Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers

Help installation, maintenance, and repair workers in maintenance, parts replacement, and repair of vehicles, industrial machinery, and electrical and electronic equipment. Perform duties such as furnishing tools, materials, and supplies to other workers; cleaning work area, machines, and tools; and holding materials or tools for other workers.

What you'd actually do

• Install or replace machinery, equipment, and new or replacement parts and instruments, using hand or power tools.
• Examine and test machinery, equipment, components, and parts for defects to ensure proper functioning.
• Tend and observe equipment and machinery to verify efficient and safe operation.
• Adjust, connect, or disconnect wiring, piping, tubing, and other parts, using hand or power tools.
• Clean or lubricate vehicles, machinery, equipment, instruments, tools, work areas, and other objects, using hand tools, power tools, and cleaning equipment.
• Hold or supply tools, parts, equipment, and supplies for other workers.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Overall preparation: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors; much of the day is spent working solo. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0% of helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on and organized and detail-focused.

Related careers

• Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
• Industrial Machinery Mechanics
• Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
• Millwrights
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
• Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers

Quick questions

How much does a helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair worker make?

The median pay is $19.05 per hour — roughly $39,500 a year, with the real range running from about $14.09/hr (10th percentile) to $26.87/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair worker?

The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).

What does a helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair worker actually do all day?

Install or replace machinery, equipment, and new or replacement parts and instruments, using hand or power tools. Examine and test machinery, equipment, components, and parts for defects to ensure proper functioning. Tend and observe equipment and machinery to verify efficient and safe operation.