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Utility worker vs maintenance worker

The differences between utility workers and maintenance workers 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 worker. Additionally, a maintenance worker has an average salary of $36,132, 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 worker are plumbing, GRASS, and general maintenance.

Utility worker vs maintenance worker overview

Utility WorkerMaintenance Worker
Yearly salary$30,429$36,132
Hourly rate$14.63$17.37
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs31,038115,130
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 50%High School Diploma, 48%
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 worker do?

Maintenance workers are employees assigned to oversee the equipment, furniture, and fixtures in the office. They ensure that these items work correctly by doing routine check-ups, identifying any problems, anticipating challenges, sourcing for spare parts, and repairing problems. They also ensure that all the equipment, furniture, and fixtures are clean and always ready for use. They should be familiar with all the official instructions and procedures to ensure that they can adequately care for these items. They may also handle the installation of any new equipment.

Utility worker vs maintenance worker salary

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

Utility WorkerMaintenance Worker
Average salary$30,429$36,132
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $38,000Between $25,000 And $51,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WASanta Rosa, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyUGIABB
Best paying industryManufacturingManufacturing

Differences between utility worker and maintenance worker education

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

Utility WorkerMaintenance Worker
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 50%High School Diploma, 48%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Utility worker vs maintenance worker demographics

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

Utility WorkerMaintenance Worker
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 83.1% Female, 16.9%Male, 88.0% Female, 12.0%
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, 10.8% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.7% Asian, 4.5% White, 59.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between utility worker and maintenance worker 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 worker example responsibilities.

  • Clean windows or mirrors, using cleaners, and squeegees.
  • Promote and enforce safety procedures; render first aid and CPR.
  • Conduct electrical repairs to include replacing outlets, light switches, and fixture replacements.
  • Identify safety hazards; respond to accidents and emergencies and administers first aid and CPR.
  • Mow, edge, trim and rake fields; operate riding mowers, light duty vehicles, blowers, edger.
  • Respond to service requests including custodial work, preventative maintenance and assessment of roofing, HVAC, furnace and electrical systems.
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Utility worker vs maintenance worker skills

Common utility worker skills
  • Customer Service, 23%
  • Safety Procedures, 18%
  • Cleanliness, 18%
  • Rehabilitation, 9%
  • Kitchen Utensils, 8%
  • Food Service, 4%
Common maintenance worker skills
  • Plumbing, 10%
  • GRASS, 8%
  • General Maintenance, 7%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Building Maintenance, 5%
  • Mowing, 4%

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