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Utility worker vs maintenance assistant

The differences between utility workers and maintenance assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a utility worker and a maintenance assistant. Additionally, a maintenance assistant has an average salary of $31,915, which is higher than the $30,429 average annual salary of a utility worker.

The top three skills for a utility worker include customer service, safety procedures and cleanliness. The most important skills for a maintenance assistant are plumbing, HVAC, and customer service.

Utility worker vs maintenance assistant overview

Utility WorkerMaintenance Assistant
Yearly salary$30,429$31,915
Hourly rate$14.63$15.34
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs31,03895,815
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 50%High School Diploma, 35%
Average age4747
Years of experience44

What does a utility worker do?

A utility worker is an entry-level position who is responsible for the cleanliness and maintenance of company premises and equipment. Utility workers take verbal and written instructions from managers and maintenance officers about the assigned work areas inside and outside of the property. Some employers may require their utility workers to have a commercial driver's license because they will be operating maintenance equipment and vehicles. Although a bachelor's degree is not required, utility workers must be in good physical condition and also be able to read written work orders.

What does a maintenance assistant do?

A maintenance assistant is responsible for maintaining the company's facilities' cleanliness, ensuring that all the equipment and machinery are in working condition, and escalating high defective items for repair. Maintenance assistants should adhere to the organization's safety standards at all times to prevent hazards in operations. They also assist with monitoring inventories and requesting office supplies, inspect electrical wirings and systems for inconsistencies, respond to cleaning and repair requests, and assist guests to the correct departments.

Utility worker vs maintenance assistant salary

Utility workers and maintenance assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Utility WorkerMaintenance Assistant
Average salary$30,429$31,915
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $38,000Between $24,000 And $41,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WALas Vegas, NV
Highest paying stateAlaskaHawaii
Best paying companyUGIBrigham and Women's Hospital
Best paying industryManufacturingGovernment

Differences between utility worker and maintenance assistant education

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

Utility WorkerMaintenance Assistant
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 50%High School Diploma, 35%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Utility worker vs maintenance assistant demographics

Here are the differences between utility workers' and maintenance assistants' demographics:

Utility WorkerMaintenance Assistant
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 83.1% Female, 16.9%Male, 86.6% Female, 13.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 4.7% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%Black or African American, 10.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 4.4% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between utility worker and maintenance assistant duties and responsibilities

Utility worker example responsibilities.

  • Perform inspection reviews on final product and packaging to ensure quality standards are achieved according to GMP guidelines.
  • Maintain the installation and demolition of the worksite buildings and provide HVAC; electrical repairs and equipment repairs as needed.
  • Operate tools, including rakes, shovels, saws, axes and shears.
  • Maintain parks/schools grass cuts, blower, weedeat, plant plants, mulch leaves, etc.
  • Follow all GMP guidelines and documentation.
  • Service and clean cnc lathe machines.
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Maintenance assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage long-term working relationships with many local service providers including professional septic, plumbing, electrical and HVAC providers.
  • Program and adjust PLC systems and associate communications.
  • Coordinate inspection and verify work of roofing vendors.
  • Conduce control testing on PLC's for crane trolleys.
  • Change grease for fryers and occasionally cook on the grill.
  • Maintain the integrity and dexterity of the hospital's appearance.
  • Show more

Utility worker vs maintenance assistant skills

Common utility worker skills
  • Customer Service, 23%
  • Safety Procedures, 18%
  • Cleanliness, 18%
  • Rehabilitation, 9%
  • Kitchen Utensils, 8%
  • Food Service, 4%
Common maintenance assistant skills
  • Plumbing, 15%
  • HVAC, 10%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Patients, 5%
  • Electrical Equipment, 5%
  • Maintenance Tasks, 4%

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