What does a craft worker do?
Craft worker responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real craft worker resumes:
- Work extensively on autoclaves, lyophilizers, pressure vessels and pumps.
- Install open and conceal wiring including lighting fixtures, relays and switches.
- Remove insulation materials associate with repairing pipes & fittings using OSHA approve methods.
- Identify and repair a variety of light plumbing problems, replacing fixtures and equipment.
- Repair and replace plumbing parts, including drinking fountains, sinks, and water closets.
- Used hoists and jacks, hand tools, power tools, plumb bobs and measuring equipment.
- Work professionally with journeyman of carpentry, electrical, HVAC, welding, masonry, and co-workers.
- Inspect (troubleshoot) electrical systems, motors, and wiring for compliance to building and safety codes.
- Decontaminate vehicles and cargo-carrying portion, reload assigned racks, scan waste containers into Bio-track systems for proper recordkeeping.
- Load cafeteria trays/silverware/cookware into commercial dishwasher.
Craft worker skills and personality traits
We calculated that 15% of Craft Workers are proficient in Plumbing, Ladders, and General Maintenance. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Dexterity, and Troubleshooting skills.
We break down the percentage of Craft Workers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Plumbing, 15%
Repaired and replaced plumbing parts, including drinking fountains, sinks, and water closets.
- Ladders, 15%
Set up, arranged and removed decorations, tables, chairs, ladders and scaffolding to prepare facilities for large events.
- General Maintenance, 11%
General maintenance in unoccupied apartment complexes, interior painting, prepared units to sell, residential interior and exterior painting
- HVAC, 9%
Worked professionally with journeyman of carpentry, electrical, HVAC, welding, masonry, and co-workers.
- Hoists, 7%
Employed wide variety of hand and power tools including hoists, drills, precision measuring instruments and electronic testing devices.
- Mechanical Equipment, 7%
General maintenance, repair, installation and fabrication of various types of electrical, electronic and mechanical equipment.
Common skills that a craft worker uses to do their job include "plumbing," "ladders," and "general maintenance." You can find details on the most important craft worker responsibilities below.
Customer-service skills. One of the key soft skills for a craft worker to have is customer-service skills. You can see how this relates to what craft workers do because "these workers interact with customers on a regular basis." Additionally, a craft worker resume shows how craft workers use customer-service skills: "helped customers on a day to day basis with questions regarding water bills and the installation of indoor water meters. "
Dexterity. Another essential skill to perform craft worker duties is dexterity. Craft workers responsibilities require that "many repair and maintenance tasks, such as repairing small devices, connecting or attaching components, and using hand tools, require a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination." Craft workers also use dexterity in their role according to a real resume snippet: "run forklifts front end loaders and skidsters using shovels and rakes for laying asphalt across the ground. "
Troubleshooting skills. craft workers are also known for troubleshooting skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to craft worker responsibilities, because "workers find, diagnose, and repair problems." A craft worker resume example shows how troubleshooting skills is used in the workplace: "maintain forklift equipment by troubleshooting breakdowns, performing preventive maintenance, recommending repairs and performing routine pre and post inspections. "
The three companies that hire the most craft workers are:
- ADM2 craft workers jobs
- Construction Specialties2 craft workers jobs
- Griffiths Corporation2 craft workers jobs
Compare different craft workers
Craft worker vs. Handyman
A handyman can perform various repair and maintenance tasks involving electricity, carpentry, plumbing, and even appliance installation. Most handymen work independently, but they can also choose to be part of a company. Furthermore, a handyman must also discuss the extent of repairs to clients, even sharing insights on maintaining facilities in good condition. There are instances when a handyman may be required to work in a group setting, which requires an active line of communication and coordination.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, craft worker responsibilities require skills like "ladders," "mechanical equipment," "osha," and "switches." Meanwhile a typical handyman has skills in areas such as "customer service," "drywall repair," "mowing," and "caulking." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Handymen really shine in the construction industry with an average salary of $51,528. Comparatively, craft workers tend to make the most money in the hospitality industry with an average salary of $50,672.The education levels that handymen earn slightly differ from craft workers. In particular, handymen are 1.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a craft worker. Additionally, they're 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Craft worker vs. Repair technician
A repair technician's role focuses on assessing the problem or damage of a device and implementing solutions for it to function again. Although the extent of a technician's tasks will depend on the device or industry of employment, most of it revolves around troubleshooting, providing technical support, installing and writing programs, detaching and re-attaching wirings, welding, and even thoroughly discussing problems and solutions to clients. Furthermore, there are instances when a repair technician must work in a team setting that requires coordination and communication.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that craft worker responsibilities requires skills like "ladders," "general maintenance," "mechanical equipment," and "osha." But a repair technician might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "customer service," "customer satisfaction," "preventative maintenance," and "work ethic."
Repair technicians may earn a lower salary than craft workers, but repair technicians earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $49,974. On the other hand, craft workers receive higher pay in the hospitality industry, where they earn an average salary of $50,672.In general, repair technicians achieve similar levels of education than craft workers. They're 1.9% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Craft worker vs. Maintenance assistant
A maintenance assistant is responsible for maintaining the company's facilities' cleanliness, ensuring that all the equipment and machinery are in working condition, and escalating high defective items for repair. Maintenance assistants should adhere to the organization's safety standards at all times to prevent hazards in operations. They also assist with monitoring inventories and requesting office supplies, inspect electrical wirings and systems for inconsistencies, respond to cleaning and repair requests, and assist guests to the correct departments.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from craft worker resumes include skills like "general maintenance," "switches," "mechanical systems," and "routine maintenance," whereas a maintenance assistant is more likely to list skills in "customer service," "patients," "electrical equipment," and "maintenance tasks. "
Maintenance assistants earn the highest salary when working in the government industry, where they receive an average salary of $35,031. Comparatively, craft workers have the highest earning potential in the hospitality industry, with an average salary of $50,672.When it comes to education, maintenance assistants tend to earn similar degree levels compared to craft workers. In fact, they're 1.7% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Craft worker vs. Building maintenance mechanic
A building maintenance mechanic is primarily in charge of maintaining mechanical systems and equipment in good condition. They conduct regular maintenance checks, performing repairs or replacements when necessary. They may also respond to issues and concerns, troubleshoot problems, install and upgrade systems, provide technical support and advice to staff, manage vehicles, monitor supply inventory, purchase supplies, and maintain records. Moreover, a building maintenance mechanic usually works in a team setting, which requires a clear communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Types of craft worker
Updated January 8, 2025