Maintenance Technician Schools & Programs

With over 165,100 annual job openings projected through 2032, general maintenance and repair workers represent one of the steadiest employment categories in the trades (BLS, OEWS, May 2024). Maintenance technician programs train students in the cross-disciplinary skills needed to keep buildings, equipment, and mechanical systems running, covering electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, and preventive maintenance. Every commercial building, apartment complex, factory, and institution requires ongoing upkeep, making this a career with broad and consistent demand across industries.

What Is a Maintenance Technician Program?

A maintenance technician program provides cross-disciplinary training in the multiple trades needed to maintain and repair buildings and equipment. Students learn foundational skills in electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, painting, and mechanical repair. Unlike specialized trade programs that focus deeply on one discipline, maintenance programs emphasize breadth, preparing graduates to troubleshoot and fix a wide range of issues independently. Programs may align with certifications from the Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI) or the Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE), both of which are recognized in the facilities management industry. Graduates typically work as building maintenance workers, facility technicians, industrial maintenance mechanics, or apartment maintenance staff.

What You’ll Learn

• Basic electrical troubleshooting, circuit testing, and outlet/switch replacement
• Plumbing repair including faucets, toilets, water heaters, and drain clearing
• HVAC filter replacement, thermostat troubleshooting, and basic system maintenance
• Carpentry repair including drywall patching, door and window hardware, and trim work
• Painting and surface preparation for interior and exterior maintenance
• Preventive maintenance scheduling and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)
• Motor and belt-driven equipment maintenance (pumps, fans, conveyors)
• Building safety systems including fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, and exit signage
• Basic welding and metal fabrication for equipment repair
• Energy management and building automation system fundamentals

How Long Does Training Take?

Certificate programs in building maintenance or facility maintenance technology typically run 6 to 12 months. Diploma programs may take 12 to 18 months and cover a broader range of building systems. Associate degree programs in facilities maintenance or industrial maintenance technology take about 2 years and often include coursework in industrial controls, building automation, or management. Some employers offer on-the-job training for entry-level maintenance helpers who demonstrate aptitude and work ethic, though formal training increasingly gives candidates a competitive advantage. Tuition for certificate programs may range from approximately $4,000 to $12,000, while associate degree programs at community colleges typically cost between $8,000 and $20,000 total. Costs vary by institution, so check with individual schools for current pricing and financial aid availability.

Admissions & Requirements

• High school diploma or GED is typically required
• Basic math and reading skills for interpreting manuals and measuring materials
• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn multiple trade skills
• Physical ability to climb ladders, work in confined spaces, and lift up to 50 lbs
• Valid driver’s license (maintenance technicians often travel between buildings or job sites)
• Some programs or employers may require a background check, especially for residential or institutional settings

Licensing & Certification

Maintenance technicians generally do not need a state trade license because they typically perform repair and maintenance work rather than new installations that require licensed tradespeople. However, specific tasks may require credentials: EPA Section 608 certification is needed to handle refrigerants during HVAC maintenance (exam fee is approximately $20 to $30), and some jurisdictions require a limited electrical or plumbing license for certain repair work. Industry certifications from the Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI), the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), or the Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE) can boost career prospects and typically require renewal every one to three years through continuing education. OSHA 10-Hour certification is also commonly expected by employers.

Career Outlook & Salary

According to the BLS, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024), general maintenance and repair workers earn a median annual wage of $45,440. The top 10% of earners make more than $68,160 per year, while entry-level positions (bottom 10%) start around $27,264. The field employs approximately 1,471,400 workers, making it one of the largest maintenance occupations in the country. The BLS projects 4% employment growth through 2032, which is about average, with an estimated 165,100 openings each year. The high number of annual openings reflects the essential nature of maintenance work across virtually all industries. States with large commercial real estate markets and manufacturing sectors, such as Texas, California, and New York, tend to offer the most positions. Technicians with certifications in building automation, industrial controls, or specific trade areas typically command higher wages.

