General Maintenance and Repair Workers: $49,590 median salary in 2025
The median salary for Maintenance and Repair Workers, General in the U.S. is $49,590 per year, according to 2024 BLS data. That works out to roughly $24 an hour. The middle 80 percent earn between $35,350 and $77,180, so there's a wide spread depending on experience, industry, and location.
This occupation employs 1.5 million people, making it one of the largest trades in the country. The work covers fixing everything from plumbing to HVAC to electrical systems in buildings and facilities. It's a hands-on role that doesn't always require a degree but does need mechanical know-how.
How much Maintenance and Repair Workers, General earn
The national median wage is $49,590, meaning half of workers earn more and half earn less. The mean (average) is slightly higher at $53,780. Pay typically ranges from $35,350 at the 10th percentile to $77,180 at the 90th percentile. That top end usually goes to senior workers, union members, or those in specialized industries like manufacturing or utilities.
Industry matters. Government and manufacturing tend to pay above median, while retail and food services pay less. Night and weekend shifts sometimes come with differentials. Overtime is common in this line of work.
Pay by state
Location heavily influences earnings. The highest-paying state is the District of Columbia at $60,310, followed by Alaska ($60,270), Minnesota ($59,200), Washington ($59,160), and Massachusetts ($58,320). These states either have high cost of living, strong unions, or concentrated industries like aviation and oil. The lowest-paying states are Arkansas ($43,400), Oklahoma ($42,750), and West Virginia ($38,890). Even so, those numbers may stretch further in low-cost areas.
If you're willing to relocate, targeting high-wage states can boost your paycheck by 20-50% compared to the bottom states.
How to become Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
Most workers enter this field with a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is standard. Many start as helpers or apprentices, learning from experienced mechanics over months or a few years. A few complete a vocational program in general maintenance or building trades, which typically takes 6 months to 2 years at a community college or trade school.
Certifications are optional but can improve job prospects. Examples include HVAC certifications from EPA Section 608, or voluntary credentials like the Certified Maintenance & Reliability Technician (CMRT). Some employers require a driver's license if travel between sites is needed. Physical fitness and basic math are helpful.
Typical steps: 1) Earn high school diploma or GED. 2) Get entry-level job as helper or janitorial with maintenance duties. 3) Learn on the job or through apprenticeship. 4) Consider earning a certificate in electrical, plumbing, or HVAC to specialize. 5) Gain experience and move up to senior roles.
Job outlook
Employment for Maintenance and Repair Workers, General is projected to grow 3.8% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That adds up to roughly 159,800 job openings each year over the decade. Most openings come from replacing workers who retire or leave the field.
Demand stays steady because buildings need ongoing repair and upkeep. New construction also creates more facilities. Workers who can handle multiple trades — plumbing, electrical, carpentry — are most valuable. Automation is unlikely to replace hands-on maintenance anytime soon.
Frequently asked questions
Do Maintenance and Repair Workers, General need a license?
Usually no license is required for general maintenance. However, specific tasks like electrical work or HVAC repair may need state or local licensing or EPA certification.
Is $49,590 a good salary for this job?
It's around the national median household income, but below the median for all full-time workers. Pay varies widely by state and industry. Entry-level workers earn less; experienced workers in high-paying states can earn $60,000+.
How many Maintenance and Repair Workers, General are there?
About 1.5 million people work in this occupation nationally, making it one of the largest.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Maintenance and Repair Workers, General data.