Highest-Paying Maintenance Technician Jobs [2026]

Research Summary. The Zippia data team has conducted an extensive analysis using a combination of publicly available government data, company reports, and thousands of job postings to create average salary estimates for maintenance technician roles across the United States. This updated report for 2026 identifies the highest-paying types of maintenance technician jobs based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of maintenance technicians:

• Maintenance Electrician ranks as the highest-paid maintenance technician, with an average salary of $62,112 and an average hourly rate of $29.86.

• The second highest-paying position is the Electrical Maintenance Technician, earning an average salary of $59,898.

• The average salary for maintenance technicians overall is $43,293 annually, or approximately $20.81 per hour.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be challenging. While compensation shouldn’t be the sole factor in your decision-making process, it plays a crucial role. For individuals considering a career as a maintenance technician, understanding the highest-paying roles can significantly influence your career trajectory.

Here are the top salaries for various types of maintenance technicians:

1. Maintenance Electrician

   Average Salary: $62,112

   Maintenance electricians are responsible for overseeing the electrical systems of buildings, inspecting wiring and cables for faults, and performing preventive maintenance to ensure safety and efficiency. They upgrade electrical systems for optimal performance, replace faulty wiring, and install new equipment based on management needs. Additionally, they analyze schematics and blueprints for electrical layout and conduct diagnostic tests to identify defects requiring immediate attention. A maintenance electrician must possess extensive knowledge of the electrical industry, particularly in maintaining accurate records of maintenance activities.

2. Electrical Maintenance Technician

   Average Salary: $59,898

   Electrical maintenance technicians primarily focus on installing and repairing electrical systems. Their duties often include collaborating with clients to assess needs, evaluating electrical issues in residential or commercial properties, troubleshooting problems, and executing repairs or replacements. They may also train junior technicians and conduct regular maintenance checks to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.

3. Operations And Maintenance Technician

   Average Salary: $53,680

   Operations and maintenance technicians are skilled professionals responsible for performing preventive maintenance on all operational equipment within an organization. They ensure facilities remain functional by conducting inspections and documenting equipment conditions. Proficient in using various hand and power tools, these technicians diagnose mechanical issues and monitor equipment operations to ensure adherence to maintenance and safety protocols.

4. Aircraft Maintenance Technician

   Average Salary: $53,026

   Aircraft maintenance technicians ensure the safety of commercial, government, and private aircraft, including helicopters. They must guarantee that all aircraft comply with Federal Aviation Regulations.

5. Senior Maintenance Technician

   Average Salary: $51,970

   Senior maintenance technicians oversee the maintenance and repair of the electrical and mechanical systems in establishments or homes. They handle the installation of ventilation systems and inspect equipment and machinery to ensure optimal performance. Additionally, they monitor inventory levels necessary for system setup and operations. Strong organizational and mechanical skills are essential, along with adherence to safety procedures.

Below is a complete table showcasing the average pay for various maintenance technician roles, followed by an in-depth explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Maintenance Technicians

Methodology

Zippia utilizes publicly published information from government sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), to create its salary estimates.

The data science team also reviews job postings and company resources for additional current salary information for maintenance technicians.

After gathering the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they estimate a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Maintenance Technician Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid maintenance technician job?

   The highest-paid maintenance technician job is a maintenance electrician. Maintenance Electricians earn an average salary of $62,112, which translates to $29.86 hourly.

   Maintenance electricians are responsible for monitoring a building’s electrical systems, inspecting wiring for faults, and conducting preventive maintenance to ensure safety and efficiency. They also upgrade electrical systems for optimal performance, replace faulty wiring, and install new equipment as required by management. In addition, they analyze schematics for electrical placements and perform diagnostic tests to identify defects that need immediate attention. A maintenance electrician needs extensive knowledge of the electrical industry, particularly in maintaining accurate records.

2. What is a good salary for a maintenance technician?

   A good salary for a maintenance technician is $43,293 or more. This average salary indicates that those earning at least this amount are receiving above-average compensation.

   It’s important to note that maintenance technician salaries can vary significantly based on location, as companies adjust pay scales according to local living costs. Researching local salaries for your expertise and experience level can provide a clearer view of your compensation.

   If you’re just starting as a maintenance technician, the average entry-level salary is around $28,994. Therefore, don’t base your salary expectations solely on the average of $43,293, as this figure encompasses technicians at all skill levels.

3. Do Maintenance Technician jobs pay well?

   Maintenance technician jobs can vary in pay. While some positions in this field offer competitive salaries, the average maintenance technician salary of $43,293 is slightly higher than the average national salary of approximately $44,225 per year.

   Moreover, many maintenance technician roles have significant earning potential, with the top 10% earning an average of $61,419 annually.

   Salaries for maintenance technicians may fluctuate based on experience level, industry, and location. Therefore, it’s essential to research the prevailing rates in your area and confidently negotiate your salary based on this information.

4. Where do maintenance technicians get paid the most?

   Maintenance Technicians earn the most in Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, the average annual salary for maintenance technicians is $50,628, or about $24.34 per hour.

   Following Wisconsin, the states with the highest-paying maintenance technician jobs are Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa, with average annual salaries of $51,560, $51,722, and $47,155 respectively.

   The cities offering the highest maintenance technician salaries include:

   1. Richmond, CA – $53,436

   2. Washington, DC – $52,665

   3. Boston, MA – $52,027

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.