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Handyman vs maintenance worker

The differences between handymen 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 handyman and a maintenance worker. Additionally, a handyman has an average salary of $44,648, which is higher than the $36,132 average annual salary of a maintenance worker.

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

Handyman vs maintenance worker overview

HandymanMaintenance Worker
Yearly salary$44,648$36,132
Hourly rate$21.47$17.37
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs3,371115,130
Job satisfaction4.5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%High School Diploma, 48%
Average age4747
Years of experience44

What does a handyman do?

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.

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.

Handyman vs maintenance worker salary

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

HandymanMaintenance Worker
Average salary$44,648$36,132
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $61,000Between $25,000 And $51,000
Highest paying CitySilver Spring, MDSanta Rosa, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyThe American Musical and Dramatic AcademyABB
Best paying industryConstructionManufacturing

Differences between handyman and maintenance worker education

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

HandymanMaintenance Worker
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%High School Diploma, 48%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Handyman vs maintenance worker demographics

Here are the differences between handymen' and maintenance workers' demographics:

HandymanMaintenance Worker
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 95.8% Female, 4.2%Male, 88.0% Female, 12.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 22.4% Asian, 4.3% White, 58.5% 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 handyman and maintenance worker duties and responsibilities

Handyman example responsibilities.

  • Train and manage new cooks and dishwashers and achieve significant improvements in their productivity.
  • Erect scaffolding and ladders for assembling structures above grind level.
  • Fabricaty office buildings by drywall, painting, electrical, roofing and demolition.
  • Perform residential/commercial handyman services, including carpentry, remodeling, installations, minor plumbing, masonry and tile work.
  • Perform a variety of lawn care and home repairs, mowing, weeding, trimming, clearing, and debris removal.
  • Erect scaffolding, shoring and braces.
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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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Handyman vs maintenance worker skills

Common handyman skills
  • Plumbing, 24%
  • Customer Service, 17%
  • Drywall Repair, 9%
  • HVAC, 4%
  • General Maintenance, 4%
  • Mowing, 3%
Common maintenance worker skills
  • Plumbing, 10%
  • GRASS, 8%
  • General Maintenance, 7%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Building Maintenance, 5%
  • Mowing, 4%

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