Curious about what it takes to be a maintenance technician? Follow along to learn everything you need to know about the maintenance technician job, the tasks it entails, and what is required to become a maintenance technician.
What Do Maintenance Technicians Do?
Maintenance technicians are responsible for upkeeping facilities to be safe and up to code. They touch a little bit on each skilled trades, being sure to inspect appliances for any issues. The maintenance technician job involves necessary repairs after troubleshooting to ensure everything is in working order. While your location plays a role in salary, typically compensation for maintenance technicians is $23.57 per hour.
Common Tasks
Maintenance workers go through many tasks on the job as they are always making sure all equipment and plumbing systems within facilities are in working order. Here are some of the tasks maintenance workers work on:
Communicate with maintenance manager about any issues with equipment that require repairs.
Ensure all equipment for fire safety, plumbing, electrical, and related systems are up to date.
Work on any requests from maintenance managers and occupants for repairs or inspections.
Troubleshoot any faulty equipment or systems.
Keep facility equipment up to industry code and standard.
Types of Maintenance Worker Jobs
While maintenance technicians work on largely the same tasks, there may be some differences between the various types of maintenance worker jobs:
Apartment maintenance technicians: Maintenance technicians working in apartment building may see more emergency requests in individual apartments. Apartment maintenance technicians may have to juggle between multiple buildings within a complex, or may be employed on school campuses with apartment buildings.
Industrial maintenance technician: Industrial maintenance technicians work more on the industrial or commercial environment. They may be expected to install or repair industrial equipment and perform preventative maintenance. Industrial maintenance technicians may be involved in any commercial business, or big industries in the energy and construction space.
Job Requirements for Maintenance Technicians
Education
Entry-level maintenance technician job descriptions typically only include high school diplomas or general education diploma (GED). While it's not necessary, associate's degrees and trade school diplomas can be great ways to stand out in the job application. Training programs help to let you level up in the role.
Skills
Because maintenance technicians are in charge of a multitude of responsibilities, many skills are needed for the job. Some skills required within the maintenance technician job description are:
Mechanical skills: Maintenance technicians are always working hands-on on equipment repairs and inspections. As a result, it's necessary that they have hands-on experience working with appliances.
Electrical skills: Maintenance technicians are responsible for light electrical repair. Maintenance workers should have a good understanding of electrical and wiring basics.
Plumbing skills: It's important for maintenance technicians to also know the basics of plumbing repairs and troubleshooting plumbing systems.
Diagnostic skills: Generally, maintenance workers need to be able to diagnose any issues with facility equipment. This way, technicians can both repair and prevent further issues.
Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting is a big part of the maintenance technician job. Understanding the process of troubleshooting and knowing what to look for is very important to making the right repairs.
FAQs
What is the role of a maintenance technician?
A maintenance technician is responsible for ensuring that facilities are safe and up to code. This involves inspecting equipment, performing repairs, and troubleshooting any issues with systems such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. They also work with the maintenance manager to ensure all equipment is functioning properly.
What tasks does a maintenance technician typically perform?
A maintenance technician is involved in various tasks such as:
Inspecting equipment and systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, fire safety)
Troubleshooting faulty systems
Performing necessary repairs on equipment
Ensuring equipment is up to industry standards and code
Communicating with the maintenance manager regarding issues that require repairs
What are the different types of maintenance technician jobs?
Apartment Maintenance Technician: Primarily works in apartment complexes and responds to maintenance requests from residents.
Industrial Maintenance Technician: Works in industrial or commercial environments, focusing on the installation, repair, and preventive maintenance of industrial equipment.
What qualifications do I need to become a maintenance technician?
Most maintenance technician job descriptions require a high school diploma or GED. However, an associate's degree or certification from a trade school can make you stand out as a candidate. Specific skills in electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and diagnostic areas are also highly valuable.
What skills are important for a maintenance technician?
Key skills for maintenance technicians include:
Mechanical: Hands-on experience with appliances and equipment repairs.
Electrical: A strong understanding of electrical systems and wiring.
Plumbing: Ability to troubleshoot and repair plumbing systems.
Troubleshooting: Knowing how to diagnose issues with equipment or systems.
Diagnostic Skills: Identifying problems and determining necessary repairs.
What is the salary for a maintenance technician?
On average, maintenance technicians earn about $23.57 per hour. This salary can vary depending on the region and the type of facility in which they work.
Is preventive maintenance part of a maintenance technician's duties?
Yes, preventive maintenance is a key responsibility for many maintenance technicians, especially in industrial settings. This involves performing routine checks to prevent future issues with equipment and systems.
Do maintenance technicians need a high school diploma or further education?
A high school diploma is typically the minimum requirement for most maintenance technician positions. However, candidates with additional qualifications, such as an associate's degree, certification, or trade school experience, may have better job prospects.
What tools and equipment do maintenance technicians use?
Maintenance technicians use a variety of tools, including mechanical and electrical tools, plumbing instruments, and diagnostic equipment. They must also be familiar with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) for work orders and tracking repairs.
How do maintenance technicians troubleshoot issues?
Troubleshooting involves systematically diagnosing faults in equipment or systems. Maintenance technicians use their mechanical, electrical, and plumbing skills to identify the source of the problem and determine the most effective repair methods.
What is the role of a maintenance manager in a technician's duties?
A maintenance manager oversees the work of maintenance technicians. They assign tasks, monitor the condition of equipment, and ensure repairs are completed on time. Technicians communicate with the maintenance manager regarding equipment issues, repairs, and inspections.
Is experience in a specific field, like HVAC or plumbing, important for a maintenance technician job?
Yes, specialized knowledge in areas like HVAC, plumbing, or electrical systems is often beneficial. While general maintenance skills are valuable, expertise in specific fields can make a technician more effective in managing complex repairs or installations.
How can I improve my skills as a maintenance technician?
Improving skills as a maintenance technician can be done through hands-on experience, further education, and certifications. For example, you can pursue apprenticeships, attend workshops, or complete online courses related to mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems.
Are there different levels of maintenance technician jobs?
Yes, maintenance technician positions can vary by industry and location. There are entry-level positions as well as specialized roles like industrial maintenance technicians who focus on commercial or industrial equipment and systems.
How does the role of a maintenance technician differ in industrial environments?
Industrial maintenance technicians generally work with larger, more complex equipment in manufacturing, energy, or construction settings. Their tasks include installing, repairing, and maintaining industrial systems, as well as performing preventive maintenance to ensure operational efficiency.