Maintenance Technician Career Guide

What is a maintenance technician?

A maintenance technician is someone who fixes and looks after various machines, equipment, and buildings to keep everything working well. They work in different places like factories, hospitals, and offices. This job involves a lot of hands-on tasks and requires being good at solving problems, understanding technical details, and sometimes being physically strong.

Duties and responsibilities

Maintenance technicians do a lot of different tasks, depending on where they work and the machines they handle. They fix, service, and maintain machines to keep them running well. They might set up new machines, check them regularly to prevent problems, and handle special kinds of equipment related to their industry. They also keep records of their work, make sure they follow safety rules, talk to other team members, and suggest when machines should be upgraded or replaced.

Work environment

Maintenance technicians work in various places like factories, offices, schools, or hospitals. They might have an office or workshop, but they often move around to different spots to take care of the equipment. Their job can involve working in small or tight spaces, using tools, and wearing safety gear to avoid injuries. Some jobs might be risky or physically tough because they involve dangerous materials or conditions.

Typical work hours

Most maintenance technicians work full-time, which is about 40 hours a week. Sometimes, they might have to work nights, weekends, or extra hours during emergencies. Since their job is essential to keep everything running, they may also be on call to fix urgent problems outside of normal hours, especially in places where machines need to run all the time. The hours can vary a lot depending on the industry they work in.

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How to become a maintenance technician

Becoming a maintenance technician involves a few clear steps—from getting your basic education to gaining the right skills and certifications. Here’s how you can start this career:

Step 1: Finish high school

First up, you need to graduate from high school or get a GED. Try to take classes in industrial arts, math, and shop to get a good start and understand the basics of the job.

Step 2: Go to vocational school

After high school, consider joining a vocational or technical school. These schools teach you specific skills like handling heating systems, electrical stuff, plumbing, and machinery—all important for a maintenance tech.

Step 3: Find a starter job

Your next move is to land a beginner’s job. This is where you’ll get hands-on with what you’ve learned and start understanding the day-to-day duties. Some places might even train you on the job.

Step 4: Work and learn

As you work, you’ll learn more and get better at different tasks. The more you do, the more skilled you become, preparing you for bigger things in the future.

Step 5: Get certified

Getting certified is a big plus. It shows you know your stuff and can handle bigger responsibilities. Look into certifications from places like the National Center for Construction Education & Research or the Association for Facilities Engineering.

Step 6: Aim higher

With some experience and a few certifications under your belt, you can start looking for better jobs. Maybe move into a supervisory role or become a specialist in a particular area. Keeping up with new tech and continuing your education will help you climb higher.

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How much do maintenance technicians make?

Maintenance technician salaries will vary by experience, industry, education, location, and organization size. Specialization in a certain type of maintenance, such as HVAC, plumbing, or electrical, and certifications in these areas can also highly impact their potential earnings.

Highest paying industries

• Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution: $79,170
• Natural Gas Distribution: $77,020
• Motion Picture and Video Industries: $75,110
• Spectator Sports: $74,490
• Oil and Gas Extraction: $73,890

Browse maintenance technician salary data by market

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Types of maintenance technicians

Maintenance technicians can specialize in different areas, each with their own set of skills and duties. Here are some common types:

General maintenance and repair technician

These technicians fix things in homes, offices, and factories. They troubleshoot problems, repair systems and machinery, check how well things are working, and replace old parts.

Automotive maintenance technician

This type of technician works on cars and other vehicles. They fix engines, spot mechanical problems, change oil, rotate tires, and do regular checks to make sure everything in the vehicle is running smoothly and safely.

Aircraft maintenance technician

Aircraft maintenance technicians work in aviation, keeping planes in top shape. They perform safety checks, fix structural issues, maintain engines, and must follow strict safety rules and standards.

Building maintenance technician

These technicians take care of buildings like offices and apartments. Their jobs include small repairs, routine maintenance, working on plumbing, painting, carpentry, electrical tasks, and looking after heating and cooling systems. They might work for a property management company or on their own.

Industrial maintenance technician

These technicians work in factories, helping keep manufacturing machines and equipment running well. They do routine checks, repair equipment, and try to prevent machine failures. This job needs a good understanding of technical details and a wide range of practical skills.

