General Maintenance Mechanic
A General Maintenance Mechanic is a skilled professional responsible for performing routine maintenance and repairs on various mechanical systems within buildings, including plumbing, electrical systems, and heating and air-conditioning units. These mechanics are typically employed by large organizations such as hotels, universities, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities, where their expertise helps ensure that operations run smoothly and efficiently. The role often requires a combination of problem-solving skills and hands-on technical abilities, making it attractive to individuals of diverse backgrounds, including young workers seeking entry-level experience and veterans with prior mechanical training.
The work environment for general maintenance mechanics can vary significantly, involving both outdoor and indoor tasks, and may include responding to emergency situations. Their duties encompass a range of activities, from minor repairs to troubleshooting machinery in production settings. Although formal education is not a strict requirement, high school courses in relevant subjects can be beneficial, and on-the-job training is essential for skill development. The annual median earnings for General Maintenance Mechanics are approximately $46,700, with job growth projected at a rate considered average. This profession is integral to maintaining the functionality of essential services and facilities across various industries.
General Maintenance Mechanic
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Architecture & Construction, Hospitality & Tourism, Manufacturing
Interests: Machinery, mechanics, working with your hands, solving problems
Earnings (Yearly Median): $46,700 per year $22.45 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 4% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job Training Moderate-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. General maintenance mechanics perform routine maintenance tasks on a company or organization’s plumbing and electrical systems, heating and air-conditioning units, and various other types of mechanical equipment. Maintenance mechanics are traditionally employed by large organizations housed in sprawling complexes, such as residential buildings, colleges and universities, hotels and resorts, hospitals, government buildings, and transportation centers. In addition to solving common problems in buildings and building systems, general maintenance mechanics also use their experience to troubleshoot emergency issues that may arise due to everyday use or flood and storm damage. Factories and manufacturing complexes also employ general maintenance mechanics to monitor their machines and equipment so production is not delayed.
Work Environment. The work environment for general maintenance mechanics varies from day to day and project to project. Repairing heating and air-conditioning systems, roofs, and windows can require work outdoors in a variety of inclement conditions. Other common maintenance jobs, such as wall patching, replacement of lighting fixtures, plumbing, and door repair, are conducted indoors. Maintenance mechanics traditionally conduct their work during regular business hours in and around routine building traffic, prioritizing safety, cleanliness, and organization regardless of the task at hand. However, some facilities may require maintenance staff to be on call to address emergencies such as broken heating or air-conditioning systems.
Occupation Interest. The job of a general maintenance mechanic attracts professionals of varying ages and backgrounds. Many are young workers employed at the assistant or apprenticeship level who use the job to develop knowledge and experience aimed at a future career in mechanical maintenance. Veteran maintenance mechanics often have several years of previous experience in construction and contracting, public works, or the military. The field is also a popular transitional field for those looking for employment in specific maintenance fields or other related work.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The varied nature of the everyday duties and responsibilities of maintenance mechanics is one of the hallmarks of the position. Maintenance mechanics are responsible for daily technical repairs, adjustments, replacements, and services. Much of their work involves repairing structural and equipment damage resulting from everyday use by building occupants. These tasks include small structural repairs and fixing damaged walls, floors, heating and air-conditioning units, and plumbing.
Mechanics employed by factories or production facilities may spend their day analyzing machinery and other equipment to ensure that it is working properly. Those working in transportation facilities may spend their day tending to the repair needs of a fleet of vehicles, such as buses or other transit cars, to ensure they are free of mechanical problems.
Maintenance mechanics may work in concert with janitorial service teams to provide repair and cleaning services in emergencies, such as spills, floods, plumbing backups, broken glass, and other unforeseen damage.
Building Maintenance Repairers (899.381-010). Building Maintenance Repairers inspect, fix, and maintain structures, such as factories, office buildings, apartment houses, and logging and mining constructions.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. General maintenance mechanics are employed in numerous industries and professional environments, including corporate offices, hospitals, residences, transportation facilities, and university campuses.
Human Environment. Work as a general maintenance mechanic requires strong collaboration skills. Maintenance mechanics often work individually or in small groups to tend to repairs quickly and without major disruption. In addition to working closely with other members of facility maintenance staff, mechanics must also be able to communicate effectively with building occupants and other staff members.
Technological Environment. General maintenance mechanics must be skilled in general carpentry and the use of basic hand tools. Experience with basic plumbing and wiring concepts is often a prerequisite for the position. Digital technologies may be employed to predict maintenance needs, while drones and other technology may be used to inspect facilities and equipment more quickly and safely.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students can best prepare for a career in maintenance with courses in geometry, chemistry, physics, and industrial arts. Candidates from vocational high schools often have an advantage over other applicants. Drafting, architecture, and art classes can also serve as precursors for future work in and around building systems and technological schematics.
Postsecondary. Postsecondary education is not traditionally a requirement for those seeking a career as a general maintenance mechanic. Much of the education and knowledge necessary for the position is attained on the job.
Related Occupations
− Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Bibliography
“General Maintenance and Repair Workers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/general-maintenance-and-repair-workers.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
“Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: 49-9071 Maintenance and Repair Workers, General.” Occupational Employment Statistics. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499071.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.