what is a maintenance technician?

As a maintenance technician, you solve mechanical or electrical problems in building systems. You check problems in various systems and find solutions to repair the damage.

Maintenance technicians work in many industries, keeping machines and equipment in good working order. You perform routine maintenance procedures and troubleshoot any problems. You also fix mechanical or electrical issues in manufacturing processes, support systems or equipment. You are in charge of a facility, such as an apartment or office, where you inspect systems within buildings. 

the importance of a maintenance technician's role

Every business is racing against the clock to maximise profits. As a maintenance technician, you are responsible for keeping the manufacturing processes running at all times and minimising downtime as much as possible to prevent product quality and output from suffering. Apart from preventing revenue loss, you are essential in enhancing a company's reputation for reliability.

Would working as a maintenance technician suit your technical knowledge and interest in physically demanding work? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a maintenance technician role.

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average maintenance technician salary

According to National Careers, the median compensation package of a maintenance technician ranges from £18,000 to £40,000 per year. Entry-level maintenance technicians earn an average salary of £18,000 annually. Gaining competitive skills and qualifications improves your salary prospects, and you can take home over £40,000 yearly.

how to increase your salary as a maintenance technician

As a maintenance technician, your compensation package fluctuates depending on the company you work for and your experience level. Entry-level experience usually attracts a lower salary, but having over five years of experience can improve your salary prospects. When you have extensive experience as a maintenance technician, your transferrable skills allow you to negotiate higher pay.

Working for large organisations improves your salary prospects due to more significant company resources and the complexity of your job. Small companies with limited resources may not afford to pay high salaries. However, you gain invaluable experience since you are likely to handle all maintenance duties.

male sitting at his desk looking down, focused.
male sitting at his desk looking down, focused.
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types of maintenance technicians

Your responsibilities as a maintenance technician usually depend on where you work. Some common types of maintenance technicians include:

  • industrial maintenance technicians: as an industrial maintenance technician, you work in industrial settings like production or manufacturing facilities with the help of industrial electricians. You perform routine maintenance tasks and complete repairs on various machines. Your job includes solving mechanical and electrical issues.
  • property maintenance technicians: as a building maintenance technician, you handle repairs and maintenance tasks in residential and commercial buildings. Repairs include plumbing, electrical, air conditioning system maintenance and carpentry. You also maintain the fire and safety systems within the building. Your job involves evaluating building systems like fire alarms. You also respond to tenants' reports or maintenance issues on the premises.
  • fleet maintenance technician: you may work in the transport and logistics industries as a maintenance technician. Your job is to service and repair a fleet of vehicles. You also perform preventive maintenance and general repairs on the transit facility.
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working as a maintenance technician

Working as a maintenance technician requires technical skills since you are responsible for maintaining and repairing equipment and machines. Let's explore the roles and work environments of maintenance technicians.

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education and skills

The following educational qualifications improve your prospects as a maintenance technician:

  • university degree: a maintenance technician requires technical knowledge, which they gain by pursuing a foundation degree or a higher national diploma in engineering or maintenance courses. When you complete the training, you become a trainee technician. If you don't qualify for a degree, complete a certificate or diploma course in equipment maintenance or building services engineering.
  • apprenticeship: the apprenticeship programmes available for maintenance technicians include a Level 3 engineering technician or a Level 3 building services maintenance engineer. These apprenticeship programmes equip you with the technical knowledge and skills necessary for the role.

skills and competencies

Some of the qualities of a maintenance technician include:

  • technical skills: to qualify as a maintenance technician, you need working knowledge of the equipment, systems and facilities you maintain and repair.
  • time-management skills: as a maintenance technician, you need time-management skills to minimise downtime as much as possible. Time management also helps you schedule co-workers and tasks appropriately.
  • diagnostic skills: the primary role of a maintenance technician is to identify problems and solve them as fast as possible. Your diagnostic skills help you notice irregularities in buildings' systems.
  • communication skills: as a maintenance technician, you communicate with other people on your team and give explicit instructions on what they should do. Your communication skills improve work efficiency.
  • attention to detail: it is crucial to be accurate to avoid damage when conducting repairs, troubleshooting and routine testing. Attentiveness to detail improves efficiency and ensures you don't miss routine maintenance.
man with goggles
man with goggles
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FAQs

FAQs about working as a maintenance technician.

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