Maintenance and Repair Worker
SOC 49-9071.00 · ESCO 7119
Role snapshot
Overview
Performs a variety of building upkeep tasks such as fixing plumbing, patching walls, replacing light fixtures, and maintaining grounds. Responds to work orders and prioritises repairs to keep facilities running safely and efficiently. This role involves diagnosing issues, performing routine preventive maintenance, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Ensures the safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing operation of facilities, directly contributing to occupant comfort, productivity, and the longevity of assets.
On the job
- Inspect and diagnose mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for issues
- Perform routine preventive maintenance on equipment and infrastructure
- Repair or replace faulty components, fixtures, and structural elements
- Respond to emergency maintenance requests and prioritise urgent repairs
- Maintain grounds, including landscaping, snow removal, and general cleanliness
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
High school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by vocational training or an apprenticeship in a relevant trade.
AI impact outlook
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detail
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detailWhy this role received this rating
Core task exposure
low
How much of the role’s important work could AI perform?
AI can assist with predictive maintenance scheduling, diagnostics based on sensor data, and automating routine inspection checklists.
End-to-end automation
low
Can AI complete the work without substantial human involvement?
The highly varied, unpredictable nature of physical repairs in diverse environments makes complete end-to-end automation impractical.
Adoption pressure
moderate
How likely are employers to introduce AI into this work?
While there's interest in predictive maintenance systems, the high cost and complexity of automating physical, on-site repair tasks keeps adoption pressure moderate.
Human dependence
strong
How much does success depend on human judgement, relationships and accountability?
Success hinges on human problem-solving in dynamic situations, physical execution of repairs, prioritizing issues based on immediate impact, and ensuring safety.
Protective — a higher rating lowers the overall score.
Role adaptability
strong
How easily can the role evolve as AI takes on more tasks?
The role can adapt by learning to operate new smart building systems, integrating advanced diagnostic tools, and specializing in specific types of infrastructure maintenance.
Shown for context — not part of the score.
What AI may take on
These are the parts of the role most likely to be automated or significantly accelerated.
- Schedule routine preventive maintenance based on usage and sensor data
- Diagnose common equipment faults using sensor data and historical patterns
- Automate inventory management for common spare parts
- Generate detailed maintenance reports and compliance documentation
- Provide digital checklists and step-by-step guides for standard procedures
Where people remain essential
These parts continue to depend heavily on human judgement, relationships and accountability.
- Performing complex physical repairs in unpredictable environments
- Diagnosing novel or intermittent issues not captured by sensors
- Prioritizing repairs based on real-time human and operational impact
- Ensuring safety protocols and local building codes are met during repairs
- Interacting with building occupants and external contractors
- Utilizing manual dexterity and creative problem-solving for unexpected breakdowns
How the role may evolve
Proactive diagnostics, reactive physical problem-solving.
The role will involve more data-driven, predictive maintenance, but the core function of physically diagnosing and repairing unexpected issues in complex, dynamic environments will remain human-centric.
Strengthen your future fit
- Proficiency in using smart building management systems and diagnostic software
- Enhancing problem-solving and critical thinking for novel faults
- Developing expertise in specific electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems
- Improving communication skills for coordinating with occupants and vendors
- Staying current with safety regulations and building codes
- Assessment horizon
- 3–7 years
- Confidence
- High
- Last reviewed
- August 2026
- Methodology
- v1.0
This assessment reflects current AI capabilities and expected adoption patterns. Actual impacts will vary by industry, employer and the way each role is performed.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Maintenance and Repair Worker
Skilled Trades
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
realistic · RCI
People who enjoy practical, hands-on tasks, working with tools and machinery, and solving tangible problems, often thrive in this role. It also suits those who appreciate systematic work and independent problem-solving.
Personality characteristics
Methodical
Approaches tasks systematically, ensuring all steps are followed for effective repairs and maintenance.
Resourceful
Adept at finding practical solutions to unexpected problems using available tools and knowledge.
Helpful
Enjoys assisting others by fixing issues and ensuring their environment is safe and comfortable.
Calm under pressure
Maintains composure when responding to urgent or complex breakdowns, focusing on resolution.
Hands-on
Prefers engaging directly with physical tasks, tools, and equipment to get the job done.
Best for
- Individuals who enjoy working with their hands and prefer tangible results.
- Those who are good at troubleshooting mechanical and structural problems.
