While careers in maintenance can sometimes get overlooked, considered as thankless jobs, what most do not understand is how amazing the sense of independence can be, and just how vital this position is for a functioning society.
Not many people understand the inherent value in those with the skills, knowledge, and know-how to be able to call themselves maintenance professionals.
If you or someone you know is considering a career in maintenance, we have detailed below some of the best and most important jobs within the maintenance profession.
1. Electrician
Why Become an Electrician?
Electricians work in factories, businesses, and homes to repair, install, and maintain control systems, lighting, communications, and electrical power.
Electricians make a reported annual salary of $60,370, or $29.02 per hour, and require 4 plus years of vocational experience or apprenticeship programs.
Electrician job prospects are excellent, and the more versatile your skillset is, the better.
The majority of electricians work in construction, working on new homes, offices, factories, and modernization projects.
The rest work in a variety of sectors, including repairs and installations.
As an electrician, you will most likely be trained to operate in both maintenance and construction.
The majority of people end up working in one area or the other as a result of this training.
| Electrician Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $63,310 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $30.44 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 10% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Electrician
2. Plumber
Why Become a Plumber?
Plumbing experts install and repair water, gas, and other plumbing infrastructure in homes, businesses, and factories.
They also install appliances like dishwashers and water heaters.
They clean drains, remove obstructions, mend or replace broken pipes and fittings, and balance toilets.
Plumbers make a reported annual salary of $59,800, or $28.75 an hour, and either a two-year plumbing course in a vocational school or a four-year apprenticeship with a licensed plumber.
Those working with natural gas, or for new home construction tend to earn more than those working in other areas.
In terms of employment prospects, this is one of the most sought-after trades.
This sector is also expanding at a rapid rate.
You may expect excellent job prospects in this area, as well as chances to work in various areas of construction engineering.
| Plumber Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $63,350 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $30.46 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 14% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Plumber
3. Carpenter
Why Become a Carpenter?
Carpenters, also known as woodworkers, use hand and power tools to build, erect, install, and maintain structures and fittings made of wood, plywood, and wallboard.
They organize the project layout by examining blueprints, sketches, or building plans and determining the dimensions and materials required for the work.
Carpenters make a reported annual salary of $52,850, or $25.41 an hour, and there are three ways to become a carpenter; an apprenticeship, an entry-level carpentry job, or completing a carpentry degree at a vocational school.
If you want to pursue a trade and degree that will guarantee you a steady job for many years, working as a carpenter may be the right profession.
As a carpenter, you may earn an assured income right now while also gaining the opportunity to pursue other career paths down the road, such as construction project management.
| Carpenter Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $55,190 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $26.53 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 8% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Carpenter
4. Boat Mechanic
Why Become a Boat Mechanic?
Marine mechanics, also known as motorboat mechanics, are highly trained technicians who work on and maintain electrical and mechanical equipment aboard marine boats.
They are essentially motor experts that are responsible for the maintenance, upkeep, and repairs of all marine engines, including both outboard and inboard motors, and diesel.
Boat mechanics make a reported annual salary of $43,440, or $20.89 an hour, and they must receive formal training, such as attending a certification program or fulfilling an apprenticeship, before they can operate the equipment.
The employment outlook for Boat Mechanics is predicted to be good over the next decade.
There are more job opportunities in the motor vehicle retail sector, although they pay less than government jobs.
| Boat Mechanic Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $46,660 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $22.43 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 1% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Boat Mechanic
5. House Painter
Why Become a House Painter?
Professional painters, often known as house painters, paint and stain walls, ceilings, and floor coverings in new construction and remodeled houses.
They work on both the inside and outside of the home.
They may refinish cabinets or paint trim or walls during a makeover.
Surface preparation, as well as cleaning, are the responsibility of painters.
House painters make a reported annual salary of $44,640, or $21.46 an hour, and no prior formal education is needed to secure a job painting houses.
The expansion of the house painting business has been faster than average, owing to an increased demand for home painting services.
In addition, since house paint is short-lived and must be replaced or updated as trends change, homeowners must make improvements or upgrade their houses frequently.
In addition to rapid employment growth, workers may benefit from salary incentives and the opportunity to pursue self-employment as a House Painter.
| House Painter Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $47,140 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $22.66 |
| Education | 0-6 Months |
| Outlook | 6% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a House Painter
6. Landscaper
Why Become a Landscaper?
Landscaping and groundskeeping workers are responsible for landscaping or maintaining property grounds.
They mow lawns; trim hedges, bushes, and trees; grow and plant new plants, and rake leaves.
Equipment maintenance and repair, debris removal, composting, and weed pulling are also tasks that may be done by these workers.
Landscapers make a reported annual salary of $32,360, or $15.56 an hour, and there is no prior formal education required to land a landscaping job.
In comparison to other jobs, landscaping and lawn care are experiencing rapid development.
This is due in part to the high demand for lawn care and landscape design.
This demand is driven by a slew of factors, including corporate campuses, schools, large institutions, and busy or elderly homeowners who cannot afford to maintain their properties themselves.
| Landscaper Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $35,240 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $16.94 |
| Education | 0-1 Year |
| Outlook | 9% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Landscaper
