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Maintenance foreman vs maintenance worker

The differences between maintenance foremen 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 maintenance foreman and a maintenance worker. Additionally, a maintenance foreman has an average salary of $40,478, which is higher than the $36,132 average annual salary of a maintenance worker.

The top three skills for a maintenance foreman include CDL, plumbing and maintenance repairs. The most important skills for a maintenance worker are plumbing, GRASS, and general maintenance.

Maintenance foreman vs maintenance worker overview

Maintenance ForemanMaintenance Worker
Yearly salary$40,478$36,132
Hourly rate$19.46$17.37
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs97,927115,130
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 29%High School Diploma, 48%
Average age4747
Years of experience44

What does a maintenance foreman do?

If an office has a human resource specialist that monitors the employees, maintenance workers have what you call a foreman. They are the ones responsible for overseeing and supervising the maintenance work. This includes monitoring, facilitating, and repairing types of machinery and other equipment. A foreman may supervise the laborers, maintenance workers, helpers, and others.

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.

Maintenance foreman vs maintenance worker salary

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

Maintenance ForemanMaintenance Worker
Average salary$40,478$36,132
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $52,000Between $25,000 And $51,000
Highest paying CityFairbanks, AKSanta Rosa, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyGenesee & WyomingABB
Best paying industryEnergyManufacturing

Differences between maintenance foreman and maintenance worker education

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

Maintenance ForemanMaintenance Worker
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 29%High School Diploma, 48%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Maintenance foreman vs maintenance worker demographics

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

Maintenance ForemanMaintenance Worker
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 96.2% Female, 3.8%Male, 88.0% Female, 12.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 4.6% White, 62.7% 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 maintenance foreman and maintenance worker duties and responsibilities

Maintenance foreman example responsibilities.

  • Manage all contract work including snow removal, mowing, asphalt work, and signage.
  • Complete inspections of boiler, coolers & HVAC systems as well as building security.
  • Repair all MHE equipment from pallet trucks to 80 ton Terex cranes and container stackers.
  • Include running various power equipment, including walk-behind and riding mowers, skid steers, and a backhoe.
  • Repair and replace light switches, wall outlets, ballast, breakers and all components and relate hardware.
  • Assist in design and installation of new panels and switches, establishing existing circuits and running wire and conduit.
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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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Maintenance foreman vs maintenance worker skills

Common maintenance foreman skills
  • CDL, 9%
  • Plumbing, 9%
  • Maintenance Repairs, 6%
  • HVAC, 6%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Safety Standards, 5%
Common maintenance worker skills
  • Plumbing, 10%
  • GRASS, 8%
  • General Maintenance, 7%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Building Maintenance, 5%
  • Mowing, 4%

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