Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
O*NET 49-9071.00 · SOC 49-9071
Maintenance and Repair Worker is a solid career choice. Median pay is $50k a year with +4.2% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 148,700 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Fix leaky faucets and unclog drains in residential or commercial buildings
- →Patch drywall holes and repaint walls to restore surfaces
- →Replace broken light fixtures, switches, and electrical outlets
- →Perform routine inspections of HVAC filters and mechanical systems
- →Repair or replace door locks, hinges, and window hardware
Education & How to Get In
Most Maintenance and Repair Worker positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
Ready to start building skills for a career as a Maintenance and Repair Worker? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.
Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.
Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Maintenance and Repair Worker involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Maintenance and Repair Worker?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Maintenance and Repair Worker Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
Explore More Careers
Job Outlook
Employment of Maintenance and Repair Workers, General is projected to grow 4.2% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·46% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Maintenance and Repair Worker make?
The median Maintenance and Repair Worker earns $50k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Maintenance and Repair Worker jobs?
Our model puts Maintenance and Repair Worker at 33 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 46% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress; industry sector with low automation exposure.
Is Maintenance and Repair Worker a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 4.2% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 148,700 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Maintenance and Repair Worker?
Most Maintenance and Repair Worker roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Maintenance and Repair Worker?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Maintenance and Repair Worker career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes