Become A Maintenance Worker
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Working As A Maintenance Worker
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Getting Information
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
$41,152
Average Salary
What Does A Maintenance Worker Do
Grounds maintenance workers ensure that the grounds of houses, businesses, and parks are attractive, orderly, and healthy in order to provide a pleasant outdoor environment.
DutiesGrounds maintenance workers typically do the following:
- Mow, edge, and fertilize lawns
- Weed and mulch landscape beds
- Trim hedges, shrubs, and small trees
- Remove dead, damaged, or unwanted trees
- Plant flowers, trees, and shrubs
- Water lawns, landscapes, and gardens
- Monitor and maintain plant health
Grounds maintenance workers are generally under the direction of a professional grounds manager and perform a variety of tasks to achieve a pleasant and functional outdoor environment. They also care for indoor gardens and plantings in commercial and public facilities, such as malls, hotels, and botanical gardens.
The following are examples of types of grounds maintenance workers:
Landscaping workers plant trees, flowers, and shrubs to create new outdoor spaces or upgrade existing ones. They also trim, fertilize, mulch, and water plants. Some grade and install lawns or construct hardscapes such as walkways, patios, and decks. Others help install lighting or sprinkler systems. Landscaping workers are employed in a variety of residential and commercial settings, such as homes, apartment buildings, office buildings, shopping malls, and hotels and motels.
Groundskeeping workers, also called groundskeepers, maintain grounds. They care for plants and trees, rake and mulch leaves, and clear snow from walkways. They work on athletic fields, golf courses, cemeteries, university campuses, and parks, as well as in many of the same settings that landscaping workers work. They also see to the proper upkeep of sidewalks, parking lots, fountains, fences, planters, and benches, as well as groundskeeping equipment.
Groundskeeping workers who care for athletic fields keep natural and artificial turf in top condition, mark out boundaries, and paint turf with team logos and names before events. They mow, water, fertilize, and aerate the fields regularly. They must ensure that the underlying soil on fields with natural turf has the composition required to allow proper drainage and to support the grass used on the field. In sports venues, they vacuum and disinfect synthetic turf to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and they remove the turf and replace the cushioning pad periodically.
Groundskeepers in parks and recreation facilities care for lawns, trees, and shrubs; maintain playgrounds; clean buildings; and keep parking lots, picnic areas, and other public spaces free of litter. They also may erect and dismantle snow fences and maintain swimming pools. These workers inspect buildings and equipment, make needed repairs, and keep everything freshly painted.
Some groundskeepers specialize in caring for cemeteries and memorial gardens. They dig graves to specified depths, generally using a backhoe. They mow grass regularly, apply fertilizers and other chemicals, prune shrubs and trees, plant flowers, and remove debris from graves.
Greenskeepers maintain golf courses. Their work is similar to that of groundskeepers, but they also periodically relocate holes on putting greens and maintain benches and tee markers along the course and provide more intense turf maintenance. In addition, greenskeepers keep canopies, benches, and tee markers repaired and freshly painted.
Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators apply herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides on plants or the soil to prevent or control weeds, insects, and diseases. Those who work for chemical lawn or tree service firms are more specialized, inspecting lawns for problems and applying fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals to stimulate growth and prevent or control weeds, diseases, or insect infestations.
Tree trimmers and pruners, also called arborists, cut away dead or excess branches from trees or shrubs to clear utility lines, roads, and sidewalks. Although many of these workers strive to improve the appearance and health of trees and plants, some specialize in diagnosing and treating tree diseases. Others specialize in pruning, trimming, and shaping ornamental trees and shrubs. Tree trimmers and pruners use chain saws, chippers, and stump grinders while on the job. When trimming near power lines, they usually work on truck-mounted lifts and use power pruners.
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How To Become A Maintenance Worker
Most grounds maintenance workers need no formal education and are trained on the job. Most states require licensing for workers who apply pesticides and fertilizers.
EducationAlthough most grounds maintenance jobs have no education requirements, some employers may require formal education or certification in areas such as landscape design, horticulture, or arboriculture.
Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsMost states require workers who apply pesticides and fertilizers to be licensed. Obtaining a license usually involves passing a test on the proper use and disposal of insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides.
The National Association of Landscape Professionals offers seven certifications in landscaping and grounds maintenance for workers at various experience levels.
The Tree Care Industry Association offers certification for tree care safety professionals.
The International Society of Arboriculture offers six certifications for workers at various experience levels.
The Professional Grounds Management Society offers certification for workers at various experience levels.
TrainingA short period of on-the-job training is usually enough to teach new hires the skills they need, which often include how to plant and maintain areas and how to use mowers, trimmers, leaf blowers, small tractors, and other equipment. Large institutional employers such as golf courses, university campuses, or municipalities may supplement on-the-job training with coursework in horticulture or small-engine repair.