- People who thrive in a varied work environment, tackling different challenges daily.
Watch out for
- Requires flexibility to respond to urgent and unexpected repairs at any time.
- Tasks can be physically demanding and sometimes involve working in challenging environments.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Maintenance and Repair Worker — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
Real people. Real results.
Thousands of people
can't be wrong.
Frequently asked questions about Maintenance and Repair Worker roles
What does a Maintenance and Repair Worker do?
A Maintenance and Repair Worker performs a variety of building upkeep tasks such as fixing plumbing, patching walls, replacing light fixtures, and maintaining grounds. Responds to work orders and prioritises repairs to keep facilities running safely and efficiently. This role involves diagnosing issues, performing routine preventive maintenance, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Ensures the safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing operation of facilities, directly contributing to occupant comfort, productivity, and the longevity of assets.
How much does a Maintenance and Repair Worker earn?
A Maintenance and Repair Worker earns a median of $50,000 per year in the US, typically ranging from $35,000 to $70,000.
What qualifications do you need to become a Maintenance and Repair Worker?
To become a Maintenance and Repair Worker, high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by vocational training or an apprenticeship in a relevant trade.
What personality suits a Maintenance and Repair Worker?
Maintenance and Repair Worker roles tend to suit people who are highly conscientious — precise, organised and strong on follow-through (Conscientiousness 75/100) and steady under pressure — deadlines and setbacks do not rattle them easily (Emotional Stability 72/100). The traits that matter most in the role are Methodical, Resourceful, Helpful and Calm under pressure. Approaches tasks systematically, ensuring all steps are followed for effective repairs and maintenance. On interests, Maintenance and Repair Worker maps to a RCI Holland Code profile — people who enjoy practical, hands-on tasks, working with tools and machinery, and solving tangible problems, often thrive in this role. It also suits those who appreciate systematic work and independent problem-solving.
Who does a Maintenance and Repair Worker role suit?
A Maintenance and Repair Worker role is usually a strong fit for these reasons. Strong Realistic (R) and Conventional (C) alignment: the role rewards practical, systematic problem-solving. A significant portion of the week involves hands-on deep work, diagnosing and fixing issues. High stakeholder exposure means you'll directly help others and see the impact of your work.
What are the downsides of being a Maintenance and Repair Worker?
Maintenance and Repair Worker roles come with trade-offs worth weighing up. Requires flexibility to respond to urgent and unexpected repairs at any time. Tasks can be physically demanding and sometimes involve working in challenging environments.
What is the work environment like for a Maintenance and Repair Worker?
Work as a Maintenance and Repair Worker is mostly mixed-based with onsite arrangements common, semi-structured — a mix of set processes and self-directed work, a moderate pace and high exposure to clients or stakeholders. Around 76% of the week is focused deep work.
What skills do you need to be a Maintenance and Repair Worker?
Core skills for a Maintenance and Repair Worker include Troubleshooting and diagnostics, Basic electrical repair, Basic plumbing repair, Carpentry and general construction and Safety protocols and procedures.
How do you become a Maintenance and Repair Worker?
Common entry routes into Maintenance and Repair Worker roles include Maintenance Assistant, Grounds Keeper and Handyperson.
What career progression is there for a Maintenance and Repair Worker?
From a Maintenance and Repair Worker role, common next steps include Maintenance Supervisor and Facilities Manager; lateral moves include HVAC Technician and Electrician.
What is the job outlook for Maintenance and Repair Worker roles?
The outlook for Maintenance and Repair Worker roles is currently rated stable. Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Will AI replace Maintenance and Repair Worker roles?
Traitstack rates automation risk for Maintenance and Repair Worker roles at 28 out of 100, which is low. Routine diagnostics and preventative maintenance scheduling are tasks AI can assist with, but the varied on-site physical repairs and unexpected problem-solving remain squarely with the human worker. AI is most likely to take on schedule routine preventive maintenance based on usage and sensor data, diagnose common equipment faults using sensor data and historical patterns and automate inventory management for common spare parts. Performing complex physical repairs in unpredictable environments, diagnosing novel or intermittent issues not captured by sensors and prioritizing repairs based on real-time human and operational impact stay with people. Proactive diagnostics, reactive physical problem-solving. That score measures how much of the work could change, not the likelihood the job disappears. It is Traitstack's current view, revisited as AI capability moves.