what is a maintenance technician?

As a maintenance technician, you solve mechanical or electrical problems in building systems. You check problems in various systems and find solutions to repair the damage.

Maintenance technicians work in many industries while keeping machines and equipment in good working order. You perform routine maintenance procedures and troubleshoot any problems. You also fix mechanical or electrical issues in manufacturing processes, support systems or equipment. As a maintenance technician, you are responsible for keeping the manufacturing processes running at all times and minimizing downtime. Apart from preventing revenue loss, you are essential in enhancing a company's reputation for reliability.

You could be in charge of a facility, such as an apartment or office, where you inspect systems within buildings. One of the most important parts of your job is ensuring that the building is safe for the people inside. You may fix broken stairs or railings or clean up dangerous spills.

Would working as a maintenance technician suit your technical knowledge and interest in physically demanding work? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a maintenance technician role.

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average maintenance technician salary

Maintenance technicians and those with maintenance management positions can earn between $79,040 and  $101,920 annually in major U.S. cities.

What will affect your paycheck? Location is a big factor: Maintenance technicians tend to make more money in bigger cities with higher costs of living. Your level of experience can make a real difference, too. Once you've built up your skills, you can become a more in-demand professional. This, in turn, will let you negotiate higher pay or even start your own business.

Wondering what you can earn as a maintenance technician? Find out immediately with the Randstad salary checker! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of a maintenance technician is.

female operating a machine
female operating a machine
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types of maintenance technicians

Your responsibilities as a maintenance technician usually depend on where you work. Some common types of maintenance technicians include:

industrial maintenance technicians

As an industrial maintenance technician, you work in industrial settings like production or manufacturing facilities with the help of industrial electricians. You perform routine maintenance tasks and complete repairs on various machines. Your job includes solving mechanical and electrical issues.

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working as a maintenance technician

Working as a maintenance technician requires technical skills since you are responsible for maintaining and repairing equipment and machines. Here are some of the roles and work environments of maintenance technicians.

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maintenance technician skills and education

Since there are no state or federal standards for maintenance technicians, you won't need any special qualifications to become one. You can get started with nothing more than a high school diploma or GED.

If you want a degree for a maintenance-related career, you'll probably find yourself at a community college or trade school. There are one- and two-year programs for things like industrial maintenance and aircraft maintenance along with industrial mechanics and maintenance technology.

Apprenticeships in manufacturing are common in these fields, so you might be asked to complete one by your school or your employer. Generally speaking, this would mean shadowing senior employees and logging supervised training hours with them.

To improve your employment prospects, consider earning a special certification that marks you as an expert in maintenance. For example, you can become a Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT) through the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals. You can also obtain specializations in things like electronics, machinery repairs, HVAC, plumbing and even amusement park ride operations.

skills and competencies

You'll need certain skills to begin, advance, or improve your career as a maintenance technician. They can include the following:

  • technical or trade skills in your area of expertise
  • computer literacy
  • organizational efficiency
  • time management skills
  • diagnostic and problem-solving skills
  • communication skills
  • strong customer service
  • attention to detail
male wearing protective eyewear and ear plugs
male wearing protective eyewear and ear plugs
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FAQs about working as a maintenance technician

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about maintenance technician jobs.

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