How to become a Maintenance Person
To work as a maintenance person, you are generally required to have a high school diploma or GED, although some post-secondary training is preferred. For more complex maintenance tasks, such as plumbing or electrical maintenance, you may be required to obtain licensure. Aspiring maintenance people typically start as helpers working alongside seasoned maintenance workers, learning how to inspect equipment and perform other physical tasks. The International Maintenance Institute also offers different levels of certification that can position maintenance people for advanced job opportunities and supervisory positions. Advancement opportunities are also available for maintenance people who complete specialized training, such as carpentry or plumbing.
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What skills help Maintenance Persons find jobs?
- Basic math
- Bilingual
- Commercial driving
- Communication skills
- Computer literacy
- Computer skills
- Construction
- Customer service
- Electrical systems
- English
- Forklift
- HVAC
Career progression for Maintenance Person
Education levels for Maintenance Persons
| required level of education | percent of job openings |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or GED | 81.8% |
| Associate's degree | 9.1% |
| Bachelor's degree | 6.9% |
| Middle school education | 1.3% |
| Master's degree | 0.9% |
Expected salary by experience
| Years of experience | Annual salary in USD |
|---|---|
| 0 - 4 | $22,400 |
| 4 - 8 | $25,200 |
| 8 - 12 | $27,500 |
| 12 - 16 | $28,600 |
| 16 - 20 | $29,500 |
| 20 - 24 | $30,100 |
Common qualifications for Maintenance Persons
CPR Certification
First Aid Certification
Certified Pool Operator
Hazmat Endorsement
CDL
CDL A
Driver's License
CDL B
Class D
Common questions about career advices for a Maintenance Person
What skills do you need to be a maintenance person?
Some of the top skills you need as a maintenance person include:
- Customer service skills
- A steady hand and good hand-eye coordination to repair, connect or attach small components
- Troubleshooting skills to find, diagnose and repair problems
- Ability to work quickly under pressure
- Strong attention to detail
- Technical abilities
How can a maintenance person increase their salary?
To increase your salary as a maintenance person, consider the following options:
- Complete a degree from a technical college
- Obtain a certification, or multiple, from the International Maintenance Institute
- Obtain specialized training and licensure in certain job skills, such as plumbing, electrical work or carpentry
