General Maintenance Workers fix and maintain machines, mechanical equipment, and buildings. They paint, repair flooring, work on plumbing, electrical, air-conditioning and heating systems.
These workers are also responsible for recognizing when a job is above their skill level and requires the expertise of an electrician; carpenter; a the expertise of another profession, air-conditioning, and refrigeration.
General maintenance and repair workers obtain supplies and parts from distributors or storerooms to resolve problems. They use common hand and power tools, such as screwdrivers, saws, drills, wrenches, and hammers to fix, replace, or repair equipment and parts of buildings.
Recruiter & Staffing Needs
General Maintenance Workers fix and maintain machines, mechanical equipment, and buildings. They paint, repair flooring, work on plumbing, electrical, air-conditioning and heating systems.
These workers are also responsible for recognizing when a job is above their skill level and requires the expertise of an electrician; carpenter; a the expertise of another profession, air-conditioning, and refrigeration.
General maintenance and repair workers obtain supplies and parts from distributors or storerooms to resolve problems. They use common hand and power tools, such as screwdrivers, saws, drills, wrenches, and hammers to fix, replace, or repair equipment and parts of buildings.
Recruiter & Staffing Needs
Job Prospects
Employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupation each year will likely result in good job prospects. Many job openings are expected as experienced workers retire.
Employment projections data for general maintenance and repair workers, 2016-26
| Occupational Title | SOC Code | Employment, 2016 | Projected Employment, 2026 | Change, 2016-26 | Employment by Industry | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | |||||
| Maintenance and Repair Workers, General | 49-9071 | 1,432,600 | 1,545,100 | 8 | -112,500 |  xlsx |
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Employment projections data for general maintenance and repair workers, 2016-26
| Occupational Title |
|---|
| Maintenance and Repair Workers, General |
| SOC Code |
| 49-9071 |
| Employment, 2016 |
| 1,432,600 |
| Projected Employment, 2026 |
| 1,545,100 |
| CHANGE, 2016-26 |
| PERCENT |
| 8 |
| NUMERIC |
| 112,500 |
| EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY |
| xlsx |
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Pay
The median annual wage for general maintenance and repair workers was $37,670 in May 2017. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,820, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $61,720.
In May 2017, the median annual wages for general maintenance and repair workers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Manufacturing | $44,260 |
|---|---|
| Government | $41,490 |
| Educational Services; State, Local, and Private | $40,000 |
| Healthcare and Social Assistance | $36,990 |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $35,000 |
Most general maintenance and repair workers work full time, including evenings and weekends. Some are on call for emergency repairs.
General Maintenance and Repair Workers
Median annual wages, May 2017
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics
Job Outlook
Employment of general maintenance and repair workers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Employment may rise as increasing home prices and sales drive demand for remodeling and maintenance work. In addition, maintenance and repair workers will continue to be needed to upgrade and renovate older homes.
Demographic changes also may affect the demand for general maintenance and repair workers. Because homeowners typically prefer to remain in their homes as they age, demand may increase for workers as the large baby-boom generation nears retirement. These older homeowners will invest in projects and renovations to accommodate their future living needs and allow them to remain in their homes after retirement.
General Maintenance and Repair Workers
Percent change in employment, projected 2016-26
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics
Run Your First Background Check for General Maintenance Workers
Similar Occupations
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|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Boilermakers | Boilermakers assemble, install, maintain, and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large vessels or containers that hold liquids and gases. | High School Diploma or Equivalent | $62,260 |
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| OCCUPATIONAL TITLE |
|---|
| Boilermakers |
| JOB DUTIES |
| Boilermakers assemble, install, maintain, and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large vessels or containers that hold liquids and gases. |
| ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION |
| High School Diploma or Equivalent |
| 2017 MEDIAN PAY |
| $62,260 |
|
| OCCUPATIONAL TITLE |
| Carpenters |
| JOB DUTIES |
| Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials. |
| ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION |
| High School Diploma or Equivalent |
| 2017 MEDIAN PAY |
| $45,170 |
|
| OCCUPATIONAL TITLE |
| Construction Managers |
| JOB DUTIES |
| Construction managers plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to finish. |
| ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION |
| Bachelor's Degree |
| 2017 MEDIAN PAY |
| $91,370 |
|
| OCCUPATIONAL TITLE |
| Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers |
| JOB DUTIES |
| Electrical and electronics installers and repairers install or repair a variety of electrical equipment in telecommunications, transportation, utilities, and other industries. |
| ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION |
| See How to Become One |
| 2017 MEDIAN PAY |
| $57,210 |
|
| OCCUPATIONAL TITLE |
| Electricians |
| JOB DUTIES |
| Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories. |
| ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION |
| High School Diploma or Equivalent |
| 2017 MEDIAN PAY |
| $54,110 |
|
| OCCUPATIONAL TITLE |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers |
| JOB DUTIES |
| Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers—often called heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) technicians—work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems that control the temperature and air quality in buildings. |
| ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION |
| Postsecondary Nondegree Award |
| 2017 MEDIAN PAY |
| $47,080 |
Free Staffing Resources
Top 20 General Maintenance Companies
- Dohn Engineering PLC
- Capital Contractors Inc
- Continuum Services, LLC
- Innovative Facility Solutions LLC
- Royal Mechanical Services
- Total Facility Solutions Inc
Professional Recruiter and Staffing Organizations
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National Association of Personnel Services
-
Association of Talent Acquisition Professionals
-
American Association of International Healthcare Recruitment
-
National Association of Executive Recruiters
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National Association for Health Care Recruitment
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Recruitment Process Outsourcing Association
-
American Staffing Association
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Top Echelon Recruiting Network
