FAQ
Maintenance Supervisor FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a maintenance supervisor.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a maintenance supervisor: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about maintenance supervisors
Do maintenance supervisors need a degree?
Usually not; experience matters most.
Is the job in demand?
Yes, BLS projects many openings.
Are they on call?
Often.
How much does a maintenance supervisor make?
The median annual wage for maintenance supervisors was $79,860 ($38.39 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $49,600 and the highest 10% earned more than $126,790.
How long does it take to become a maintenance supervisor?
Most people need about Several years of hands-on experience of training. A high school diploma and several years of maintenance experience are typical; technical training helps.
Do you need a degree to be a maintenance supervisor?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education.
Is maintenance supervisor a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +4.1% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 48,900 openings each year. Upsides include good pay without a degree; a common challenge is that on call.
What skills does a maintenance supervisor need?
Key technical skills include mechanical and electrical troubleshooting, preventive maintenance planning, cmms, and parts management. Employers also value leadership, problem-solving, and communication.
What certifications are available for maintenance supervisors?
Common credentials include CMRP, CMRT, OSHA 30, and Trade license. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Maintenance Supervisor fit quiz, compare with Industrial Maintenance Technician, or explore Maintenance Supervisor training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 49-1011 (First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.