Updated 2024 · Industrial
How to Become a Maintenance Mechanic
Maintenance mechanics keep machines, mechanical equipment, and building systems in working order in commercial buildings, factories, and institutions.
Steps to Become a Maintenance Mechanic
- Meet basic requirements, You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. A strong foundation in math, physics, and shop classes helps.
- Apply to an apprenticeship program, Maintenance Mechanic apprenticeships last 4 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apply through your local union (IBEW, UA, etc.) or a non-union contractor program. You earn while you learn from day one.
- Complete required training, Complete 8000 hours of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
- Earn certifications, Required certifications include: Certified Maintenance & Reliability Technician (CMRT), OSHA 10/30-Hour, EPA Section 608 (for refrigerants), Boiler operator license.
- Pass the journeyman exam, After completing your apprenticeship, pass the journeyman licensing exam in your state to earn full journeyman status and pay.
What Does a Maintenance Mechanic Do?
Maintenance mechanics keep machines, mechanical equipment, and building systems in working order in commercial buildings, factories, and institutions.
Daily Duties
- Repair and maintain HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems
- Perform preventive maintenance on building systems
- Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions
- Replace worn parts and components
- Maintain maintenance logs and work orders
Skills Needed
- Multi-trade skills (HVAC, electrical, plumbing)
- Equipment troubleshooting
- Preventive maintenance
- Building automation systems
- Welding basics
Required Certifications
- Certified Maintenance & Reliability Technician (CMRT)
- OSHA 10/30-Hour
- EPA Section 608 (for refrigerants)
- Boiler operator license
Maintenance Mechanic Salary (2024)
The national median maintenance mechanic salary is $51,020 per year. Pay ranges from $42,060 in the lowest-paying metro to $63,470 in the highest-paying metro. See the full maintenance mechanic salary breakdown by city.
Apprentice Pay Progression
Maintenance Mechanic apprentices earn while they learn, starting at approximately 40% of journeyman pay:
| Year | % of Journeyman | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 40% | $20,408 |
| Year 2 | 57% | $29,081 |
| Year 3 | 73% | $37,245 |
| Year 4 | 90% | $45,918 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $51,020 |
Union vs Non-Union Maintenance Mechanic Pay
Union maintenance mechanics earn 18% more than non-union workers, $30.50/hour union vs $25.85/hour non-union. Approximately 14.1% of maintenance mechanics are union members. See the full union vs non-union comparison.
Work Environment
Maintenance mechanics work in commercial buildings, hospitals, schools, and factories. On-call for emergencies. Work involves all building systems.
Career Outlook
Steady demand in commercial buildings and manufacturing. Multi-skilled mechanics who can handle HVAC, electrical, and plumbing are most valued.
Frequently Asked Questions
The national median salary for a maintenance mechanic is $51,020 per year (2024 BLS data). Pay ranges from $42,060 to $63,470 depending on location, with top earners in the 90th percentile making significantly more.
It takes 4 years to complete a maintenance mechanic apprenticeship. During this time, you earn while you learn, starting at approximately 40-50% of journeyman wages and receiving annual raises.
No college degree is required to become a maintenance mechanic. The primary path is through an apprenticeship program or trade school. You will need to earn specific certifications: Certified Maintenance & Reliability Technician (CMRT) and OSHA 10/30-Hour.
Maintenance Mechanic earns a Trade Pay Score grade of C, meaning it rates moderately on pay relative to cost of living, wage growth, and demand. Steady demand in commercial buildings and manufacturing. Multi-skilled mechanics who can handle HVAC, electrical, and plumbing are most valued.
/methodology