what is a maintenance worker?
As a maintenance worker, you perform routine maintenance tasks and handle repairs to ensure various aspects of a workplace run optimally. You inspect machinery, equipment, and facilities to identify faults and parts that need replacement. As a maintenance worker, you can be a technician, electrician, or part of a cleaning team, but your tasks focus on upkeep and repairs.
Maintenance workers perform a variety of tasks for different organizations. For instance, in factories or manufacturing plants, you maintain production equipment and ensure minimal downtime. That means you require specialist knowledge to accomplish your tasks. In some industries, you work as a general service representative. For example, in residential buildings, you perform routine maintenance, like checking for electrical faults and handling plumbing issues. In a grounds maintenance worker role, you trim trees and do landscaping work for gardens.
As a maintenance worker, you leverage your technical skills and knowledge of equipment, machinery, and tools. You rely on your technical expertise to repair and resolve machine-related issues. Being detail-oriented is also a valuable skill, as it helps you find faults and determine workable solutions. Since you frequently work with a team of maintenance workers, you need strong teamwork and communication skills to collaborate effectively and resolve equipment issues promptly.
Would working as a maintenance worker suit your manual dexterity? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a maintenance worker role.
maintenance worker jobsaverage maintenance worker salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for a maintenance worker in the United States is approximately $44,980 per year or $21.63 per hour. Entry-level positions start at around $30,000 annually, while experienced maintenance workers can earn over $60,000 per year, depending on their specialization and industry.
how to increase your salary as a maintenance worker
Your earnings as a maintenance worker depend on your experience and area of expertise. While the role typically requires minimal qualifications, completing a certified apprenticeship program or obtaining relevant certifications (such as HVAC, plumbing, or electrical licenses) can improve your earning potential.
Your area of specialization also affects your salary. For example:
- Building maintenance workers may earn less than industrial maintenance workers due to the complexity of tasks in factory settings.
- Certified HVAC or plumbing specialists typically earn more than general maintenance workers because their expertise is in higher demand.
The size of your employer also plays a role. Large corporations often pay higher wages than small businesses due to more complex maintenance needs and higher operational budgets.
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access our tooltypes of maintenance workers
As a maintenance worker, you can specialize in different industries. Some common roles include:
- Building maintenance worker: Handles routine maintenance in buildings, such as adjusting window fasteners, fixing door closers, and maintaining plumbing and electrical systems.
- Industrial maintenance worker: Works in factories and manufacturing plants to ensure equipment runs smoothly. Responsibilities include replacing filters, repairing machinery, and performing preventive maintenance.
- Grounds maintenance worker: Works in public parks, residential communities, or commercial properties to maintain outdoor spaces. Responsibilities include lawn care, landscaping, and debris removal.
- Vehicle maintenance worker: Specializes in vehicle upkeep, including checking oil levels, replacing tires, and performing minor mechanical repairs.
working as a maintenance worker
Working as a maintenance worker is an interesting career with great growth opportunities. If you are interested in the role, check out the duties and work environments of maintenance workers.
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what does a maintenance worker do?
Some of the key responsibilities include:
- Inspecting machinery and infrastructure systems: Checking equipment for defects and performing necessary repairs.
- Performing routine maintenance: Ensuring commonly used infrastructure, such as elevators, staircases, and HVAC systems, are in good condition.
- Handling small repairs: Fixing minor electrical, plumbing, and mechanical issues.
- Maintaining safety equipment: Ensuring fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and other safety devices are in working order.
- Landscaping work: Keeping lawns, gardens, and swimming pools well-maintained.
- Scheduling repairs: Planning and keeping track of routine maintenance tasks to prevent breakdowns.
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work environment of a maintenance worker
Maintenance workers operate in various settings, including residential buildings, office complexes, factories, and public spaces. Work conditions may involve standing for long periods, working at heights, or lifting heavy objects. In industrial settings, protective gear may be required.
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who are your colleagues?
Your colleagues will depend on your industry, but common ones include maintenance technicians, HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers, property managers, and production supervisors. You work together to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain essential systems efficiently.
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maintenance worker work schedule
Most maintenance workers have full-time schedules, typically working Monday through Friday during business hours. However, those in manufacturing or emergency maintenance roles may work in shifts, including nights and weekends.
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career opportunities as a maintenance worker
A maintenance worker role is an excellent entry point into the skilled trades industry. With experience and certifications, you can advance to roles such as maintenance technician, HVAC specialist, electrician, or building superintendent.
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advantages of finding a job as a maintenance worker through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- Always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- Many training opportunities
- A range of jobs in your area
maintenance worker skills and education
- High school diploma or equivalent (minimum requirement)
- Apprenticeship programs or on-the-job training
- Certifications in specialized areas (e.g., HVAC, electrical, plumbing)
- OSHA safety training (recommended for workplace safety compliance)
key skills
- Attention to detail: Identifying issues before they become major problems.
- Technical skills: Understanding maintenance procedures and tool usage.
- Interpersonal skills: Communicating effectively with team members and clients.
- Problem-solving: Quickly diagnosing and fixing maintenance issues.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a maintenance worker.
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what are the main responsibilities of a maintenance worker?
A maintenance worker inspects and repairs machinery, equipment, and building infrastructure. Duties vary based on industry specialization.
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how much do maintenance workers make?
The average salary is $44,980 per year, with entry-level positions starting around $30,000 and experienced workers earning over $60,000.
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what skills do you need to be a maintenance assistant?
Certifications in HVAC, electrical work, plumbing, and OSHA safety training can increase job opportunities and salaries.
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what do you need to become a maintenance worker?
You learn most of the maintenance tasks on the job. However, you can improve your job prospects by completing an apprenticeship program in a relevant maintenance course. To work in building maintenance, you must obtain a Building Operator Certificate.
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what is required from a maintenance worker?
As a maintenance worker, you ensure a safe working environment. Thus, maintenance workers require proper planning to ensure their tasks are completed on time. Employers also expect you to have strong interpersonal and collaboration skills to work in a team.
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how do I find a job as a maintenance worker?
Search our job listings or submit your resume to connect with a recruiter.
submit your resume
Make sure your resume is up-to-date, including information about your technical skills and certifications. Then share it with us to connect with a recruiter and be matched with job opportunities.
