Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers
Also called: Helpers--Maintenance and Repair Workers
Help installation, maintenance, and repair workers in maintenance, parts replacement, and repair of vehicles, industrial machinery, and electrical and electronic equipment. Perform duties such as furnishing tools, materials, and supplies to other workers; cleaning work area, machines, and tools; and holding materials or tools for other workers.
Also called: Air Conditioner Installer Helper (AC Installer Helper), Air Conditioner Installer Servicer Helper (AC Installer Servicer Helper), Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic Helper, Armature Winder Repair Helper, Automobile Body Repairer Helper, Automobile Mechanic Helper
Median pay
$39,630
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$29,310 – $55,890
People employed
95,580
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 2.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 3.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 4.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 5.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 6.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (49 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers salary in every state →
What helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers do
- 01Install or replace machinery, equipment, and new or replacement parts and instruments, using hand or power tools.
- 02Examine and test machinery, equipment, components, and parts for defects to ensure proper functioning.
- 03Tend and observe equipment and machinery to verify efficient and safe operation.
- 04Adjust, connect, or disconnect wiring, piping, tubing, and other parts, using hand or power tools.
- 05Assemble and maintain physical structures, using hand or power tools.
- 06Clean or lubricate vehicles, machinery, equipment, instruments, tools, work areas, and other objects, using hand tools, power tools, and cleaning equipment.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers
- Helpers--Electricians92% · +8%
- Helpers--Extraction Workers87% · +20%
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers85% · +36%
- Helpers--Carpenters85% · +10%
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters84% · +7%
Change into helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Helpers--Electricians92% · $42,670
- Helpers--Carpenters85% · $43,780
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters84% · $42,360
- Helpers--Extraction Workers83% · $47,730
- Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons82% · $40,470