Maintenance Job Titles and Descriptions

Things break; maintenance workers fix them and keep them from breaking in the future. And while “maintenance jobs” might call to mind handyman services or janitorial work, those are only some of the career paths available in this field.

So, if you’ve always been able to fix just about anything—and you’re eager to learn a few new skills as well—you could have a satisfying and lucrative career with one of these maintenance job titles.

How to Get a High-Paying Maintenance Job

Know What Matters to You

You are more than just the sum of your work experience. To choose a career that’s right for you, consider your interests, personality type, aptitudes, and values.

Target Jobs With High Occupational Growth

In the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts how fast jobs will grow over the next decade. Maintenance job titles are expected to grow 3% overall during that time, but some will expand more than others. For example, the BLS expects employment for wind turbine technicians to increase 61% between 2019 and 2029. Currently, windtechs earn a median annual salary of $52,910.

Join an Apprenticeship Program

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, workers who complete an apprenticeship program earn an average starting salary of $70,000 per year—and many apprentices earn while they’re training. Use the DOL’s Apprenticeship Finder at Apprenticeship.gov to learn more.

Maintenance Job Titles and Duties

Maintenance workers handle a wide range of tasks that vary by industry and employer. They work in a variety of settings: some work in a single building (such as a hotel or hospital), while others are responsible for multiple buildings (such as a college campus or housing complex).

There are many other maintenance job titles, but this is a helpful list that can give you a sense of what’s out there.

Repair Fixtures and Equipment

Maintenance workers have many of the same skills as construction workers. On any given day they may be painting a hallway, replacing a toilet, or fixing a sink. In a manufacturing plant they might be replacing a worn machinery part, and in an office they might be installing or fixing a lighting fixture.

It's also their job to call on a licensed professional with proper expertise when needed.

• Brazer
• Bricklayer
• Carpenter
• Concrete Finisher
• Cutter
• Electric/Electronics Technician
• Electric Home Appliance and Power Tool Repairer
• Electric Meter Installer and Repairer
• Electric Motor Assembler
• Electrical Powerline Installer/Repairer
• Electrical Utility Trouble Shooter
• Elevator Installer/Repairer
• Grinder
• HVAC Mechanic
• Jig and Fixture Builder
• Lineman
• Locksmith
• Mason
• Mechanic
• Millwright
• Painter
• Pest Control Technician
• Pipefitter
• Pipeline Director
• Pipeline Maintenance Manager
• Pipelines Manager
• Pipeline Operations Manager
• Pipeline Technician
• Powerhouse Supervisor
• Resteel ironworker
• Solderer
• Steamfitter
• Structural Assembler
• Structural Ironworker
• Welder

Routine Maintenance

Maintenance workers also perform a certain amount of upkeep, both to keep a building looking ship shape and to maintain a safe environment. This could involve anything from cleaning and replacing air conditioner filters to fixing a broken tile or a light that's burned out.

Building maintenance workers also perform inspections to figure out what issues need attention. In industrial work, maintenance workers might have set duties involving procedures to perform on machinery and equipment.

• Aviation Maintenance Worker
• Dairy Processing Equipment Repairer
• General Maintenance Worker
• Greenskeeper
• Grounds Maintenance Worker
• Groundskeeper
• Groundskeeping Worker
• Handyman
• Industrial Machinery Mechanic
• Interior Aircraft Assembly Worker
• Landscaper
• Landscaping Worker
• Machinery Maintenance Worker
• Maintenance Painter
• Maintenance Planner
• Pesticide Handler
• Pruner
• Safety Technician
• Tree Trimmer and Pruner

Cleaning

Some maintenance workers will have cleaning duties as part of their job. This might involve cleaning as needed as the result of an issue. For instance, if a pipe bursts, the maintenance worker would clean up the area after a flood or deal with damaged floors or carpeting. Additionally, the work may involve regular cleaning tasks like cleaning floors, windows, and carpets.

• Cleaning Crew
• Construction Painter
• Custodian
• General Laborer
• Housekeeper
• Housekeeping Dispatcher
• Industrial Cleaner
• Janitor
• Laundry Attendant
• Vehicle Washer/Equipment Cleaner

Management and Executive Roles

Companies and businesses, especially those with larger or multiple facilities, will often offer the opportunity for management and executive roles in their maintenance department.

• Assembly Supervisor
• Building and Grounds Supervisor
• Building Maintenance Manager
• Builder Operations Manager
• Campus Maintenance Manager
• Clinical Facilities Planning Manager
• Custodial Manager
• District Technical Service Manager
• Electrical Superintendent
• Estimating Manager
• Facilities Director
• Facilities Management Executive
• Facility Manager
• Facilities Planner
• Facilities Supervisor
• Field Operations Executive
• Field Operator
• Field Service Coordinator
• Floor Technician
• Head of Housekeeping
• Housekeeping Manager
• Housekeeping Supervisor
• Installation & Maintenance Executive
• Installation & Maintenance Technician Director
• Lawn Service Manager
• Maintenance and Service Manager
• Maintenance Supervisor
• Operations Manager
• Pipeline Executive
• Production Supervisor
• Property Manager
• Security Director
• Spares Coordinator
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager