- When the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) surveyed maintenance technicians in 2009, it found the nation's average salary for those in the career to be $36,520 per year. Although this was the BLS' finding for the country's average, the department also identified several industries paying their maintenance technicians far more than the national average. Topping the list was the motor vehicle manufacturing industry, paying its maintenance technicians an annual mean wage of $57,570. The courier and express delivery service industry also paid much higher than average, at $56,830 per year. Maintenance technicians employed by the postal service also received more than their colleagues on average, with annual mean wages of $52,780.
- The highest paying states for maintenance technician salaries were spread across the country, with Alaska topping the nation with an annual mean wage of $44,600, followed closely by the District of Columbia at $44,360 per year. In third place was Connecticut at $42,750, followed by Massachusetts, at $41,770, and Illinois, at $41,490 per year.
- While there is no one singular path to attaining a salary as a maintenance technician, the BLS reports that most employers require a high school diploma or GED. Prospective techs may gain additional experience and hands-on training by attending certificate, diploma or associate degree programs at community colleges or vocational-technical schools. Much training is also done on the job, including instruction and distribution of the tools necessary to complete maintenance work.
- The BLS expects an 11 percent rise in employment of maintenance technicians through 2018, adding 147,900 jobs across the country during that time period. The BLS recommends candidates seek voluntary certifications or additional training for the best job opportunities.