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The differences between plant utilities engineers 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 plant utilities engineer and a building maintenance mechanic. Additionally, a plant utilities engineer has an average salary of $51,200, which is higher than the $38,609 average annual salary of a building maintenance mechanic.
The top three skills for a plant utilities engineer include ventilation, plant utilities and loaders. The most important skills for a building maintenance mechanic are plumbing, HVAC, and hand tools.
Plant utilities engineers must have basic knowledge of commercial electrical systems and testing equipment, high temperature water distribution, and HVAC control systems. Qualifications will vary depending on the company; they range from a high school diploma or GED to associate degrees in plant utilities technology or completion of a trade school program. Those who choose this career will be expected to maintain and operate the mechanical equipment in a utilities plant.
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.
Plant utilities engineers and building maintenance mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Plant Utilities Engineer | Building Maintenance Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $51,200 | $38,609 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $74,000 | Between $28,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | Waipahu, HI | Taunton, MA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Bristol-Myers Squibb | Emory University |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between a plant utilities engineer and a building maintenance mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Plant Utilities Engineer | Building Maintenance Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between plant utilities engineers' and building maintenance mechanics' demographics:
| Plant Utilities Engineer | Building Maintenance Mechanic | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.7% Female, 11.3% | Male, 92.1% Female, 7.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 5.4% White, 64.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3% | 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% |