Building Maintenance Technician FAQ

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +4.2% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 148,700 openings each year. Upsides include steady demand in every community; a common challenge is that on-call emergencies.

Key technical skills include basic plumbing repair, basic electrical repair, hvac maintenance, and carpentry and drywall. Employers also value problem solving, customer service, and time management.

Common credentials include EPA Section 608 certification, Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technicians (CAMT), Building Operator Certification (BOC), and OSHA 10-Hour General Industry. Some repairs, such as major electrical, plumbing or gas work, may require a licensed tradesperson depending on state and local rules.