Maintenance Supervisor
Maintenance Technician
Apply technical knowledge and skills in the adjustment, maintenance, part replacement, and repair of tools, equipment, and machines.
What Maintenance Supervisors Do
Apply technical knowledge and skills in the adjustment, maintenance, part replacement, and repair of tools, equipment, and machines.
Common Tasks
- 1Inspect, test, and measure completed work, using devices such as hand tools or gauges to verify conformance to standards or repair requirements.
- 2Inspect and monitor work areas, examine tools and equipment, and provide employee safety training to prevent, detect, and correct unsafe conditions or violations of procedures and safety rules.
- 3Interpret specifications, blueprints, or job orders to construct templates and lay out reference points for workers.
- 4Monitor employees' work levels and review work performance.
- 5Perform skilled repair or maintenance operations, using equipment such as hand or power tools, hydraulic presses or shears, or welding equipment.
Types of Maintenance Supervisors
Work Environment
Locations
- • Manufacturing plants
- • Vehicle and equipment repair shops
- • Commercial buildings and facilities
- • Utilities and energy sites
- • Warehouses and distribution centers
Schedule
Schedules often vary with production needs, weather, and contract deadlines, and may include evenings, weekends, or on-call time during breakdowns.
Physical Demands
The job mixes office and shop-floor work, with moderate standing, walking, bending, and occasional kneeling. Frequent handling of tools and parts is common, and supervisors may step in for hands-on repairs when needed.
Salary & Job Outlook
National Employment: 617,500 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
As equipment and facilities age and become more complex, employers need experienced supervisors to keep maintenance teams productive and safe. Ongoing demand in manufacturing, transportation, and building services can also drive steady hiring and replacement needs.
Skills You'll Need
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Strong median pay for a skilled trade leadership role
- • Leadership and advancement opportunities
- • Work is varied and problem-solving focused
- • Skills transfer across many industries
- • High volume of annual openings
Cons
- • Time pressure when equipment is down
- • Irregular hours and on-call expectations
- • Responsibility for safety and team performance
- • Exposure to noise, dirt, and shop hazards
- • Can involve conflict management and customer complaints
Common Questions About the Maintenance Supervisor Trade
Ready to Get Started?
Not Sure This Trade is Right?
Take our free career quiz to discover trades that match your interests and skills.
Take the Career Quiz