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Machine maintenance technician vs building maintenance mechanic

The differences between machine maintenance technicians and building maintenance mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a machine maintenance technician and a building maintenance mechanic. Additionally, a machine maintenance technician has an average salary of $42,187, which is higher than the $38,609 average annual salary of a building maintenance mechanic.

The top three skills for a machine maintenance technician include preventative maintenance, hand tools and PLC. The most important skills for a building maintenance mechanic are plumbing, HVAC, and hand tools.

Machine maintenance technician vs building maintenance mechanic overview

Machine Maintenance TechnicianBuilding Maintenance Mechanic
Yearly salary$42,187$38,609
Hourly rate$20.28$18.56
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs156,225129,668
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 42%High School Diploma, 44%
Average age4747
Years of experience44

What does a machine maintenance technician do?

A Machine Maintenance Technician will conduct machinery and equipment maintenance routinely. As a Maintenance Technician, you will help troubleshoot and repair any electrical or mechanical issues that may arise. Your duties may day-to-day duties may vary but typically include installing new manufacturing equipment, performing equipment calibration, and addressing safety hazard risks. Part of your duty is to communicate potential and existing problems with your supervisor and comply with safety policies and measures. Additionally, you will also need to maintain a clean and safe working environment.

What does a building maintenance mechanic do?

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.

Machine maintenance technician vs building maintenance mechanic salary

Machine maintenance technicians and building maintenance mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Machine Maintenance TechnicianBuilding Maintenance Mechanic
Average salary$42,187$38,609
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $57,000Between $28,000 And $51,000
Highest paying CityCoon Rapids, MNTaunton, MA
Highest paying stateAlaskaMassachusetts
Best paying companyKennametalEmory University
Best paying industryManufacturingEnergy

Differences between machine maintenance technician and building maintenance mechanic education

There are a few differences between a machine maintenance technician and a building maintenance mechanic in terms of educational background:

Machine Maintenance TechnicianBuilding Maintenance Mechanic
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 42%High School Diploma, 44%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringBusiness
Most common college--

Machine maintenance technician vs building maintenance mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between machine maintenance technicians' and building maintenance mechanics' demographics:

Machine Maintenance TechnicianBuilding Maintenance Mechanic
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 96.6% Female, 3.4%Male, 92.1% Female, 7.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 4.6% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.5% Asian, 4.7% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between machine maintenance technician and building maintenance mechanic duties and responsibilities

Machine maintenance technician example responsibilities.

  • Operate mills, drills, surface grinders, sanders, and all shop equipment.
  • Work with metal lathes, milling machines, drill presses, grinders, etc.
  • Follow OSHA, USDA GMPs and HACCP protocols in all maintenance activities and other duties as assigned.
  • Involve in wiring, plumbing, mounting, leveling, squaring, and installing all types of machinery.
  • Maintain physical plant including HVAC and various systems including shop air, telephone, electrical, LAN and security.
  • Maintain equipment cleanliness during all process operations so as not to jeopardize product quality and/or purity.
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Building maintenance mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Perform routine preventative maintenance and repairs to ensure that HVAC and mechanical equipment are operating according design specifications.
  • Accommodate minor upkeep complications including electrical, structural, plumbing, and equipment repair or replacement for residential facility.
  • Coordinate work activities of personnel through CMMS along with contractors and vendors.
  • Perform landscaping duties such as mowing lawns, raking leaves and trimming hedges and surrounding greens.
  • Repair and maintain over 62 chain, cable, and rack and pinion soot blowers with air and electric motors.
  • Care for outside plants and vegetation and sprinkler setups, mowing lawns and running errands to pick up what club need.
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Machine maintenance technician vs building maintenance mechanic skills

Common machine maintenance technician skills
  • Preventative Maintenance, 13%
  • Hand Tools, 11%
  • PLC, 6%
  • CNC Machines, 4%
  • Production Equipment, 4%
  • Mechanical Equipment, 4%
Common building maintenance mechanic skills
  • Plumbing, 16%
  • HVAC, 13%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Ladders, 6%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Cleanliness, 4%

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