General Maintenance and Repair Worker

Career Guide

General Maintenance and Repair Workers keep buildings, facilities, and equipment safe and working. They handle day to day fixes, preventive upkeep, and quick responses to issues across areas like plumbing, basic electrical, painting, and carpentry.

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Key Responsibilities

Inspect buildings and equipment for wear, damage, and safety issues
Perform routine upkeep such as changing filters and tightening hardware
Repair or replace fixtures such as doors, locks, and windows
Handle basic plumbing repairs such as leaks and clogged drains
Handle basic electrical tasks such as replacing outlets and light fixtures
Perform painting and drywall patching
Support minor carpentry work such as shelving and trim repairs
Respond to maintenance requests and prioritize urgent issues
Maintain tools and keep work areas clean and safe
Track work completed and report larger problems to supervisors or vendors
Coordinate with outside contractors for specialized repairs
Follow safety rules and building procedures

Top Skills for Success

Troubleshooting

Preventive Maintenance

Basic Plumbing

Basic Electrical Repair

Carpentry

Drywall Repair

Painting

Tool Safety

Work Order Management

Customer Service

Time Management

Attention to Detail

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Maintenance Technician Building Engineer

Facilities Technician

Maintenance Supervisor Facilities Supervisor

Transition Opportunities

Facilities Manager Property Manager HVAC Technician Electrician Plumber

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

HVAC FundamentalsLocksmithing BasicsPreventive Maintenance PlanningWork Order SoftwareSafety ComplianceInventory Management

Development SuggestionsBuild a clear checklist for routine inspections, learn one trade skill at a time, and document each repair with photos and notes. Ask for ride alongs with specialized techs, take short courses at a community college, and pursue basic safety training to qualify for higher responsibility roles.

Market Intelligence Report

General Maintenance and Repair Worker is part of the Facilities Maintenance category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level32000 to 42000 per year

Mid Level42000 to 55000 per year

Senior Level55000 to 70000 per year

Growth Trend

Steady demand driven by ongoing building upkeep, property operations, and replacement needs across housing, healthcare, education, and commercial facilities.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

CBREJLLABM IndustriesCushman and WakefieldSodexoAramarkMarriott InternationalHiltonWalmartAmazonTargetUnited States Postal Service

Industry Sectors

Property ManagementFacilities ServicesHospitalityHealthcareManufacturingWarehousing and LogisticsEducationGovernmentRetail

Recommended Next Steps

Create a skills checklist and rate your confidence for each maintenance area

Earn an OSHA 10 card or equivalent safety training

Take an introductory course in HVAC fundamentals

Practice work order documentation using a simple template

Build a small portfolio of before and after repairs with clear descriptions

Update your resume with measurable outcomes such as response time and completion rate

Apply to facilities teams in hospitals, schools, and property management firms for steadier schedules and advancement