AdvancementGrounds maintenance workers who have good communication skills may become crew leaders or advance into other supervisory positions. Becoming a manager or a landscape contractor may require some formal education and several years of related work experience. Some workers use their experience to start their own landscaping companies.
Important QualitiesPhysical stamina. Grounds maintenance workers must be capable of doing physically strenuous labor for long hours, occasionally in extreme heat or cold.
Self-motivated. Because they often work with little supervision, grounds maintenance workers must be able to do their job independently.
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Maintenance Worker jobs
Maintenance Worker Career Paths
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Building Maintenance Supervisor 5.2 years
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Senior Maintenance Worker 4.1 years
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Maintenance Technician 3.9 years
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Facility Maintenance Technician 3.5 years
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Building Maintenance Mechanic 3.4 years
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Maintenance Repairer 3.4 years
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Building Maintenance Technician 3.3 years
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General Maintenance Technician 3.2 years
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Maintenance And Repair Worker 3.1 years
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Building Service Worker 3.1 years
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Utility Maintenance Worker 3.0 years
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Maintenance Person 3.0 years
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General Maintenance Mechanic 2.8 years
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Custodial Maintenance Worker 2.8 years
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Mechanical Maintenance Worker 2.8 years
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General Maintenance Worker 2.6 years
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Airport Maintenance Labour 2.5 years
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Custodian Worker 2.4 years
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Janitorial Maintenance Worker 2.3 years
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Groundskeeping Maintenance 2.2 years
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Maintenance Assistant 2.0 years
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Maintenance Worker 2.0 years
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Maintenance Helper 1.9 years
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Facility Worker 1.9 years
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Maintenance Associate 1.8 years
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Cleaning And Maintenance Worker 1.8 years
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Parks Maintenance Worker 1.8 years
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Cashier 10.6%
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Sales Associate 9.3%
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Warehouse Worker 6.1%
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Machine Operator 5.6%
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Cook 5.5%
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Crew Member 5.1%
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Delivery Driver 4.8%
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Driver 4.3%
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Forklift Operator 4.3%
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Security Guard 4.2%
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Security Officer 4.1%
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Janitor 3.6%
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Ship Worker 3.6%
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Assistant Manager 3.5%
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Internship 3.4%
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Construction Worker 3.3%
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Custodian 3.2%
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Supervisor 3.2%
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Sales Associate 9.7%
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Cashier 7.2%
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Warehouse Worker 6.2%
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Delivery Driver 5.8%
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Driver 5.1%
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Machine Operator 5.1%
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Internship 5.0%
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Security Officer 4.9%
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Forklift Operator 3.9%
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Crew Member 3.9%
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Cook 3.9%
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Truck Driver 3.8%
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Assistant Manager 3.7%
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Ship Worker 3.6%
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Security Guard 3.6%
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Custodian 3.4%
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Technician 3.4%
Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Maintenance Worker
Top Careers After Maintenance Worker
Maintenance Worker Demographics
Gender
-
Male
85.5% -
Female
13.1% -
Unknown
1.4%
Ethnicity
-
White
78.7% -
Hispanic or Latino
13.5% -
Asian
5.9% -
Unknown
1.3% -
Black or African American
0.5%
Languages Spoken
-
Spanish
74.1% -
French
5.5% -
Portuguese
2.7% -
Chinese
2.1% -
German
2.1% -
Japanese
2.0% -
Polish
1.8% -
Russian
1.4% -
Carrier
1.4% -
Arabic
1.4% -
Mandarin
0.9% -
Dakota
0.9% -
Italian
0.5% -
Hmong
0.5% -
