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Maintenance lead technician vs maintenance engineer

The differences between maintenance lead technicians and maintenance engineers 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 lead technician and a maintenance engineer. Additionally, a maintenance lead technician has an average salary of $50,662, which is higher than the $47,133 average annual salary of a maintenance engineer.

The top three skills for a maintenance lead technician include preventative maintenance, customer service and plumbing. The most important skills for a maintenance engineer are plumbing, HVAC, and guest rooms.

Maintenance lead technician vs maintenance engineer overview

Maintenance Lead TechnicianMaintenance Engineer
Yearly salary$50,662$47,133
Hourly rate$24.36$22.66
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs143,29697,957
Job satisfaction2-
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 33%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Average age4747
Years of experience44

What does a maintenance lead technician do?

A maintenance lead technician oversees the daily maintenance operations of a department or establishment. Their duties revolve around conducting inspections and regular maintenance checks on facilities and equipment, performing repairs as necessary. They are also responsible for troubleshooting issues, fixing and replacing components, cleaning different areas, installing fixtures, and providing technical support to employees. Additionally, a maintenance lead technician guides and trains junior technicians while implementing the company's policies and safety standards for a smooth and efficient workflow.

What does a maintenance engineer do?

A maintenance engineer is responsible for the maintenance of industrial machinery and inspects equipment defects for immediate troubleshooting or replacement as needed. Maintenance engineers install and upgrade system components to improve system optimization and perform diagnostic systems to locate any adjustments. They also conduct routine checks, assist clients with technical faults, and ensure that the equipment works safely for certain operations. A maintenance engineer must have excellent knowledge of the mechanical industry to address technical malfunctions immediately.

Maintenance lead technician vs maintenance engineer salary

Maintenance lead technicians and maintenance engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Maintenance Lead TechnicianMaintenance Engineer
Average salary$50,662$47,133
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $68,000Between $29,000 And $74,000
Highest paying CityRoseville, MNNew York, NY
Highest paying stateMassachusettsNew Jersey
Best paying companyAnheuser-BuschHalliburton
Best paying industryManufacturing-

Differences between maintenance lead technician and maintenance engineer education

There are a few differences between a maintenance lead technician and a maintenance engineer in terms of educational background:

Maintenance Lead TechnicianMaintenance Engineer
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 33%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Most common college--

Maintenance lead technician vs maintenance engineer demographics

Here are the differences between maintenance lead technicians' and maintenance engineers' demographics:

Maintenance Lead TechnicianMaintenance Engineer
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 96.2% Female, 3.8%Male, 94.6% Female, 5.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 4.7% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%Black or African American, 10.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 4.4% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between maintenance lead technician and maintenance engineer duties and responsibilities

Maintenance lead technician example responsibilities.

  • Fabricate tooling using MIG welder.
  • Operate machinery that include cutting torches, MIG welders, robotics, and magnaflux inspection.
  • Develop energy-saving strategies to the HVAC software that result in implementation cross site generating profit stream ranging in thousands per site.
  • Perform these safety audits on ladders, forklifts, exit signs, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers and eye wash stations.
  • Assist in the continuous improvements of making a safe working environment for all personnel in appliance with OSHA and USDA standards.
  • Dismantle and overhaul engines, pumps, power units, generators, clutches and rear ends using hand tools and hoists.
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Maintenance engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage all contract work including snow removal, mowing, asphalt work, and signage.
  • Assist in and/or troubleshoot the building automation system and make recommendations for maintenance and repair to building control systems.
  • Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of facility and grounds per federal OSHA requirements.
  • Perform commercial maintenance/troubleshooting for plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems on commercial buildings and apartment complexes.
  • Work with, cut, and install PVC piping.
  • Well verse with PLC/ CNC diagnostic tools.
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Maintenance lead technician vs maintenance engineer skills

Common maintenance lead technician skills
  • Preventative Maintenance, 10%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Plumbing, 8%
  • HVAC, 6%
  • Ladders, 5%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%
Common maintenance engineer skills
  • Plumbing, 13%
  • HVAC, 10%
  • Guest Rooms, 5%
  • Ladders, 5%
  • Maintenance Tasks, 4%
  • OSHA, 4%

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