Building Maintenance Technician

    Home Construction, Remodeling & Repair

    CIP Name: Building Maintenance|CIP Code: 46.0401
    SOC Codes: 37-1011, 47-1011, 49-9071, 11-3013

    Apply technical knowledge and skills to keep a building functioning, and to service a variety of structures including commercial and industrial buildings and mobile homes.

    $64K
    Median Salary
    +3.8%
    Job Growth
    6mo-2yr
    Training
    53.7K
    Jobs/Year

    What Building Maintenance Technicians Do

    Apply technical knowledge and skills to keep a building functioning, and to service a variety of structures including commercial and industrial buildings and mobile homes.

    Common Tasks

    First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers

    • 1Supervise in-house services, such as laundries, maintenance and repair, dry cleaning, or valet services.
    • 2Select the most suitable cleaning materials for different types of linens, furniture, flooring, and surfaces.
    • 3Advise managers, desk clerks, or admitting personnel of rooms ready for occupancy.
    • 4Inspect work performed to ensure that it meets specifications and established standards.
    • 5Perform or assist with cleaning duties as necessary.

    What You'll Learn

    the basic maintenance and repair skills required to service building systemssuch as air conditioningheatingplumbingelectricalmajor appliancesother mechanical systems

    Types of Building Maintenance Technicians

    Building Services SupervisorBuildings and Grounds SupervisorCustodian SupervisorEnvironmental Services Supervisor (EVS)Executive HousekeeperHousekeeping SupervisorJanitorial SupervisorLaundry SupervisorMaintenance SupervisorCoal Mine Production ForemanConstruction ForemanConstruction SupervisorElectrical SupervisorField Operations SupervisorField SupervisorInsulation ForemanRoustabout Field SupervisorSheet Metal ForemanSite SuperintendentBuilding MechanicEquipment Engineering TechnicianFacilities TechnicianMaintenance EngineerMaintenance JourneymanMaintenance ManMaintenance MechanicMaintenance SpecialistMaintenance TechnicianMaintenance WorkerBuilding Maintenance SuperintendentFacilities CoordinatorFacilities DirectorFacilities EngineerFacilities Maintenance ManagerFacilities ManagerFacilities Operations Manager (Facilities Ops Manager)Facilities Operations Specialist (Facilities Ops Specialist)Maintenance Superintendent

    Work Environment

    Locations

    • • Office buildings and corporate campuses
    • • Hospitals and healthcare facilities
    • • Hotels and resorts
    • • Schools and universities
    • • Manufacturing plants and warehouses

    Schedule

    Most roles follow a set schedule, but evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts are common to handle emergencies and after-hours repairs.

    Physical Demands

    Work is hands-on and often requires standing and walking for long periods, lifting/carrying tools or parts, and frequent handling of objects. You may also need to bend, twist, kneel, and occasionally climb ladders or work in tight mechanical spaces.

    Salary & Job Outlook

    Median $63,655
    $42,837$101,400+
    Entry Level
    10th percentile
    $42,837
    Early Career
    25th percentile
    $50,721
    Median
    50th percentile
    $63,655
    Experienced
    75th percentile
    $80,953
    Top Earners
    90th percentile
    $101,400+

    National Employment: 2,972,500 jobs

    Top Paying States

    Why Demand May Grow

    Aging buildings and equipment increase the need for ongoing repairs, preventive maintenance, and system upgrades. Energy-efficiency retrofits and stricter safety/compliance requirements can also drive steady demand for maintenance staff and supervisors.

    Skills You'll Need

    Basic electrical troubleshooting and safe work practicesPlumbing repair and fixture replacementHVAC basics and preventive maintenanceCarpentry and patch/repair skills (doors, drywall, hardware)Mechanical aptitude and tool useTroubleshooting and logical problem-solvingCustomer service and clear communicationTime management and prioritizing work orders

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Steady demand across many industries
    • Varied work (no two days are the same)
    • Skills transfer well between employers and locations
    • Clear paths to lead or manager roles
    • Work is practical and problem-solving focused

    Cons

    • Emergency calls and time pressure during breakdowns
    • Physical wear-and-tear and risk of minor injuries
    • Exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, or unpleasant conditions
    • Troubleshooting can be stressful when systems are down
    • May require working around occupied spaces and customer complaints
    FAQ

    Common Questions About the Building Maintenance Technician Trade

    Not Sure This Trade is Right?

    Take our free career quiz to discover trades that match your interests and skills.

    Take the Career Quiz