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The differences between utility workers and maintenance lead technicians 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 lead technician. Additionally, a maintenance lead technician has an average salary of $50,662, 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 lead technician are preventative maintenance, customer service, and plumbing.
| Utility Worker | Maintenance Lead Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $30,429 | $50,662 |
| Hourly rate | $14.63 | $24.36 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 31,038 | 143,296 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 50% | Associate Degree, 33% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
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.
Utility workers and maintenance lead technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Utility Worker | Maintenance Lead Technician | |
| Average salary | $30,429 | $50,662 |
| Salary range | Between $23,000 And $38,000 | Between $37,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Roseville, MN |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | UGI | Anheuser-Busch |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a utility worker and a maintenance lead technician in terms of educational background:
| Utility Worker | Maintenance Lead Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 50% | Associate Degree, 33% |
| Most common major | Business | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between utility workers' and maintenance lead technicians' demographics:
| Utility Worker | Maintenance Lead Technician | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9% | Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 11.8% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 4.7% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |