Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing career

Building Maintenance Technician

Also called: Maintenance Technician · Maintenance Worker · Apartment Maintenance Technician · Facilities Technician

What building maintenance technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a building maintenance technician do?

General maintenance and repair workers fix and maintain buildings and equipment, handling plumbing, electrical, HVAC, carpentry, painting and appliance repairs. The median pay is $49,590 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 3–12 months on the job, and employment is projected to grow +4.2% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $49,590
    $23.84/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +4.2%
    2025–35, about as fast as average
  • Openings per year
    148,700
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    High school diploma or equivalent
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    3–12 months on the job
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    1,621,800
    Employment, 2025

What building maintenance technicians do

Building maintenance technicians are the go-to problem solvers for apartments, schools, hospitals, hotels, offices and factories. On any day they might fix a leaking faucet, replace a light fixture, patch drywall, service an HVAC unit, repair a door closer or prepare a vacant apartment for a new tenant. They also perform preventive maintenance so systems don’t fail.

Most technicians learn on the job, building skills across several trades. Certifications such as EPA 608 for refrigerants and the CAMT for apartment maintenance raise pay and responsibility. It is one of the largest occupations in the country and offers steady work in almost every community.

Typical duties

  • Respond to work orders and repair requests
  • Repair plumbing fixtures, leaks and drains
  • Replace lights, switches and outlets within allowed scope
  • Service HVAC equipment and change filters
  • Patch drywall, paint and repair doors and locks
  • Turn vacant units for new residents
  • Perform preventive maintenance and safety checks

Work environment and schedule

Technicians work in apartment communities, schools, hospitals, hotels, offices and plants. The job involves climbing ladders, crawling into tight spaces and lifting, indoors and out.

Schedule: Most work full-time days, with rotating on-call shifts for after-hours emergencies.

A day in the life

  1. Check the work order system and prioritize an emergency leak.
  2. Replace a failed water heater valve and clean up water damage.
  3. Unclog a kitchen drain and replace a garbage disposal.
  4. Change HVAC filters and check thermostats in common areas.

See a full day in the life of a building maintenance technician →

Building Maintenance Technician salary

Half of building maintenance technicians earned more than $49,590 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $35,350 for the lowest 10% to $77,180 for the top 10%.

Full building maintenance technician pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a building maintenance technician

  1. Get basic skills
  2. Start as a maintenance helper
  3. Earn EPA 608
  4. Add certifications
  5. Advance

A high school diploma is typical. Most technicians learn on the job; some take vocational classes in HVAC, electrical or plumbing. Industry certifications add skills and pay.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a building maintenance technician →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Basic plumbing repair
  • Basic electrical repair
  • HVAC maintenance
  • Carpentry and drywall
  • Appliance repair

People skills

  • Problem solving
  • Customer service
  • Time management
  • Reliability

All building maintenance technician skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Steady demand in every community
  • Variety: no two days are alike
  • Learn multiple trades on the job
  • Some apartment roles include housing discounts

Cons

  • On-call emergencies
  • Dirty and physical tasks
  • Broad skills needed
  • Pay may be lower than specialized trades

Certifications and licenses

  • EPA Section 608 certification: Required to work on equipment containing refrigerants.
  • Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technicians (CAMT): National Apartment Association credential.
  • Building Operator Certification (BOC): Credential for operating building systems efficiently.
  • OSHA 10-Hour General Industry: Basic workplace safety training.

Career path

  1. Maintenance Helper: Assist with repairs and make-readies.
  2. Maintenance Technician: Handle work orders independently.
  3. Lead Technician or Maintenance Supervisor: Lead teams and manage vendors.
  4. Facilities Manager: Oversee buildings, budgets and projects.

Learn the job before day one

Our Building Maintenance Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as fix a running toilet and replace a light switch safely, safety and how to land your first job.

View Building Maintenance Technician trainingIs this career right for me?

HVAC Technician

Install, maintain and repair heating, cooling, ventilation and refrigeration systems.

  • $61,010
  • 6–24 months

Plumber

Install and repair water, drain, gas and heating piping systems to code.

  • $63,800
  • 4–5 years (paid apprenticeship)

Electrician

Install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, panels and equipment safely to code.

  • $63,190
  • 4–5 years (paid apprenticeship)

Compare: Building Maintenance Tech vs. Maintenance Technician · Building Maintenance Tech vs. HVAC Technician · Building Maintenance Tech vs. Plumber · Building Maintenance Tech vs. Electrician

Building Maintenance Technician FAQ

Do building maintenance technicians need a license?

Usually not for general maintenance, but some electrical, plumbing and gas work requires licensed tradespeople.

What certification helps most?

EPA 608 is valuable for HVAC work, and the CAMT is well known in apartment maintenance.

Is maintenance a good career?

Yes. It offers steady demand, variety and a path to supervisor and facilities manager roles.

How much does a building maintenance technician make?

The median annual wage for building maintenance technicians was $49,590 ($23.84 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $35,350 and the highest 10% earned more than $77,180.

How long does it take to become a building maintenance technician?

Most people need about 3–12 months on the job of training. A high school diploma is typical. Most technicians learn on the job; some take vocational classes in HVAC, electrical or plumbing. Industry certifications add skills and pay.

Do you need a degree to be a building maintenance technician?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

More building maintenance technician questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Enroll in trainingTake fit quiz