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Home→Categories→Trades→Maintenance and Repair Worker

Profession JRI–22 / Trades

Will AI replace maintenance and repair workers?

Maintenance and repair workers keep buildings, machinery, and equipment in working order by performing a wide range of tasks, from routine preventive maintenance to complex troubleshooting. Their work involves diagnosing mechanical, electrical, and structural issues, then using tools and diagnostic devices to repair or replace defective parts.

The risk spectrum — where Maintenance and Repair Worker sits
Maintenance and Repair Worker vs the 83 other jobs
Risk rank22 / 84
Automation timeline0-2 years
Median salary$49,590
Projected growth+3.8% (2024–34)
01 / Your plan

Learn before your role changes.

Picked to match what this role actually asks for — refreshed weekly, never by what a platform pays.

What you'll learn
ElectricalMechanicalHVAC
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Updated Sep 21, 2026

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02 / Job market

Official outlook: still growing.

Within the 84 professions
Salary$49,590
$31k$171k
Growth+3.8% (2024–34)
-25.9%33.5%

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a +3.8% change in employment for this occupation between 2024 and 2034, from a current base of 1,529,700 people employed earning a median of $49,590 a year.

Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–34 & OEWS May 2025.

AI adoption in postings →

JRI demand index / weekly, base 100171
Jul 13Sep 7

Collected weekly through our own intake pipeline across live job postings; normalised index, not absolute counts.

03 / Real salaries

Maintenance and Repair Worker salaries by city

Median pay from real records (H-1B filings and tech job postings), across the cities with most observations.

Albuquerque$44,720Nashville$47,320New York$46,088Oklahoma City$43,472Chicago$43,332Los Angeles$52,000

Range shows p25–p75; the dot is the median. Sources carry a documented bias — see the full salary page.

See real salaries →

04 / How to enter

How to become a maintenance and repair worker.

Typical preparation

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

Job training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Getting in is one thing — the day-to-day runs on a specific set of tools and skills:

Foundations
Core skills

Full skill path with courses →

06 / FAQ

What people ask.

01Will AI replace maintenance and repair workers?
Automation could take over routine diagnostics and basic repairs within 0-2 years. This occupation's risk level is critical, with a score of 76; total employment stands at 1,529,700, so adaptation matters.
02How soon could automation affect Maintenance and Repair Workers?
The referenced timeline puts automation impacts at 0-2 years, meaning workplaces may adopt automated repair tools quickly. The projected change of +3.8% (2024–34) suggests modest job growth, not contraction, as complex problem solving keeps demand alive.
03What skills keep Maintenance and Repair Workers relevant?
For Maintenance and Repair Workers, critical thinking and complex problem solving are marked high demand, while computer aided design software is medium demand. Pairing those with hands-on equipment maintenance and repairing abilities supports long-term relevance.
04How does someone become a Maintenance and Repair Worker?
Most positions expect vocational training, relevant on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Entry-level seekers should show equipment maintenance, repairing, and troubleshooting, all marked high demand, which can open doors without a four-year diploma.
05Is a career as a Maintenance and Repair Worker good to start in 2026?
Workers in this occupation earn $49,590 at the median, and total employment is 1,529,700. With a projected change of +3.8% (2024–34) and a critical risk level, 2026 entry could be steady but automation-aware.
06What do Maintenance and Repair Workers do on the job?
Maintenance and Repair Workers perform routine upkeep such as checking fluid levels and replacing filters, and they dismantle machines to remove defective parts using hoists, cranes, hand tools, or power tools. These tasks require physical dexterity and on-site judgment.