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Create ResumeA maintenance worker in the United States typically earns $35,000 to $70,000+ per year, with top performers reaching $85,000+ in specialized or high-demand roles. Hourly pay ranges from $17 to $28 on average, but can exceed $35/hour with certifications, overtime, or union positions. Your actual pay depends heavily on location, industry, shift type, and skill level, especially your ability to handle multiple trades like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing.
If your goal is to earn more, the biggest levers are moving into higher-paying industries (industrial, healthcare, government), gaining certifications, and taking on overtime or on-call work. Below is a complete breakdown of how maintenance worker salaries actually work—and how to position yourself for higher pay.
The salary range for maintenance workers varies widely based on experience, job complexity, and industry demand.
Entry-level maintenance worker: $35,000–$43,000/year
Mid-level maintenance worker: $43,000–$55,000/year
Experienced maintenance worker: $55,000–$70,000+/year
Top earners: $70,000–$85,000+
Top earners are typically found in:
Industrial facilities
Hospitals and healthcare systems
Hourly wages are the most accurate reflection of real earnings, especially with overtime.
Average hourly pay: $17–$28/hour
Higher-paying roles: $28–$38+/hour
Most candidates underestimate how much extra pay structures boost total income:
Overtime pay: 1.5x hourly rate
On-call pay (flat rate or hourly standby)
Emergency call-out bonuses
Night shift differentials
Geography plays a major role in compensation due to cost of living and demand.
California: $45,000–$85,000+
New York: $42,000–$78,000+
Washington: $44,000–$82,000+
Massachusetts: $45,000–$80,000+
Illinois: $38,000–$70,000+
Colorado: $40,000–$72,000+
Government or union positions
High-cost metro areas
Leadership or specialized roles
Weekend and holiday premiums
Union step increases
Recruiter insight: Many maintenance workers earning $60K+ are not just relying on base pay—they maximize overtime and on-call availability, which significantly increases annual income.
Arizona: $36,000–$65,000+
Texas: $35,000–$65,000+
Florida: $34,000–$60,000+
Midwest (general): $36,000–$62,000+
Northeast: Higher pay in union, school, and hospital roles
South: Strong demand in property management and hospitality
Midwest: Competitive pay in manufacturing and public sector
West Coast: Highest salaries due to cost of living and demand
Shift type can significantly impact total compensation.
Standard base pay
Limited overtime unless scheduled
Higher hourly rate (shift differential)
Common in hospitals, hotels, manufacturing
Premium pay or overtime rates
Higher demand in property management and hospitality
Flat standby rate or hourly pay
Additional pay for actual call-outs
Often include minimum hours paid
May include bonus or premium rates
Example: Apartment maintenance technicians often earn an extra $5,000–$15,000/year from on-call and emergency work alone.
Not all maintenance roles are equal. Industry and specialization drive pay more than job title.
Industrial maintenance worker
Facilities maintenance technician
Hospital maintenance worker
Government building maintenance worker
Union maintenance worker
HVAC-certified maintenance worker (EPA 608)
Building maintenance lead
Maintenance supervisor
Higher technical complexity
Safety and compliance requirements
Equipment troubleshooting demands
Operational downtime costs
Emergency response responsibility
Recruiter insight: Employers pay more for candidates who can diagnose problems independently, not just complete basic repairs.
There is a clear pay jump between these roles.
Focus: basic repairs, upkeep, work orders
Salary: $35K–$55K typical
Focus: troubleshooting, systems, preventive maintenance
Salary: $50K–$75K+
Technicians are expected to:
Diagnose issues
Work across multiple systems
Handle more complex repairs
Reduce downtime
Most salary guides oversimplify this. In reality, hiring managers evaluate candidates based on:
High earners can handle:
Plumbing
Electrical
HVAC basics
Carpentry
Appliance repair
This is the #1 differentiator.
Entry-level: follows instructions
High earners: diagnose and fix independently
Highest-paying industries:
Healthcare
Industrial/manufacturing
Government/public sector
Facilities management
High-impact certifications include:
OSHA safety training
EPA 608 (HVAC)
Electrical safety training
Forklift certification
LOTO (Lockout/Tagout)
Candidates who accept:
On-call shifts
Nights/weekends
Overtime
…consistently earn more.
Salary alone doesn’t reflect full earnings.
Health insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plans or pensions
Paid training and certifications
Tool allowance or reimbursement
Uniforms provided
Company vehicle (in some roles)
Government, school, and hospital roles often offer:
Strong job stability
Pension plans
Better long-term compensation
Understanding the progression helps you plan your income growth.
Basic repairs and support
Limited independence
Lower pay range
Handles work orders
Performs inspections
Minor repairs
Works independently
Handles multiple trades
Responds to emergencies
Oversees team operations
Coordinates vendors
Ensures compliance
Manages staff
Handles budgets
Oversees preventive maintenance programs
This is where most salary growth happens.
→ Maintenance Technician
→ Lead Technician
→ Maintenance Supervisor
→ Facilities Manager
Move into industrial maintenance
Transition into healthcare facilities
Gain HVAC or electrical specialization
Move into leadership roles
This is where real earning potential is unlocked.
Take on on-call, overtime, and weekend shifts
Move into higher-paying industries
Get EPA 608 or OSHA certifications
Develop multi-trade skills
Transition into maintenance technician roles
Relocate to higher-paying states or cities
What works:
Becoming reliable in emergencies
Handling complex repairs independently
Being flexible with shifts
What fails:
Staying in low-skill roles too long
Avoiding certifications
Refusing overtime or on-call work
From a hiring perspective, higher salaries go to candidates who:
Solve problems without supervision
Show reliability under pressure
Can handle emergency situations
Work across multiple systems
Are flexible with scheduling
Reality check:
Two candidates with the same job title can have a $20,000+ salary difference based on these factors alone.
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