Maintenance Workers
O*NET title: Maintenance Workers, Machinery
Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.
Also called: Air Deodorizer Servicer, Aircraft Fueler, Airplane Fueler, Airplane Refueler, Airport Refueling Handler, Alemite Operator (Alemite Op)
Median pay
$60,850
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$42,000 – $88,550
People employed
60,020
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.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 3.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 4.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
Maintenance Workers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (45 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What maintenance workers do
- 01Dismantle machines and remove parts for repair, using hand tools, chain falls, jacks, cranes, or hoists.
- 02Reassemble machines after the completion of repair or maintenance work.
- 03Record production, repair, and machine maintenance information.
- 04Lubricate or apply adhesives or other materials to machines, machine parts, or other equipment according to specified procedures.
- 05Install, replace, or change machine parts and attachments, according to production specifications.
- 06Set up and operate machines, and adjust controls to regulate operations.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Design
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
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 maintenance workers
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers91% · −8%
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines90% · +8%
- Rail Car Repairers85% · +11%
- Hydroelectric Plant Technicians81% · group pay
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers80% · −12%
Change into maintenance workers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines90% · $65,510
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers88% · $56,210
- Rail Car Repairers86% · $67,530
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists84% · $61,770
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians83% · $56,550
Majors that lead here
- Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.