Best Maintenance and Repair Jobs in the United States

Many people have the impression that only construction workers, carpenters, and contractors are involved in the maintenance and repair field. While there are plenty of opportunities in these areas, there are actually more careers available in fields such as plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC maintenance. These jobs usually pay well above the national average salary (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics), they don’t require formal education beyond the high school level, and there are a lot of them available in every state across the US

A career in maintenance and repair can be extremely rewarding and lucrative, but it’s also not an easy one to get into. There are so many different job types that fall under the umbrella of maintenance and repair, after all, finding the right position may take some effort. Before you choose your ideal maintenance and repair job, it’s important to understand the different kinds of jobs out there, as well as how much they typically pay and what your chances of employment are in each position.

In the United States, there are many great opportunities for those in the maintenance and repair industry. With a wide variety of businesses and industries, there is a high demand for qualified workers. Maintenance and repair workers are in high demand across the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that there will be a growth of 1.4 million jobs in this field by 2026. This is due to an increase in the number of buildings and homes being built, as well as an aging infrastructure that needs to be repaired or replaced.

What is a maintenance job?

A maintenance job is a professional role where employees keep buildings, machines, grounds, or tools in good condition. This may require maintenance employees to clean, inspect, organize, preserve or perform repairs. Some maintenance professionals perform general repairs and upkeep tasks for residential or commercial properties. Other maintenance professionals specialize in inspecting, repairing, and keeping specific types of machines or Tools in good condition, such as electronics, mills, industrial machinery, or aircraft.

Top Maintenance and Repair Jobs in the US

The following are the best maintenance jobs among U.S. News' latest Jobs rankings.

Wind Turbine Technician

As a wind turbine technician, you'll be responsible for maintaining and repairing wind turbines. The job is physically demanding, as you'll need to climb to great heights to reach the turbines. But it can also be very rewarding, as you'll be helping to generate clean energy.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 68.2 percent employment growth for wind turbine technicians between 2020 and 2030. In that period, an estimated 4,700 jobs should open up. Wind Turbine Technicians made a median salary of $56,230 in 2020. The best-paid 25 percent made $68,920 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $46,270.

Landscaper and Groundskeeper

Landscapers and groundskeepers are responsible for keeping outdoor spaces, such as parks and gardens, looking their best. They use a variety of tools and equipment to mow, trim and water plants, as well as remove debris. Although the terms landscaper and groundskeeper are sometimes used interchangeably, they define two separate jobs with distinct responsibilities. "A landscaper is more involved with the horticultural maintenance of facilities, while a groundskeeper might be involved with refuse removal and snow removal.

Moreover, job prospects for landscapers and groundskeepers are good, as there will always be a need for these services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7.6 percent employment growth for landscapers and groundskeepers between 2020 and 2030. In that period, an estimated 85,000 jobs should open up. Meanwhile, the median salary for this occupation is $32,590 per year. In some states, like Arizona and California, annual salaries can reach up to $65,480. Furthermore, formal education and certification aren't necessary for most work in this field.

Maintenance and Repairer

As maintenance and repairer, you will be responsible for keeping machines, equipment, and structures in good working order. This may involve anything from regularly scheduled maintenance to emergency repairs. You will need to be able to use a variety of tools and machines, as well as have a good understanding of how they work. In some cases, you may also be responsible for training other people on how to properly use and maintain equipment. You will often work with others in an office setting or a warehouse. Many times this job is long-term contract-based, meaning that you'll likely only have one employer throughout your career.

However, these positions are often best suited for someone who enjoys physical labor or has experience in industrial repair work or manufacturing. Prospects in this field are expected to grow by 6% through 2026, which is higher than average. However, it's important to note that those without formal training will not fare as well as those with certification. Most people who enter this profession start as apprentices for months or even years before cultivating the expertise to work independently. And when they are ready to do so, they will most likely have to obtain a license. The average salary is $55K annually.

Medical Equipment Repairer

Examines equipment that is not functioning properly to identify the problem, orders parts as needed makes repairs if possible, or calls an outside repair service when required. Repairs equipment such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, suction equipment, respirators, and x-ray equipment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7.2 percent employment growth for medical equipment repairers between 2020 and 2030. In that period, an estimated 3,900 jobs should open up.

Technicians need an associate degree in biomedical technology or engineering. A bachelor's degree may be required for some specializations and is essential for advancement. Repairers must learn how to use and troubleshoot each piece of medical equipment, often through technical training provided by medical device manufacturers.

Janitor

A janitor is responsible for cleaning and maintaining a variety of buildings, including office buildings, schools, and hospitals. Janitors typically work evening or overnight shifts, although some may work during the day. The job outlook for janitors is good, with an expected 11% growth in employment from 2019 to 2029. The median annual salary for janitors was $28,570 in May 2019. Workers often do not need a college degree to become a janitor, but employers often prefer that applicants have at least a high school diploma. In order to work as a janitor, you must be able to stand on your feet all day, bend down and kneel on the floor without causing discomfort, climb stairs without difficulty, and remain focused on tasks even when faced with repetitive tasks. Some companies offer training programs that allow individuals to gain certification while they are working towards their goals.

Exterminator

An exterminator's job is to rid homes and businesses of pests, such as rodents, insects, and termites. Exterminators may work for a pest control company or be self-employed. They typically work regular hours but may be on call for emergencies. The median salary for an exterminator is $40,000 per year. Job prospects are good, especially in areas with a high population density.

Prospects will also depend on factors like geographic location, industry experience, education level, and local employment rates. For example, someone living in California might have better prospects than someone living in Iowa because the population density is higher. Salary can vary based on which state you live in because some states have lower wages than others. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 9.5 percent employment growth for exterminators between 2020 and 2030. In that period, an estimated 8,200 jobs should open up.

Auto Mechanic

An auto mechanic is a professional who repairs and maintains vehicles. They are typically employed by auto dealerships, repair shops, or even individual car owners. Auto mechanics typically have a high school diploma or equivalent, and many employers require certification from an accredited program. The median annual salary for an auto mechanic is $37,120. Job prospects are expected to be good, with a projected 6% growth in employment from 2019 to 2029.

Final Thoughts

If you're thinking about a career in maintenance or repair, there are plenty of options to choose from. With so many different types of jobs available, it's important to find one that best suits your skills and interests. Luckily, there are plenty of resources available to help you make an informed decision. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring today! There are hundreds of job postings just waiting for someone like you. Don't hesitate to click on any post that catches your eye- why not find out if it might be the perfect fit before you continue looking?