The following information is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, General Maintenance and Repair Workers. Please visit the website for a more comprehensive breakdown of the data.
LINKS TO MAINTENANCE & REPAIR WORKER DIRECTORY PAGES
WHAT MAINTENANCE & REPAIR WORKERS DO
General maintenance and repair workers fix and maintain machines, mechanical equipment, and buildings. They paint, repair flooring, and work on plumbing, electrical, and air-conditioning and heating systems.
Job Duties
PAY
National Average Annual Pay (2019): $41,960
Top 5 States
1. Alaska
$50,990
2. Connecticut
$49,580
3. Massachusetts
$49,110
4. Hawaiʻi
$48,790
5. Nevada
$47,340
Bottom 5 States
50. Mississippi
$32,750
49. Arkansas
$33,540
48. West Virginia
$35,390
47. Oklahoma
$35,650
46. Alabama
$35,960
STEPS TO BECOME A MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR WORKER
Maintenance and repair workers often learn the skills on the job. Workers receive training from supervisors and watch to see how things are done.
Vocational and trade schools also offer courses in this trade, or they offer other trades where these skills are taught. Maintenance workers do a variety of work such as electrical, plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, painting, and roofing. You will need a good working knowledge of many repair and maintenance tasks.
While you don’t need to be licensed to be a maintenance or repair worker, you may need to get licensed in specialized areas like plumbing or electrical work.
Option 1: Learn Skills from On-the-Job Training
Option 2: Learn Skills in a Trade Program
Because maintenance workers need to know about a wide range of skills, trade schools have general construction and maintenance courses to cover the various topics. You can earn an associate’s degree if you find a program at a community college.
Get Licensed in Specialized Areas
Depending on the state, you could be required to get licensed in specialized areas like electrical or plumbing. These certifications will show that you have the qualifications necessary in these skilled areas.
QUALITIES OF MAINTENANCE & REPAIR WORKERS
Customer-Service Skills
Workers interact with customers on a regular basis. They need to be friendly and able to address customers’ questions.
Dexterity
Many repair and maintenance tasks, such as repairing small devices, connecting or attaching components, and using hand tools, require a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination.
Troubleshooting Skills
Workers find, diagnose, and repair problems. They perform tests to figure out the cause of problems before fixing equipment.