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Advanced ManufacturingGreen JobOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.

Maintenance & Repair Worker, General

Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of a building in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting; HVAC maintenance; insulating; welding; machining; carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment; installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing buildings, floors, or stairs.

Annual openings

3,043

BLS median wage

$51,280

Typical education

High school (GED)

10-year growth

+9%

Career requirements

What does this career require?

The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.

Typical education

High school (GED)

Credential requirement

While many employers offer on-the-job training, it’s important to have some background in the principles of mechanics in order to be the best maintenance worker possible. Previous experience or training courses will make you a stand-out.

Work experience

No previous work experience is required.

Can you fix just about anything using a toolbox and your own hands? Are you a whiz at home improvement? As a maintenance worker, you’ll spend your days performing repairs and upkeep on various pieces of manufacturing equipment, as well as general building repairs. You’ll use your own set of tools to make sure that the facilities are in working order.
You’ll file reports when you've finished with repairs, making sure to keep track of which machines are still safe and efficient. You’ll be working with potentially dangerous machines, so you’ll need to keep in mind safety procedures at all times. The repairs you make may require you to go into small spaces, climb ladders, work in high heat, lift heavy objects, and listen to loud noises. Good physical form is crucial in performing your job well.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

  • With kids/peopleOccasionally
  • On a computerOccasionally
  • Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
  • With your handsOccasionally

Interests it draws on

  • Trades
  • Mechanics

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Adjust functional parts of devices or control instruments, using hand tools, levels, plumb bobs, or straightedges.
  2. Design new equipment to aid in the repair or maintenance of machines, mechanical equipment, or building structures.
  3. Fabricate or repair counters, benches, partitions, or other wooden structures, such as sheds or outbuildings.
  4. Inspect, operate, or test machinery or equipment to diagnose machine malfunctions.
  5. Align and balance new equipment after installation.
  6. Repair machines, equipment, or structures, using tools such as hammers, hoists, saws, drills, wrenches, or equipment such as precision measuring instruments or electrical or electronic testing devices.