Post job

Building maintenance engineer vs maintenance worker

The differences between building maintenance engineers and maintenance workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a building maintenance engineer and a maintenance worker. Additionally, a building maintenance engineer has an average salary of $47,450, which is higher than the $36,132 average annual salary of a maintenance worker.

The top three skills for a building maintenance engineer include HVAC, plumbing and preventive maintenance. The most important skills for a maintenance worker are plumbing, GRASS, and general maintenance.

Building maintenance engineer vs maintenance worker overview

Building Maintenance EngineerMaintenance Worker
Yearly salary$47,450$36,132
Hourly rate$22.81$17.37
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs95,005115,130
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 28%High School Diploma, 48%
Average age4747
Years of experience44

What does a building maintenance engineer do?

A building maintenance engineer is primarily in charge of maintaining building facilities in good condition. Their job entails conducting regular maintenance checks on an establishment's electrical, plumbing, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, performing repairs and replacements when necessary. They may also install or upgrade systems, execute adjustments, provide technical support to staff, and maintain extensive records. Moreover, as a building maintenance engineer, it is essential to lead maintenance teams to reach goals, all while implementing safety standards and regulations for a smooth and efficient workflow.

What does a maintenance worker do?

Maintenance workers are employees assigned to oversee the equipment, furniture, and fixtures in the office. They ensure that these items work correctly by doing routine check-ups, identifying any problems, anticipating challenges, sourcing for spare parts, and repairing problems. They also ensure that all the equipment, furniture, and fixtures are clean and always ready for use. They should be familiar with all the official instructions and procedures to ensure that they can adequately care for these items. They may also handle the installation of any new equipment.

Building maintenance engineer vs maintenance worker salary

Building maintenance engineers and maintenance workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Building Maintenance EngineerMaintenance Worker
Average salary$47,450$36,132
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $64,000Between $25,000 And $51,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCSanta Rosa, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyProvidence Health & ServicesABB
Best paying industryHospitalityManufacturing

Differences between building maintenance engineer and maintenance worker education

There are a few differences between a building maintenance engineer and a maintenance worker in terms of educational background:

Building Maintenance EngineerMaintenance Worker
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 28%High School Diploma, 48%
Most common majorHeating And Air ConditioningBusiness
Most common college--

Building maintenance engineer vs maintenance worker demographics

Here are the differences between building maintenance engineers' and maintenance workers' demographics:

Building Maintenance EngineerMaintenance Worker
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 96.5% Female, 3.5%Male, 88.0% Female, 12.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 22.7% Asian, 4.3% White, 58.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.7% Asian, 4.5% White, 59.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between building maintenance engineer and maintenance worker duties and responsibilities

Building maintenance engineer example responsibilities.

  • Create python script to automate the deployment process which deploys the application and restarts the servers.
  • Perform preventive maintenance and repair electrical equipment, plumbing, air-condition and refrigeration.
  • Create a plan maintenance system to stay on top of HVAC, energy management and mechanical systems and component repairs.
  • Complete engineering & life-safety systems and procedures training and certifications to ensure adherence to OSHA and other compliance and quality standards.
  • Attend numerous OSHA classes and receive numerous certifications.
  • Restart steam boilers and equipment after unplan emergency shutdowns.
  • Show more

Maintenance worker example responsibilities.

  • Clean windows or mirrors, using cleaners, and squeegees.
  • Promote and enforce safety procedures; render first aid and CPR.
  • Conduct electrical repairs to include replacing outlets, light switches, and fixture replacements.
  • Identify safety hazards; respond to accidents and emergencies and administers first aid and CPR.
  • Mow, edge, trim and rake fields; operate riding mowers, light duty vehicles, blowers, edger.
  • Respond to service requests including custodial work, preventative maintenance and assessment of roofing, HVAC, furnace and electrical systems.
  • Show more

Building maintenance engineer vs maintenance worker skills

Common building maintenance engineer skills
  • HVAC, 12%
  • Plumbing, 12%
  • Preventive Maintenance, 10%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • Snow Removal, 8%
  • Emergency Situations, 5%
Common maintenance worker skills
  • Plumbing, 10%
  • GRASS, 8%
  • General Maintenance, 7%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Building Maintenance, 5%
  • Mowing, 4%

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs