Are you considering a career as a maintenance technician? One of the questions you may have is how much you can expect to earn in this field. In this blog post, we will explore the average and starting salary range for maintenance technicians, as well as the factors that influence salary variations. We will also discuss additional compensation and benefits, the top paying industries for maintenance technicians, and how to increase your pay after becoming a maintenance technician. Let's dive in!

What is a Maintenance Technician?

A maintenance technician is a skilled professional who is responsible for the upkeep and repair of equipment, machinery, and facilities. They may work in a variety of settings, including manufacturing plants, hospitals, schools, hotels, and residential buildings. Some common tasks performed by maintenance technicians include:

• Conducting preventative maintenance on equipment and machinery
• Troubleshooting and repairing electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems
• Inspecting and maintaining building structures and grounds
• Ordering and maintaining inventory of supplies and parts
• Collaborating with other team members to address maintenance needs

Average and starting salary range for Maintenance Technicians

The average salary for a maintenance technician can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, industry, and employer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for maintenance and repair workers was $44,980 as of May 2022. However, it's important to note that this figure includes workers in various maintenance-related occupations, not solely maintenance technicians.

The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,220, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $68,930. This can vary depending on factors such as education, certifications, and previous work experience. Entry-level maintenance technicians may also receive additional training and mentorship as they gain hands-on experience in the field.

Factors influencing salary variations

Several factors can influence salary variations for maintenance technicians. Some of these factors include:

• Experience: As with many professions, experience plays a significant role in determining salary. Maintenance technicians with several years of experience and a proven track record may command higher wages than those who are just starting out.
• Education and certifications: While formal education is not always required to become a maintenance technician, having a degree or vocational training in a related field can increase job prospects and earning potential. Additionally, obtaining industry certifications can demonstrate expertise and lead to higher-paying positions.
• Industry: Different industries have different demands and pay scales for maintenance technicians. For example, those working in manufacturing or industrial settings may earn higher salaries compared to those in residential or commercial maintenance.
• Location: Salaries can vary based on geographic location. Metropolitan areas and regions with a higher cost of living may offer higher wages to offset expenses.

Additional compensation and benefits

In addition to base salaries, maintenance technicians may also receive additional compensation and benefits. Some of these include:

• Overtime pay: Maintenance technicians who work beyond their regular hours may be eligible for overtime pay, which is typically 1.5 times their regular hourly rate.
• Shift differentials: Those who work evening, night, or weekend shifts may receive a shift differential, which is an additional amount added to their base pay.
• Health insurance: Many employers offer health insurance benefits to their maintenance technicians, which may include medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement plans: Maintenance technicians may have access to retirement plans such as 401(k) or pension plans, allowing them to save for their future.
• Paid time off: Many employers provide paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

Top-paying industries for maintenance technicians

While the average salary for maintenance technicians is around $40,000 per year, certain industries tend to pay higher wages. According to the BLS, some of the top-paying industries for maintenance technicians as of May 2020 include:

• Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution: This industry pays an average annual wage of $81,970 for maintenance and repair workers.
• Natural Gas Distribution: Maintenance technicians in this industry earn an average annual wage of $79,490.
• Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing: The average annual wage for maintenance technicians in this industry is $66,400.
• Oil and Gas Extraction: Maintenance and repair workers in this industry earn an average annual wage of $53,010.

How to increase pay after becoming a Maintenance Technician

If you're already a maintenance technician and looking to increase your pay, there are several steps you can take:

• Gain experience: As mentioned earlier, experience plays a significant role in determining salary. Continuously building your skills and knowledge as a maintenance technician can lead to higher-paying opportunities.
• Obtain certifications: Consider obtaining industry certifications to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to professional development. Certifications such as Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT) or Certified Maintenance Manager (CMM) can enhance your resume and increase your earning potential.
• Specialize in a niche area: By specializing in a specific area of maintenance, such as HVAC systems or industrial machinery, you can position yourself as an expert and potentially command higher wages.
• Seek advancement opportunities: Look for opportunities to advance within your organization or explore higher-level maintenance positions in other companies. Supervisory or managerial roles often come with increased responsibilities and higher salaries.
• Further education: Consider pursuing additional education, such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in a related field. Higher levels of education can open doors to more advanced positions and higher pay scales.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a maintenance technician can be a rewarding career choice, both professionally and financially. If you're considering a career as a maintenance technician, Dreambound can help you find the perfect vocational training program to kickstart your journey. It is the largest platform for students to find vocational training programs, such as allied health or industrial trades. Their mission is to provide all the information students need to find the perfect class. So why wait? Start exploring your options and take the first step towards a fulfilling career as a maintenance technician today!

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Dreambound has written dozens of in-depth guides on how to get started in this field, with information specific to different states. If you're eager to delve into this career, check out some other guides we've written:

• How to Become a Maintenance Technician in Delaware
• How to Become a Maintenance Technician in Illinois
• How to Become a Maintenance Technician in Nebraska
• How to Become a Maintenance Technician in Pennsylvania
• How to Become a Maintenance Technician in South Dakota

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