Maintenance Jobs Overview
Infrastructure often needs to be kept up to date. Without skilled maintenance workers, buildings can crumble, heating systems can stop working, and weeds can destroy a lawn. Maintenance workers are responsible for repairing and maintaining buildings, machinery, and mechanical equipment. Types of maintenance jobs include plumbing, electrical repair, HVAC maintenance, groundskeeping, and installation of new machinery or building components. Some maintenance workers are technicians who work on specific types of machinery; others focus on landscaping for businesses and property owners.
When you get a job as a maintenance worker, you provide services that are in constant demand. For example, you may work for a school, hospital, business, or government institution. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that 173,300 new maintenance jobs will be added within the next ten years.
You can expand your employment search by checking out building maintenance jobs, as well as these positions:
Maintenance Worker Training and Skills
Depending on the type of maintenance job you're applying for, you may need specialized training and certification. If you're applying as a general maintenance and repair worker, you'll need basic technical skills and at least a high school diploma. It helps to have postsecondary training at a trade school, vocational institute, or community college. During your postsecondary training, you may learn about mechanical drawing, electricity, reading blueprints, mathematics, and computers. Many postsecondary programs also offer hands-on training with skilled maintenance workers to prepare you for employment.
More complex roles such as groundskeepers who apply pesticides or fertilizers must be licensed in most states. HVAC technicians who buy, handle, or sell refrigerants must be licensed with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Read our article on how to become an HVAC technician for more information.
While it's not mandatory, certification is highly recommended for industrial machinery mechanics, line installers and repairers, and electrical installers and repairers. Certification is a great way to show employers that you're a highly competent candidate, which can boost your chances of getting hired.
Update Your Maintenance Worker Resume
Potential employers want to know what type of background and experience you'll bring to the table. Even if you're applying for an entry-level job, make your credentials shine on your resume. Monster has a custodian resume sample and an HVAC technician resume, as well as important writing tips. Catch their attention with a solid cover letter too. See our cover letter samples for mechanics and janitors to get an idea of how to make yourself stand out in your field. We also offer practical steps on how to write the best cover letter.
Interviewing for a Maintenance Job
Once your resume has been received, a potential employer may schedule an interview with you. While this can seem nerve-racking to many job seekers, you can refer to our list of commonly asked interview questions to prepare yourself. An interview doesn't just involve answering questions. It's a great opportunity for you to show a potential employer that you're the right candidate for the job. It's also a great way for a potential employer to get to know you. Some questions you may encounter are:
- What type of background or training do you have?
- How would you solve problems that arise unexpectedly?
- Why are you applying for this position?
How Much Do Maintenance Jobs Pay?
Want to find out if you're getting paid what you're worth? Maintenance worker pay fluctuates by job type. For example, maintenance helpers and assistants in the U.S. earn a median of $14.84 per hour. In contrast, maintenance managers earn a median of $63,399 per year. Use Monster’s Salary Tools to find out how much you can expect to earn in your area and field. You'll also find a list of high-demand job locations and next steps to advance your career.
Get the Tools You Need to Succeed in Your Job Search
Go right ahead and begin clicking on the maintenance jobs on this page. Want an advantage? Create a profile on Monster for free. We can keep you in the loop on new job postings in your field and connect your resume with the right recruiters.