Maintenance and Repair Worker
O*NET-SOC: 49-9071.00
Performs general maintenance and repairs on machines, mechanical equipment, and buildings, handling tasks such as plumbing, electrical, painting, and HVAC in commercial and residential settings.
About this Role
Maintenance and repair workers keep buildings and their systems running by handling a wide range of fix-it tasks across plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, painting, and general upkeep. They work in apartment complexes, office buildings, schools, hospitals, and factories, responding to repair requests and performing scheduled preventive maintenance. A single day might include unclogging a drain, replacing a faulty light switch, changing air filters in a rooftop unit, and patching drywall, so the work varies constantly and requires a broad base of hands-on skills.
A Day in the Life
7:00 AM
Review work orders
Load tools and parts into the van, then review the day's repair requests and prioritize urgent jobs.
8:00 AM
Heating and cooling repair
Inspect a commercial air conditioning unit, replace dirty filters, and check refrigerant levels.
10:00 AM
Plumbing repair
Clear a clogged drain in an office kitchen and replace a worn faucet part.
12:00 PM
Lunch break
Eat on-site while logging the parts used and updating job tickets.
12:45 PM
Electrical work
Replace a tripped circuit breaker and install new electrical outlets in a residential unit.
2:30 PM
Preventive maintenance rounds
Lubricate door hinges, test fire alarms, and walk the roof to check for leaks.
4:30 PM
Report to building manager
Summarize completed work, recommend any upgrades needed, and submit invoices.
5:30 PM
End-of-day wrap-up
Clean and organize tools, restock the van, and plan the next day's schedule.
Tools & Technologies
Operating Systems
- macOS
- Linux
- Microsoft Windows
Word Processing
- Google Docs
- Microsoft Word
Project Management
- Microsoft Project
- Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
Office Suites
- Microsoft Office
CAD & Design
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- CADD
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- PTC Creo Parametric
Email
- Microsoft Outlook
- IBM Notes
- Microsoft Exchange
Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Most professionals earn between $39K and $62K
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $34K |
| 25th | $39K |
| 50th (Median) | $49K |
| 75th | $62K |
| 90th | $76K |
Certifications, Training & Memberships
Essential
EPA Section 608 Certification
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Required for handling refrigerants in HVAC systems safely.
Recommended
OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Covers workplace safety hazards like electrical and ladder use.
HVAC Excellence Certification
HVAC Excellence
Validates skills in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning repairs.
Helpful
Plumbing Apprenticeship Certificate
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)
Hands-on training in pipe fitting and leak detection.
Professional Memberships
International Maintenance Institute Membership (IMI)
International Maintenance Institute
Provides training resources and networking for facility maintainers.
Work Environment
- Remote Work
- On-site Only
- Work Setting
- Primarily outdoor / field work
- Physical Activity
- Physically active — significant time on your feet
- Social Interaction
- Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
- Schedule
- Extended hours common
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (43)
- Operations MonitoringModerate Match
- Operation and ControlModerate Match
- Quality Control AnalysisModerate Match
- Reading ComprehensionModerate Match
- Active ListeningModerate Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maintenance and Repair Worker a good career?
Maintenance and Repair Worker can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $49K and job outlook is stable (5% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Maintenance and Repair Worker?
The typical education requirement for a Maintenance and Repair Worker is a High School Diploma. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Maintenance and Repair Worker?
Becoming a Maintenance and Repair Worker typically requires about 4 years of high school education. Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Maintenance and Repair Worker?
The work-life balance for a Maintenance and Repair Worker is moderate, with some periods requiring extended hours or flexibility. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Maintenance and Repair Worker?
The job outlook for Maintenance and Repair Worker is stable. Employment is projected to grow by 5% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.
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