Maintenance Technician
Maintenance technicians and tradespeople keep buildings and equipment working, from general repairs to electrical, plumbing, HVAC and carpentry work.
What does a maintenance technician do?
Maintenance workers repair and maintain buildings, machinery and systems. General maintenance technicians handle a wide range of tasks, such as fixing leaks, patching walls and replacing fixtures. Licensed trades like electricians and plumbers do specialized work. Apartment complexes, schools, hospitals, churches and businesses all need maintenance help, sometimes part-time.
Typical responsibilities
- Diagnose and repair problems with buildings or equipment
- Perform preventive maintenance
- Handle work orders and track completed jobs
- Paint, patch and make minor carpentry repairs
- Coordinate with specialized contractors
- Follow safety rules
Skills and qualifications
Useful skills
- Mechanical problem solving
- Use of hand and power tools
- Knowledge of building systems
- Safety awareness
- Time management and reliability
Common qualifications
- A high school diploma or equivalent is common for general maintenance
- Electricians, plumbers and some other trades need a state or local license; requirements vary by state
- Technicians who handle refrigerants must hold EPA Section 608 certification
- Apprenticeships are a standard path into licensed trades
Working conditions
- Where the work happens
- Apartment buildings, schools, hospitals, offices, factories and outdoors. Some roles include on-call duty for emergencies.
- Physical demands
- Physically active work: standing, climbing ladders, kneeling, lifting and working in tight or uncomfortable spaces.
- Remote work
- Rare. Most of this work is done in person.
- Part-time work
- Sometimes available, depending on the employer. Part-time maintenance & trades jobs
- Pay
- Pay varies by employer and location, and we don't estimate it. Current listings that state pay show it on each job. For national figures, see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (opens in a new tab).
How to get started
- List your hands-on skills, including home repairs and projects, not just paid work.
- Check whether the work you want requires a license in your state; requirements vary by state.
- Consider community college or technical school courses in a specific trade.
- Look at property managers, schools, churches and community organizations for part-time maintenance roles.
- Be honest about physical limits and ask about ladder work, lifting and on-call duty.
Experience that transfers
- Military maintenance roles: Mechanical, electrical and facilities training transfers directly.
- Manufacturing: Machine operation and repair experience is valuable.
- Construction: Building knowledge and tool skills carry over.
- Farming: Fixing equipment and solving practical problems are daily work.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do maintenance work part-time after retiring?
Often, yes. Churches, small apartment buildings, schools, community centers and small businesses sometimes need part-time handyman or maintenance help. Some retired tradespeople do small jobs independently. Check whether your state requires a license or registration for the work you plan to do.
Do I need a license for handyman work?
It depends on your state and the type of work. Electrical, plumbing and some HVAC work generally require a license, and some states license general contractors for jobs above a certain size. Requirements vary by state, so check with your state licensing agency.
Is this work too physical for me?
Only you can judge that. Maintenance work often involves ladders, lifting and kneeling. Some roles are lighter, such as work-order coordination, inspections or small repair jobs. Ask detailed questions about the physical tasks before accepting.