Occupation salary profile

Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers

SOC 49-9098 BLS OEWS May 2025

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.

National median · BLS
$39,630
▲ +1.98% YoY
H-1B sponsor median
—
Too few H-1B filings
Average salary · BLS
$41,490
Mean annual wage
U.S. employment
95,580
Jobs (BLS)
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Pay range for Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers

Annual base pay at each percentile. BLS covers all U.S. workers in this occupation.

Percentile All U.S. workers (BLS)
10th — entry pay$29,310
25th$34,910
Median (50th)$39,630
75th$46,890
90th — top pay$55,890

Hourly ⇄ annual pay

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Monthly—
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Weekly—
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Based on hrs/week × weeks/year = 2,080 hrs
Projections 2025–2035

Job outlook for Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers

BLS projects employment of helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers to grow 5.3% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 13,600 openings are projected each year, on average, from new jobs and from replacing workers who retire or move to other occupations.

Jobs 2025 → 2035
97,100 → 102,200
+5,100 jobs
Projected change
+5.3%
All occupations: +3.5%
Openings per year
13,600
Average, 2025–2035
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
No related experience required
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training
Self-employed
1.3% of workers (2025)
Preparation needed (O*NET Job Zone 2)
Very Little to Some Preparation Needed. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Fastest-growing jobs → Best-paying jobs that need a high school diploma →

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–2035

Skills & tools

Skills needed for Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers

How important each skill and knowledge area is for this job, rated by O*NET on a 1–5 scale from surveys of workers and occupational analysts.

Top skills
  • Active Listening3.1
  • Critical Thinking3.1
  • Equipment Maintenance3.1
  • Monitoring3.1
  • Operation and Control3.1
  • Operations Monitoring3.1
  • Repairing3.1
  • Troubleshooting3.1
  • Coordination3.0
  • Quality Control Analysis3.0
Top knowledge areas
  • Mechanical4.1
  • Building and Construction3.8
  • Customer and Personal Service3.7
  • Public Safety and Security3.5
  • English Language3.5
  • Engineering and Technology3.4
  • Mathematics3.3
  • Design3.3
Software and technology used
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordSAP softwareAtlas Construction Business FormsBuilding automation softwareData logging softwareFacility energy management softwareHVAC tools software

Highlighted = in demand: frequently listed in employer job postings for this occupation (O*NET).

Source: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

About the job

What helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers 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.
  • Diagnose electrical problems and install and rewire electrical components.
  • Disassemble broken or defective equipment to facilitate repair and reassemble equipment when repairs are complete.
Also called
Maintenance AideMaintenance HelperMechanic HelperTechnician's HelperHVAC Helper (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Helper)HVAC Installation Helper (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Installation Helper)Mechanic Repair HelperMechanic's Assistant
More job titles for this occupation (80)
Air Conditioner Installer Helper (AC Installer Helper)Air Conditioner Installer Servicer Helper (AC Installer Servicer Helper)Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic HelperArmature Winder Repair HelperAutomobile Body Repairer HelperAutomobile Mechanic HelperAutomotive Electrical HelperBlacksmith AssistantBlacksmith HelperCable Splicer HelperCar Mechanic HelperCar Repairer HelperCompressed Gas Equipment Service Mechanic HelperConstruction Equipment Mechanic HelperCooper HelperDiesel Mechanic HelperDiver HelperElectrical AssistantElevator Constructor HelperElevator Repairer HelperEnvironmental Control System Installer Servicer HelperFactory Maintenance Repairer HelperFire Equipment Inspector HelperFurnace Mechanic HelperGarage HelperGas Appliance Servicer HelperGas Fitter HelperGas Leak Inspector HelperGas Main Fitter HelperGas Meter Installer HelperGas Regulator Repairer HelperHeat Service PlannerHeating and Air Conditioning Installer Helper (Heating and AC Installer Servicer Helper)Hot Air Furnace Installer HelperHot Air Furnace Repairer HelperHydroelectric Machinery Mechanic HelperIndustrial Gas Service HelperIndustrial Gas Servicer HelperIndustrial Maintenance Repairer HelperInstallation HelperInstallation Service AssistantInstrument Repairer HelperInstrument Technician Helper (Instrument Tech Helper)Laboratory Helper (Lab Helper)Light Service PlannerLocksmith HelperLogging Equipment Mechanic's HelperMachinist HelperMaintenance ApprenticeMaintenance AssistantMaintenance ClerkMaintenance Mechanic HelperMaintenance PersonMaintenance ProfessionalMeter Repairer HelperMill Maintenance Repairer HelperMillwright HelperMotorboat Mechanic HelperOil Burner Servicer and Installer HelperOrdnance Artificer HelperOver Hauler HelperOverhauler HelperPaint PreparerPinsetter Mechanic HelperPowerhouse Mechanic HelperProtective Signal Installer HelperProtective Signal Repairer HelperPump Servicer HelperRefrigeration Mechanic HelperRepair Armature Winder HelperRepair Service AssistantRepairer HelperRigger HelperRigging HelperSalvager HelperService Station HelperSewing Machine Repairer HelperSignal Maintainer HelperSolar Energy System Installer HelperSpray Gun Repairer Helper

Source: O*NET 31.0 (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0). These are general job titles, not H-1B filings; for titles employers actually filed, see “Job titles” above.