How to hire a line maintenance technician

How to hire a line maintenance technician, step by step

Here's a step-by-step line maintenance technician hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a line maintenance technician job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new line maintenance technician
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The line maintenance technician hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a line maintenance technician to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a line maintenance technician that fits the bill.

   This list shows salaries for various types of line maintenance technicians.

   Type of Line Maintenance Technician	Description	Hourly rate
   Line Maintenance Technician	General maintenance and repair workers fix and maintain machines, mechanical equipment, and buildings. They paint, repair flooring, and work on plumbing, electrical, and air-conditioning and heating systems.	$17-33
   Maintenance Helper	A maintenance helper performs basic support tasks to assist maintenance technicians in installing and repairing machines and equipment. Their responsibilities typically include gathering and handing tools, changing fixtures such as light bulbs and faucets, preparing workspaces, and cleaning work areas and equipment... Show more	$11-19
   Maintenance Worker	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... Show more	$12-24

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Preventative Maintenance
   • FAA
   • Hand Tools
   • PLC
   • Test Equipment
   • Production Equipment
   • Ac Dc
   • System Troubleshooting
   • Airframe
   • General Maintenance
   • Maintenance Manuals
   • OSHA
   • Unscheduled Maintenance
   • Electrical Troubleshooting

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage, supply inventory and maintain shop equipment to EPA and OSHA regulations.
   • Experience in digital/analog gas delivery, RF, vacuum, robotics and computer control system.
   • Experience with silicon wafer metrology toolsets.
   • Perform corrective and preventative maintenance on wet-etch, metrology, and various other semiconductor equipment.
   • Ensure proper accountability of tools and monitor time-calibrated equipment assuring items are kept in accordance with company and FAA specifications.
   • Perform organizational maintenance on anti-submarine/Utility helicopters.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your line maintenance technician job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A line maintenance technician can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, line maintenance technicians' average salary in oklahoma is 45% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level line maintenance technicians 47% less than senior-level line maintenance technicians.
   • Certifications. A line maintenance technician with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a line maintenance technician's salary.

   Average line maintenance technician salary

   $51,490yearly

   $24.75 hourly rate

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   Entry-level line maintenance technician salary

   $37,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 30, 2026

4. Writing a line maintenance technician job description

   A good line maintenance technician job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a line maintenance technician job description:

   Line maintenance technician job description example

   As a Maintenance Technician I , you will be responsible for coordinating tasks and supplies to prepare vacant units for re-occupancy effectively. You will also be responsible for helping the maintenance team with special projects. The Maintenance Technician I is responsible for maintaining the overall condition of the property, including, but not limited to exteriors, common areas, vacant units, floor care, and trash removal, as well as for the property surrounding the building(s), including litter pick-up, janitorial duties, sidewalk clearing, and snow removal in a safe, attractive and comfortable condition. Performs preventative maintenance and corrective maintenance. Maintains relationships with current and prospective residents and any vendors working on site. The position reports to the Maintenance Supervisor (on properties with over 300 units) or the Property Manager (on properties with less than 300 units).
   Responsibilities include but are not limited to: • Clean/restore recently vacated apartment homes. • Help maintain the cleanliness of the facility and grounds • Change bulbs, locks/keys. • Must be able to install or assist with the installation of appliances • Exterior/ Interior painting and caulking, light drywall repair • Ability to physically manage painting, pressure washing, blower breezeways, and parking lots
   Effectively prepare vacant units for re-occupancy, including: • Walkthrough upcoming or newly vacant units to forecast repairs. • Walk completed units to create “punch” lists or quality control checklists. • Assist with the removal of trash or belongings in vacant units. • Perform quality control on all systems, appliances, and aesthetics (e.g., matching knobs, closet rods installed, blinds are the same color/style, etc.) to ensure the apartment meets move-in standards. • Assist in prepping units for painting by performing breakdown and put-back of electric and switch plates and other items as assigned. Assist with the diagnosis and assist with minor and routine maintenance/repair, as directed, involving, but not limited to: • Electrical and plumbing (including water lines) • A/C and heating systems (both electric and gas) • Electric and gas appliances (washers, dryers, stoves, ovens, refrigerators, water heaters, etc.)
   Aid with resident relation issues, including: • Deliver resident notices throughout the property. • Assist office staff in performing occupancy checks or investigating resident concerns. • Maintain knowledge of make-ready and part inventory and inform Maintenance Technician Supervisor of needs. • Assist in keeping make-ready supplies and parts well-stocked. • Maintain accurate records regarding make-ready status and work-in-progress. • Maintain cleanliness of uniform (if applicable), wear the badge (if applicable), and present a professional appearance. • Assist in the organization and safety of the maintenance shop. • Maintain essential control as per company/property policy.
   Qualifications: • One (1) year minimum of prior experience or related experience. • Must have reliable transportation as necessary to safely and effectively carry out the responsibilities listed above.
   Knowledge, skills, and abilities: • Knowledge of apartment building maintenance. • Knowledge and skilled in minor repairs and hand tool use. • Demonstrated knowledge and ability to diagnose and repair routine maintenance issues. • Knowledge and ability to operate power tools. • Ability to manage difficult or emotional customer situations; respond promptly to customer needs; Solicit customer feedback to improve service; respond to requests for service and assistance; and meet commitments. • Ability to prioritize and plan work activities; use time efficiently; plan for additional resources; set goals and objectives; and develop realistic action plans. • Ability to focus on solving conflict, maintain confidentiality, and keep emotions under control. • Ability to balance team and individual responsibilities; exhibit objectivity and openness to others’ views; give and welcome feedback; contribute to building a positive team spirit. • Ability to follow instructions and respond to management directives.
   Grooming & Uniform • Must maintain a neat, clean, and well-groomed appearance. Distinctive uniforms must be worn at all times while on duty.
   Physical Demands • N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this position. • O (Occasionally) Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day) • F (Frequently) Position requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day) • C (Constantly) Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)
   
   Physical Demands Lift/Carry Push/Pull Stand - C Grasp - C 10 lbs or less - C 12 lbs or less - C Walk - C Reach Outward - C 11-20 lbs - C 13-25 lbs C Manually Manipulate - C Reach Above Shoulder - C 21-50 lbs - C 26-40 lbs - C Sit - O Speak - C 51-100 lbs - O 41-100 lbs O Climb - C Crawl - C Over 100 lbs - N Squat or Kneel - C Bend - C Other Physical Requirements: Vision - C Comfortable working with heights up to 25 feet. Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Hearing Protection
   To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work Environment Work is performed indoors and outdoors in a residential setting with regular exposure to cold, heat, noise, people, and equipment.
   EOE/Disabled/Veterans Statement We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Each applicant for employment is considered solely on the basis of job qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other classification protected by law.
   Background Check Process The information in your resume and application, including employment history, educational history, and credentials/certifications, are subject to verification.
   Acknowledgment This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the associate for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. The employee is expected to conduct all business following our Company Team Promises. Policies and procedures, employee handbook, and following Fair Housing laws(both federal and local), Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, OSHA, National Labor Relations Act, and all other laws of the multi-family industry.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right line maintenance technician for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with line maintenance technicians they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit line maintenance technicians who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your line maintenance technician job on Zippia to find and recruit line maintenance technician candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with line maintenance technician candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new line maintenance technician

   Once you have selected a candidate for the line maintenance technician position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new line maintenance technician first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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