Maintenance Technician
Maintenance Technicians keep facilities safe and operational by completing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting equipment, and closing work orders. This is an informational role overview for the United States; exact conditions (location, schedule, tools, call-outs, and compensation) depend on the employer. CV is required for review.
What you actually do (scope varies by site)
“Maintenance Technician” can mean building maintenance (repairs, fixtures, HVAC basics) or industrial maintenance (mechanical/electrical troubleshooting). Most employers expect safe diagnostics, clean documentation, and predictable response during breakdowns.
In many US facilities, the difference between “average” and “trusted” maintenance is documentation and follow-through: clear notes on what failed, what was replaced, what was tested, and what should be monitored next shift.
Typical tasks (examples)
- Complete preventive maintenance (PM) routines and record results in work orders
- Troubleshoot faults, replace parts, test and return equipment to service
- Respond to tickets or call-outs; prioritize safety, uptime and customer impact
- Use basic tools/meters where applicable; coordinate with vendors when required
- Maintain safe work areas and comply with site safety procedures
Systems & skills map (what employers look for)
Maintenance Technician roles differ by facility type. The most competitive candidates describe their experience by systems and outcomes, not just by job title.
Mechanical
- Belts, bearings, lubrication, alignment basics
- Replacing worn parts; verifying safe operation
- Basic troubleshooting: noise, heat, vibration
Electrical (basic)
- Safe diagnostics using meters (role-dependent)
- Switches, sensors, relays (site-dependent)
- Clear fault reporting and escalation
Facilities / building
- Doors, locks, fixtures, minor repairs
- Basic plumbing: valves, leaks, replacements
- Vendor coordination when required
HVAC basics
- Filters, belts, airflow checks (site-dependent)
- Recognizing abnormal behavior and escalating
- Preventive checks and documentation
Work orders / CMMS
- Closing tickets with clear notes
- PM completion and parts tracking
- Repeat-failure prevention mindset
Emergency response
- Prioritizing safety and critical equipment
- Temporary fixes vs. permanent repairs
- Handovers between shifts
Gross pay and scheduling (USA planning ranges)
Pay varies by state, facility type (residential/commercial/industrial), and shift pattern. The ranges below are realistic for planning; exact offers depend on the employer and site.
| Level (typical) | Gross hourly pay | Gross annual estimate (40h/week) | Typical scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry / junior 0–18 months | $17–$22/hr | $35,360–$45,760 | PM routines, basic repairs, tickets, vendor coordination, clear reporting. |
| Standard technician 1–4 years | $22–$28/hr | $45,760–$58,240 | Independent troubleshooting, parts replacement, uptime recovery, stronger documentation. |
| Advanced / multi-skill 4+ years | $28–$33/hr | $58,240–$68,640 | Complex faults, mentoring, higher criticality systems, faster breakdown resolution. |
Overtime (gross)
Many hourly roles include overtime where applicable. Example planning at $24/hr: 40h = $960; plus 8h overtime at 1.5× adds $288 → $1,248 gross/week. Policies vary by employer.
On-call / call-outs
Some facilities require on-call rotations (especially for urgent failures or tenant-impact issues). Pay and rules are employer policies and not guaranteed.
What increases pay
- Multi-skill capability across systems
- Proven preventive maintenance discipline
- Strong breakdown troubleshooting and safe testing
- Dependable coverage for nights/weekends
- Clear documentation and low repeat-failure rate
Work conditions in the USA (practical overview)
Work environment
Conditions depend on the facility: apartments/hotels emphasize service and safety; industrial sites emphasize uptime and fault recovery. Expect walking, standing, and hands-on repairs.
Documentation
Many employers require written work-order notes (what failed, what was replaced, what was tested). This reduces repeat failures and supports compliance.
Safety culture
Safe behavior is non-negotiable. You may receive site-specific safety onboarding and must follow employer procedures.
What employers commonly expect
- Preventive mindset: PM tasks completed on schedule, not postponed.
- Root-cause discipline: fix the cause, not only the symptom where possible.
- Safe testing: verify repairs before returning equipment to service.
- Clear handovers: concise notes for the next shift or supervisor.
Typical employer-provided items (varies)
- Site onboarding and safety training
- Tools policy (site-specific) and parts access procedure
- PPE rules and issuance (site policy)
- Benefits package may exist depending on employer and role
Next steps
- Create/upload your CV and keep contact details up to date.
- After review, we confirm role fit and available projects.
- If shortlisted, you proceed to employer interview and documentation steps.
What to include in your CV
- Facility type (apartment, hotel, warehouse, plant) and system scope
- Preventive maintenance routines you performed (PM)
- Examples of troubleshooting and tested repairs (what you fixed + how you verified)
- Work orders / CMMS exposure and documentation style
- Shift patterns (nights/weekends/on-call), if applicable
Common rejection reasons
- No English CV or incomplete contact details
- Vague experience (no systems/tools/tasks described)
- Mismatch on shift or call-out availability
- Unclear work history without explanation
FAQ (role-specific)
Related roles in Facilities & Maintenance
Use these internal links to compare similar roles before applying.