Becoming a Facilities Maintenance Technician (Guide)

Facilities maintenance involves the general upkeep of a residential or commercial building. Facilities maintenance technicians work daily to repair and maintain everything from HVAC systems to plumbing, ensuring everything is safe and well-run. Generally, they can work in a variety of environments, including apartment buildings, corporate offices, and manufacturing or warehouse facilities.

 

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While the day-to-day tasks of a facilities maintenance technician can vary, and some responsibilities depend on what type of facility you work in, overall, the typical job duties include

• Everyday maintenance. This can include anything from performing routine maintenance on building HVAC systems to interior upkeep, like painting.
• Repairs. Repairs can include fixing appliances, equipment and machinery, patching up drywall, replacing damaged parts, and more.
• Handling requests. This means addressing tickets or work requests, which can include anything from fixing minor plumping issues to more complicated work, like repairing electrical issues.
• Maintenance checks. Completing regular, routine checks of the building and its systems to ensure everything is well-maintained and runs as it should.
• Outdoor upkeep. Depending on where you work, this could mean mowing the lawn or more detailed landscaping, maintaining and repairing outdoor facades, and addressing any safety concerns.

 

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To become a facilities maintenance technician, you need to have some specific skills and training.

 

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Basic skills required to be a facilities maintenance technician include

• Customer service
• Troubleshooting
• Problem-solving
• Attention to detail
• Teamwork
• Adaptability
• Time management
• Physical strength

 

Besides basic skills that you can develop in most jobs, facilities maintenance technicians need to have particular technical skills to adequately do their job each day. These technical skills include

• An understanding of HVAC systems
• Plumbing
• Basic carpentry
• Electrical repair and maintenance
• Machine/equipment repair
• Building maintenance
• An understanding of hand tools and power tools

 

While there is technically no formal education or training required outside of a high school diploma for facilities maintenance jobs, most in the role should have a demonstrated background in the field or experience in a variety of skilled trades roles. Many skills can be learned through hands-on, on-the-job training but you may have a more difficult time finding a job in the field without experience or formal training.

 

Also, while not required by all employers, it can be helpful to have industry-specific certifications under your belt. Potential certifications for facilities maintenance technicians include

• EPA certification for HVAC
• Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT)
• OSHA safety certificate
• Certified Electronics Technician (CET)

 

Depending on your responsibilities, state regulations, and employer requirements, you may also need to have certain licenses to be legally allowed to work in your state. As you’re preparing to become a maintenance technician, be sure to check with your state’s Department of Labor to verify whether you’ll need registration or licensure to do the job.

 

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The average facilities maintenance technician salary is $46,700 per year. The highest 10% of technicians make about $73,490 per year, while the lowest 10% make about $30,860. The amount you can earn as a facilities maintenance technician can depend on a few factors, like your employer, what state you work in, experience, training, and credentials.

 

What industry you work in also plays a part in how much you can potentially earn. For example, facilities maintenance technicians who work in the manufacturing industry earn an average of $57,910 per year while those who work for rental or leasing companies earn around $46,010.

 

But, whatever the industry you work in, there are always opportunities to earn more and grow your career. For skilled maintenance techs, it’s possible to advance over time. Generally, depending on the size of the organization you work for, that can mean going from a maintenance technician to a supervisor to a building manager.

 

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For those who like to work with their hands, like working on different tasks during the day, and have an interest in knowing a little bit about a lot of skilled trades jobs, becoming a facilities maintenance technician can be a great job! Besides offering you work you enjoy, the average starting salary is good and you have the opportunity to find work in a variety of places.

 

If all this sounds great, then this could be the perfect job for you! Here’s how you can take the next steps to become a facilities maintenance technician:

1. Complete education or training. Generally, the minimum requirement many employers have for maintenance technicians is a high school diploma or GED. However, if you’re new to trades work, or want to increase your chances of getting a job in the field, some formal training is a good idea.
2. Get certified. As mentioned, certification isn’t necessarily required to work in this field, though that can vary depending on what type of work you’ll be doing, the state you work in, and what potential employers in your area are looking for. Though certification might not be a requirement, it’s never bad to get credentials on your resume. It’s worth the time to explore optional certifications.
3. Update your resume. Once you’ve completed training or earned certifications, make sure to update your resume before you start applying for jobs! It’s also a good idea to update or edit your resume for each job you apply to, making sure you show off the qualities and skills a particular employer is looking for.
4. Apply! Use sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, or even just Google “facilities maintenance jobs near me” to see what is open in your local area! Before hitting submit on your application, make sure to proofread your resume.
5. Get on-the-job training. After you’re hired, you’ll likely complete some on-the-job training to get to know your new role and workplace!

 

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If you’re interested in taking the next steps toward becoming a facilities maintenance technician, Penn Foster Training Institute’s online Facilities Maintenance Technician Program can help! Throughout your self-paced program, you’ll cover foundational skills that can help you prepare for the job you want – all from home. To learn more about the program, or to get started today, reach out to our Admissions Team at 1-888-427-6500!