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Top skills for maintenance technicians

Being a good maintenance technician means having a bunch of important skills that help you do your job well. Whether you’re fixing cars, machines, or buildings, here are some skills you should work on:

Problem-solving skills

When things break or stop working, you need to figure out why and how to fix them. Sometimes the problems are simple, and other times they’re really tricky. Being great at problem-solving means you can spot little issues before they turn into big ones, saving time and money.

Mechanical knowledge

Understanding how different machines and systems work is a must. You should know the basics of how things are built and how they operate. Being good with tools and knowing how to handle equipment safely is also a big part of the job.

Physical stamina and strength

A lot of the work is hands-on, which means you might be standing for a long time, lifting heavy stuff, or using big machines. It’s important to be strong and have the energy to handle these physical tasks without getting too tired.

Technical skills

You’ll need to be able to read and understand technical drawings and blueprints to know how things are put together. Also, knowing how to use different testing devices to check if machines are working right is a key skill.

Communication skills

You won’t be working alone! You’ll need to talk and work with other people a lot. Whether you’re explaining a problem, sharing updates, or planning with your team, being able to communicate clearly and effectively is crucial.

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Maintenance technician career path options

As a maintenance technician, there are many directions you can go as you gain experience and skills. Here’s what your future could look like:

Moving up to lead technician

After gaining some experience, you might become a lead technician. In this role, you get to manage a team of other techs. It’s a great chance to develop your leadership skills and start on the path to more management roles.

Becoming a maintenance manager or supervisor

If you’re really good at leading and managing, you could become a maintenance manager or supervisor. This means you’re in charge of the entire maintenance department, responsible for all the work done there. With each promotion, you’ll get more responsibilities, better job security, and a higher salary.

Specializing in a specific area

You can also choose to become an expert in a particular type of equipment, like HVAC systems or specific machinery. Specializing can lead to jobs like HVAC technician or machinery diagnostic technician, often with better pay.

Stepping into operations management

If you’re interested in the broader aspects of how businesses run, your experience could lead to a career in operations management. This might require more education, like a bachelor’s degree, but your hands-on experience is a great foundation.

Going freelance or starting your own business

You might decide to work for yourself as a contractor or start your own maintenance business. This path needs strong business skills but offers the freedom to be your own boss and potentially higher earnings.

Continuing education and certification

No matter which path you choose, continuing to learn and getting certifications, like the Certified Maintenance & Reliability Technician (CMRT) or Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM), can really boost your career. These qualifications show that you’re serious about your work and know your stuff.

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Similar job titles

• Electro-Mechanical Technician
• Mechanical Engineer
• Aviation Service Technician
• Avionics Technician
• Electronics Technician
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Machine Operator
• Machinist
• Process Engineer
• Welder

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Position trends and outlook for maintenance technicians

Maintenance technicians are in big demand, and here’s what’s driving that need and what you can expect in the future:

• Growing demand across industries: More and more industries, from factories to offices, are realizing how crucial well-maintained machines and buildings are for keeping things running smoothly and safely. This means there’s a big need for skilled technicians to handle these important tasks.
• Shift toward green practices: There’s also a big push for using energy-efficient and sustainable practices. New tech and methods are popping up all the time, which means maintenance workers need to keep learning and updating their skills to stay ahead.

Employment projections

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects jobs for maintenance technicians to grow by 5% through 2031. This growth rate is about the same as the average for all jobs. The demand will mainly be driven by the need to fix and maintain equipment and buildings as companies grow. Plus, as older workers retire, new spots will open up, creating lots of opportunities for new techs.

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Maintenance technician career tips

Know your equipment

It’s super important to really understand the machines you work with. Learn how they work, what common problems they have, and how to fix them quickly. This will make you much more effective and keep everything running smoothly.

Be tech-savvy

As technology changes, you should too! Get familiar with the latest software and tools used in managing and fixing equipment. This not only makes your job easier but also prepares you for future advancements in your field.

Follow safety rules

Safety is key! Always keep up with the latest safety practices and follow the rules. Regular safety training is a must to keep you and your coworkers safe from harm.

Keep learning

The best way to get better at your job is to keep learning:

• Take online courses about equipment maintenance and new tech
• Attend workshops or seminars on safety and new practices
• Consider getting certifications like the Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) to boost your qualifications

Build your network

Connect with other people who do what you do. These networks can offer great advice, learning opportunities, and support as you grow in your career. Join groups like:

• The Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE)
• The Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP)
• The Institute of Maintenance Management Education (IMME)

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FAQs