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Field maintenance technician vs maintenance worker

The differences between field maintenance technicians 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 field maintenance technician and a maintenance worker. Additionally, a field maintenance technician has an average salary of $37,403, which is higher than the $36,132 average annual salary of a maintenance worker.

The top three skills for a field maintenance technician include field maintenance, customer service and plumbing. The most important skills for a maintenance worker are plumbing, GRASS, and general maintenance.

Field maintenance technician vs maintenance worker overview

Field Maintenance TechnicianMaintenance Worker
Yearly salary$37,403$36,132
Hourly rate$17.98$17.37
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs225,113115,130
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%High School Diploma, 48%
Average age4747
Years of experience44

What does a field maintenance technician do?

Field Maintenance Technicians are responsible for the on-site maintenance, repair, and installation of systems and equipment. Their duties include inspecting technical problems, performing repair or installing systems and equipment, conducting test runs, demonstrating safe operating procedures, and carrying out preventive maintenance service. They educate clients on troubleshooting techniques, undertake service reviews, and produce service reports. Field Maintenance Technicians also make recommendations related to service upgrades or equipment replacements, organize travel arrangements, and maintain client relationships.

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.

Field maintenance technician vs maintenance worker salary

Field maintenance technicians and maintenance workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Field Maintenance TechnicianMaintenance Worker
Average salary$37,403$36,132
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $54,000Between $25,000 And $51,000
Highest paying CityRichmond, VASanta Rosa, CA
Highest paying stateMinnesotaAlaska
Best paying companyAmerican WaterABB
Best paying industry-Manufacturing

Differences between field maintenance technician and maintenance worker education

There are a few differences between a field maintenance technician and a maintenance worker in terms of educational background:

Field Maintenance TechnicianMaintenance Worker
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%High School Diploma, 48%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Field maintenance technician vs maintenance worker demographics

Here are the differences between field maintenance technicians' and maintenance workers' demographics:

Field Maintenance TechnicianMaintenance Worker
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 91.8% Female, 8.2%Male, 88.0% Female, 12.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 4.5% White, 60.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%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 field maintenance technician and maintenance worker duties and responsibilities

Field maintenance technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage proper storage of equipment, compliance with ANSI, NEC standard and assure OSHA safety regulations.
  • Repair and install anything HVAC and plumbing relate
  • Service and charge HVAC systems.
  • Perform electrical repairs such as replacing switches, ballast and wiring.
  • Perform activities such as loading trucks, repairing and operating rock crushers, loaders, and excavators.
  • Follow OSHA protocols and standards for working with high-voltage equipment and heavy machinery in a constantly changing environment.
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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.
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Field maintenance technician vs maintenance worker skills

Common field maintenance technician skills
  • Field Maintenance, 15%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Plumbing, 7%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 6%
  • OSHA, 6%
  • Routine Maintenance, 5%
Common maintenance worker skills
  • Plumbing, 10%
  • GRASS, 8%
  • General Maintenance, 7%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Building Maintenance, 5%
  • Mowing, 4%

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