Where You’ll Work

Maintenance technicians work in virtually every type of facility. Common employers include apartment complexes, office buildings, hotels, hospitals, schools and universities, manufacturing plants, retail chains, and government buildings. Industrial maintenance technicians who specialize in machinery and production equipment often work in factories, warehouses, and food processing plants. Work conditions vary from climate-controlled office environments to outdoor settings and mechanical rooms. Most positions are full time, and on-call availability for emergency repairs (nights, weekends) is common in many settings.

Online vs In-Person Options

Maintenance technician training involves significant hands-on practice across multiple trade disciplines. Electrical troubleshooting, plumbing repair, and equipment maintenance must be practiced in person with real systems and tools. Some programs offer hybrid formats where topics like OSHA safety, building codes, or CMMS software training are delivered online, while shop and lab work is completed on-site. Fully online maintenance programs are rare because the breadth of hands-on skills required does not translate well to remote instruction. Look for programs with well-equipped multi-trade training facilities.

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Career Guide

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FAQs

What is the difference between a maintenance technician and a specialized tradesperson like an electrician or plumber?

Maintenance technicians are generalists trained across multiple building systems, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and carpentry. They handle routine repairs and preventive maintenance on existing systems. Specialized tradespeople like electricians and plumbers focus deeply on one discipline and are typically licensed to perform new installations and major system work. In many facilities, maintenance technicians handle day-to-day issues while licensed specialists are called in for major projects or code-required work.

What types of facilities hire maintenance technicians?

Maintenance technicians work in virtually every type of facility, including apartment complexes, office buildings, hotels, hospitals, schools, manufacturing plants, retail stores, and government buildings. Industrial maintenance technicians who specialize in machinery and production equipment often work in factories, warehouses, and food processing plants. The variety of work settings is one of the advantages of this career, as the skills transfer easily between industries.

Can maintenance technician training lead to a specialized trade career?

Yes, maintenance technician training provides a broad introduction to multiple trades, which can help you identify a specialty you enjoy. Many maintenance technicians later pursue focused training or apprenticeships in electrical, plumbing, or HVAC to earn a trade license and move into higher-paying specialized roles. The foundational skills gained in a maintenance program, such as electrical troubleshooting, pipe repair, and mechanical systems knowledge, provide a useful head start in any of these specialized trades.

How much does maintenance technician training cost?

Tuition for maintenance technician certificate programs typically ranges from approximately $4,000 to $12,000 at vocational schools, depending on program length and location. Associate degree programs in facilities maintenance at community colleges may cost between $8,000 and $20,000 in total tuition. Some employers in property management and manufacturing offer tuition assistance or on-the-job training as an alternative to formal schooling. Financial aid, workforce development grants, and veterans’ benefits may also help offset costs.

What is the job outlook for maintenance technicians?

The BLS projects approximately 165,100 annual job openings for general maintenance and repair workers through 2032, with employment growth of about 4%. This consistently high number of openings reflects the essential role maintenance technicians play across all industries. Every commercial building, residential complex, and manufacturing facility requires ongoing maintenance, creating steady demand regardless of economic conditions. Technicians with certifications or skills in building automation and industrial controls may have a competitive edge.

Do maintenance technicians work on-call or have flexible schedules?

Many maintenance technician positions include some form of on-call responsibility, particularly in residential property management, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities where equipment failures require immediate attention. Standard schedules are typically full-time weekday hours, but evening, weekend, and holiday coverage is common in facilities that operate around the clock. Some positions, especially in apartment complexes, offer housing as part of the compensation package in exchange for on-site availability.

What certifications help maintenance technicians earn more?

The EPA Section 608 certification (required for refrigerant handling) is one of the most commonly sought credentials. Beyond that, certifications from BOMI (such as the Systems Maintenance Technician designation), IFMA, or the AFE can demonstrate advanced competency and lead to higher pay. Industrial maintenance technicians may benefit from certifications in programmable logic controllers (PLCs), welding, or specific equipment manufacturer credentials. OSHA safety certifications are often expected as a baseline.

Salary data reflects U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for May 2024. Actual salaries vary by location, experience, and employer. Program availability and tuition costs vary by school.

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