considered technically and physically demanding. Students must master complex systems, work in challenging environments, and diagnose problems under time pressure. Strong mechanical reasoning, attention to detail, and safety awareness are essential.

The challenge lies in working accurately with large, high-energy systems where mistakes can be costly.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a strong fit if you:

• Enjoy working with large machines and systems
• Like diagnosing and fixing complex mechanical problems
• Want strong job security in essential industries
• Prefer hands-on, applied learning
• Are comfortable working in industrial or outdoor environments

How to Prepare in High School

To prepare for a heavy or industrial equipment maintenance program:

• Take math, physics, automotive, or technical education courses
• Develop strong mechanical reasoning and problem-solving skills
• Learn basic tool use, safety practices, and equipment awareness
• Participate in shop classes, STEM, or trade-focused programs if available
• Build responsibility, precision, and teamwork habits

Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians, Other (CIP 47.0399) is a powerful, future-resistant degree for students who want to work at the heart of modern industry and infrastructure. It provides practical mastery of complex machinery, strong earning potential, and long-term career stability in sectors that cannot function without skilled maintenance professionals. For those drawn to big machines, real-world problem-solving, and high-impact technical work, this degree offers a durable and rewarding career foundation.