Introduction
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General, are the jack-of-all-trades technicians who keep buildings, machinery, and equipment in good working condition.
They are employed in schools, hospitals, manufacturing plants, commercial buildings, government facilities, hotels, and residential complexes. Unlike specialized trades (e.g., electricians or plumbers), these workers perform a wide range of tasks that can include electrical, plumbing, carpentry, HVAC, and basic mechanical repairs.
This makes it a highly flexible career path with broad opportunities across industries.
What Does a Maintenance and Repair Worker Do?
- Building Maintenance: Repairing doors, floors, windows, walls, and furniture.
- Plumbing & Electrical: Fixing leaks, replacing light fixtures, unclogging drains.
- Mechanical Systems: Servicing HVAC units, fans, or motors.
- Preventive Maintenance: Regular inspections to reduce costly breakdowns.
- Emergency Repairs: Responding quickly to urgent facility or equipment failures.
- Record-Keeping: Documenting maintenance schedules and repairs.
Work can be indoors or outdoors, often involving physical labor, lifting, and tool use.
Average Requirements
Education
- Minimum: High school diploma or GED.
- Preferred: Vocational training in building maintenance, electrical, or mechanical repair.
Skills
- Broad mechanical and repair knowledge.
- Ability to troubleshoot and prioritize repairs.
- Familiarity with power tools, hand tools, and safety practices.
- Communication and teamwork for working with supervisors, tenants, or staff.
- Flexibility to shift between different types of repairs.
Certifications & Licensing
- Not always required but helpful:
- OSHA safety certifications.
- HVAC or EPA Section 608 certification (if handling refrigerants).
- Local building maintenance licenses in some states.
Earnings Potential
- Entry-Level (0–2 years): $30,000 – $36,000 annually.
- Mid-Career (3–7 years): $36,000 – $48,000.
- Experienced (8–15 years): $48,000 – $60,000.
- Supervisors / Facility Managers: $60,000 – $75,000+.
Hourly pay generally ranges $15–$28/hour, with union and government jobs on the higher end.
Growth Stages & Promotional Path
Stage 1: Entry-Level Helper
- Assists senior workers.
- Handles basic repairs like painting, replacing bulbs, and cleaning filters.
Stage 2: Junior Maintenance Technician
- Performs independent minor repairs.
- Gains experience in plumbing, electrical, and mechanical tasks.
Stage 3: Skilled Maintenance Worker
- Manages full repair responsibilities.
- May specialize in HVAC, electrical, or mechanical systems.
Stage 4: Senior Technician / Lead
- Oversees teams of workers.
- Responsible for facility-wide preventive maintenance programs.
Stage 5: Supervisor / Facility Manager
- Manages budgets, contractors, and long-term maintenance planning.
- May advance into building management or property operations.
Education & Training Path
- High School Prep: Shop, mechanics, and construction classes.
- Vocational Training: Community college or technical programs in building maintenance.
- On-the-Job Training: Learning under senior maintenance staff.
- Certifications: OSHA, HVAC, or trade licenses for specialized skills.
- Continuous Learning: Keeping up with energy efficiency and smart building systems.
Employment Outlook
- Projected Growth: ~5% through 2032 - steady demand.
- Drivers of Demand:
- Aging buildings and infrastructure.
- Ongoing need for repairs in schools, hospitals, and housing.
- Growth in commercial and industrial facilities.
- Industries Hiring:
- Property management companies.
- Manufacturing and warehousing.
- Schools and hospitals.
- Government and utilities.
- Hospitality (hotels, resorts).
Would You Like This Career?
This career may be right for you if you:
- Enjoy variety in your daily work.
- Like problem-solving and hands-on repairs.
- Value job stability across multiple industries.
- Prefer a trade that doesn’t always require years of specialized schooling.
It may not fit if you:
- Dislike physical labor or unpredictable tasks.
- Want a highly specialized technical career.
- Prefer working strictly indoors or in one trade.
If you’re considering becoming a Maintenance and Repair Worker, General, the next step is to see if your motivations and strengths align with this versatile role. Take the Free MAPP Career Assessment at Assessment.com to find out whether this generalist career fits you, or if a more specialized trade may suit you better.
