Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of a building in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting; HVAC maintenance; insulating; welding; machining; carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment; installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing buildings, floors, or stairs.
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
SOC: 49-9071 O*NET: 49-9071.00
Median Salary
$49,590
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 3.8%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
159.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of a building in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting; HVAC maintenance; insulating; welding; machining; carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment; installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing buildings, floors, or stairs.
What does a Maintenance and Repair Workers, General do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$35,350
10th percentile
Early Career
$40,840
25th percentile
Median
$49,590
50th percentile
Experienced
$62,620
75th percentile
Top Earners
$77,180
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$35,350
25th
$40,840
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$49,590
Mean: $53,780
75th
$62,620
90th
$77,180
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $41,830 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $40,840 and $62,620
- •Salary spread is 43.9% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 1,529,700 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:1,629,700
Top Industries
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing21.2%
Real Estate20.7%
Manufacturing13.5%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+3.8%
Annual Openings:159,800
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)1,629,700
Current
2034 (Projected)1,692,100
+3.8%
+62,400
Employment Change
+3.8%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Maintenance and Repair Workers, General professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
143,060 jobs$57,0000.80x
Texas
140,580 jobs$46,6701.02x
New York
119,650 jobs$57,7901.26x
Florida
111,530 jobs$46,0601.14x
Illinois
66,600 jobs$56,7201.11x
Ohio
64,770 jobs$53,4201.19x
Pennsylvania
55,590 jobs$49,2900.93x
Georgia
48,430 jobs$47,6801.01x
North Carolina
43,440 jobs$47,9100.89x
Michigan
39,490 jobs$47,5800.91x
Arizona
39,000 jobs$47,6201.22x
New Jersey
37,350 jobs$54,8100.89x
Tennessee
35,790 jobs$47,2401.11x
Virginia
34,540 jobs$49,4700.85x
Indiana
34,480 jobs$49,8901.10x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Equipment Maintenance
100%
#2
Mechanical
100%
#3
Near Vision
100%
#4
Repairing
94%
#5
Manual Dexterity
92%
#6
Troubleshooting
86%
#7
English Language
86%
#8
Arm-Hand Steadiness
82%
#9
Critical Thinking
80%
#10
Active Learning
74%
Skills Overview
Equipment Maintenance
advanced5.0
100%
Mechanical
advanced5.0
100%
Near Vision
advanced5.0
100%
Repairing
advanced4.7
94%
Manual Dexterity
advanced4.6
92%
Troubleshooting
intermediate4.3
86%
English Language
intermediate4.3
86%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
intermediate4.1
82%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Equipment Maintenance
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Mechanical
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Near Vision
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Repairing
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Manual Dexterity
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Troubleshooting
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Arm-Hand Steadiness
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Information Ordering
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Building and Construction
intermediateImportance70%
knowledge
3.5/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Industrial Machinery Mechanics100%
5 shared skills
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators82%
5 shared skills
Wind Turbine Service Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners73%
5 shared skills
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓English Language
Learn on the Job:
- →Quality Control Analysis
- →Monitoring
- →Mathematics
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Equipment Maintenance
- ✓Troubleshooting
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓English Language
- ✓Repairing
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Equipment Maintenance
- ★Troubleshooting
- ★Mechanical
- ★English Language
- ★Repairing
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Autodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechYardi software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechApple macOS
🔥 Hot TechLinux
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Windows
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Project
🔥 Hot TechOracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Autodesk AutoCAD
Yardi software
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Apple macOS
Linux
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Project
Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
Microsoft Excel
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (13)Operations & Execution (5)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)Planning & Development (1)
1
Assemble, install, or repair wiring, electrical or electronic components, pipe systems, plumbing, machinery, or equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Diagnose mechanical problems and determine how to correct them, checking blueprints, repair manuals, or parts catalogs, as necessary.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Inspect, operate, or test machinery or equipment to diagnose machine malfunctions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution94% perform96%
4
Record type and cost of maintenance or repair work.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping91% perform94%
5
Clean or lubricate shafts, bearings, gears, or other parts of machinery.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Plan and lay out repair work, using diagrams, drawings, blueprints, maintenance manuals, or schematic diagrams.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development85% perform90%
7
Adjust functional parts of devices or control instruments, using hand tools, levels, plumb bobs, or straightedges.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Paint or repair roofs, windows, doors, floors, woodwork, plaster, drywall, or other parts of building structures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Operate cutting torches or welding equipment to cut or join metal parts.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Operations & Execution76% perform84%
10
Align and balance new equipment after installation.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.39
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.15
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.13
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.04
Independence
ImportantIndependence
Importance Level3.98
Innovation
ImportantInnovation
Importance Level3.95
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.4
Dependability
4.2
Attention to Detail
4.1
Self-Control
4.0
Independence
4.0
Innovation
4.0
Cooperation
3.9
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.9
Analytical Thinking
3.8
Stress Tolerance
3.8
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Maintenance and Repair Workers, General.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 490 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system — including 66 union/joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: SC (57) , VA (38) , GU (31) , MI (31) , IN (29)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
2.7k program completions/year
Sonoran Desert Institute
Tempe, AZ
2.4k program completions/year
South Florida Institute of Technology
Miami, FL
1.4k program completions/year
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX
1.2k program completions/year
Jefferson Community and Technical College
Louisville, KY
1.2k program completions/year
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, GA
1.1k program completions/year
WyoTech
Laramie, WY
1.1k program completions/year
Universal Technical Institute-Auto Motorcycle & Marine Mechanics Institute Division-Orlando
Orlando, FL
1.0k program completions/year
Universal Technical Institute-Orlando
Orlando, FL
1.0k program completions/year
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY
914 program completions/year
Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc
Avondale, AZ
909 program completions/year
St Philip's College
San Antonio, TX
882 program completions/year