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The differences between maintenance helpers 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 maintenance helper and a building maintenance mechanic. Additionally, a building maintenance mechanic has an average salary of $38,609, which is higher than the $30,824 average annual salary of a maintenance helper.
The top three skills for a maintenance helper include hand tools, plumbing and ladders. The most important skills for a building maintenance mechanic are plumbing, HVAC, and hand tools.
| Maintenance Helper | Building Maintenance Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $30,824 | $38,609 |
| Hourly rate | $14.82 | $18.56 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 105,592 | 129,668 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 47% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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. They may also liaise with vendors or suppliers, build positive relationships with clients, and handle calls and correspondence. Moreover, maintenance helper must utilize their experiences to learn more complex tasks and gain industry insight.
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.
Maintenance helpers and building maintenance mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Maintenance Helper | Building Maintenance Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $30,824 | $38,609 |
| Salary range | Between $23,000 And $40,000 | Between $28,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fairbanks, AK | Taunton, MA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Analogic | Emory University |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Energy |
There are a few differences between a maintenance helper and a building maintenance mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Maintenance Helper | Building Maintenance Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 47% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between maintenance helpers' and building maintenance mechanics' demographics:
| Maintenance Helper | Building Maintenance Mechanic | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5% | Male, 92.1% Female, 7.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 4.5% White, 59.0% 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 Percentage | 2% | 2% |