Albanian
0.5% -
Cantonese
0.5% -
Swedish
0.4% -
Turkish
0.4% -
Hindi
0.4% -
Dutch
0.4%
Maintenance Worker
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Maintenance Worker Education
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University of Phoenix
14.5% -
Central Michigan University
7.1% -
Pennsylvania State University
5.8% -
Liberty University
5.5% -
West Virginia University
5.5% -
Western Illinois University
5.0% -
Michigan State University
4.8% -
The Academy
4.7% -
Universal Technical Institute
4.5% -
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
4.4% -
Utah State University
4.1% -
University of Alabama
4.1% -
Hudson Valley Community College
4.1% -
University of Iowa
3.9% -
Apex Technical School
3.8% -
Texas A&M University
3.8% -
Ferris State University
3.8% -
Kaplan University
3.6% -
Arkansas Tech University
3.5% -
Kirkwood Community College
3.5% -
Business 20.3%
-
Criminal Justice 11.0%
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General Studies 8.0%
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-
-
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Psychology 4.3%
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Computer Science 4.1%
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Kinesiology 4.0%
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Liberal Arts 3.7%
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Education 3.4%
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-
-
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Communication 3.1%
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Accounting 3.1%
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Biology 2.7%
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Graphic Design 2.7%
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Management 2.4%
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Other
41.7% -
Bachelors
28.6% -
Associate
14.6% -
Certificate
8.8% -
Masters
3.0% -
Diploma
2.5% -
License
0.5% -
Doctorate
0.3%
Schools
Majors
Degrees
Maintenance Worker
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Real Maintenance Worker Salaries
Job Title
|
Company
|
Location
|
Start Date
|
Salary
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Worker | United Pulse Trading Inc. | Minot, ND | Oct 01, 2015 | $67,452 |
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery | Air Tool Sales & Repair | NY | Apr 04, 2013 | $64,697 - $33 |
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery | Neri's Bakery Products Inc. | Port Chester, NY | Dec 03, 2013 | $62,878 |
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery | Neri's Bakery Products Inc. | Port Chester, NY | Apr 12, 2013 | $62,878 |
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery | First Call Nursing Services, Inc. | Antioch, CA | Nov 22, 2010 | $62,026 |
| Maintenance Worker | Michael Partridge Realty Corp. | NY | Dec 22, 2014 | $60,299 |
| Maintenance Worker | United Pulse Trading Inc. | Williston, ND | Oct 01, 2015 | $57,664 |
| Maintenance Workers-Machinery | American Bindery Depot, Inc. | Edison, NJ | Nov 01, 2007 | $51,090 |
| Maintenance Worker, Machinery | Piast Meats and Provisions, Inc. | Garfield, NJ | Aug 25, 2009 | $51,090 |
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery | Broadwalk & Central Ave Ass. DBA Franks Fun Center | Point Pleasant Beach, NJ | Jan 31, 2008 | $50,213 |
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery | Goglanian Bakeries, Inc. | Santa Ana, CA | Dec 21, 2012 | $49,858 |
| Maintenance Worker Machinery | Decostar Industries | Carrollton, GA | Mar 15, 2010 | $49,400 |
| Maintenance Workers | Eagle Chemical, Inc. D/B/A Eagle Nutritionals | Carlstadt, NJ | Jul 23, 2010 | $49,274 |
| Maintenance Worker, Machinery | Reeds Sod Farm, LLC | NJ | Apr 01, 2014 | $47,938 |
| Property Maintenance Worker | DA Silva Realty | Danbury, CT | Oct 05, 2007 | $41,385 |
| Maintenance Worker | T&M Repair Company Inc. | New Brunswick, NJ | Oct 22, 2015 | $41,142 |
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery | Alliance MacHine Systems INTL., LLC | LA | May 19, 2010 | $40,831 |
| Maintenance Worker | Rebecca Gomez | New York, NY | Dec 22, 2010 | $40,581 |
| Foundry Maintenance Worker | Campbell Foundry Company | Harrison, NJ | Oct 31, 2011 | $40,581 |
| Maintenance Workers-Machinery | Alacer Corp. | CA | Dec 03, 2010 | $40,196 |
| Maintenance Worker | Durabag Co., Inc.DBA Superpak Company | Tustin, CA | Feb 18, 2011 | $39,312 |
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery | TGM LLC, DBA-Best Western Canton, Inn | Canton, TX | Jul 20, 2012 | $39,187 |
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery | Associated MacHine Tool Technologies, Inc. | Houston, TX | Jan 23, 2009 | $34,278 |
| HWY Maintenance Worker | Vizcaino LP | TX | Feb 17, 2015 | $34,269 |
| Maintenance Worker, Municipal | Pete's Lawn Care, Inc. | NY | Mar 20, 2012 | $33,392 |
| Maintenance Worker, Machinery | Smart Motion Robotics Inc. | Sycamore, IL | Oct 01, 2015 | $33,000 |
| Pool Maintenance Workers | Steven Simon & Edward Morgan | Harwich, MA | Apr 15, 2016 | $32,975 |
| Pool Maintenance Worker | Steven Simon and Edward Morgan | MA | May 01, 2015 | $32,954 |
| HWY Maintenance Worker | Vizcaino LP | TX | Feb 17, 2014 | $32,536 |
| Maintenance Worker, Machinery | Head West Inc. | Compton, CA | Apr 17, 2009 | $32,406 |
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Top Skills for A Maintenance Worker
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Top Maintenance Worker Skills
- Safety Procedures
- Facility
- Flower Beds
- Decreased accidents by working closely with the management staff to identify the high risk areas and create new safety procedures.
- Provide assistance and support to staff in maintaining the building and facility grounds.
- Cut lawn using hand, power or riding mower and trim and edge around walks, flower beds, and walls.
- Completed electrical, plumbing, H.V.A.C, drywall repair, and flooring work.
- Repair or replace defective equipment parts, using hand tools and power tools, and reassemble equipment.
Top Maintenance Worker Employers
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