Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers

SOC code 49-9098 · O*NET-SOC 49-9098.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades

Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$39,630

a year

Hourly

$19.05

per hour

10th$29,310Median$39,63090th$55,890

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$41,490

$19.95 per hour

Middle 50%

$34,910 – $46,890

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$29,310 – $55,890

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

95,580

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $29,310; $14.09/hr
25th percentile: $34,910; $16.78/hr
Median percentile: $39,630; $19.05/hr
75th percentile: $46,890; $22.55/hr
90th percentile: $55,890; $26.87/hr

What do helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to 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.
Adjust, connect, or disconnect wiring, piping, tubing, and other parts, using hand or power tools.
Assemble and maintain physical structures, 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.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 32% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)32%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree25%
Post-Secondary Certificate23%
Some College Courses17%

Common questions

How much does a helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers earn?

The national median is $39,630 a year. The full range runs from $29,310 at the 10th percentile to $55,890 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.1/5
Critical Thinking3.1/5
Monitoring3.1/5
Speaking3.0/5

Knowledge areas

Mechanical4.1/5
Building and Construction3.8/5
Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
Public Safety and Security3.5/5
English Language3.5/5
Engineering and Technology3.4/5
Mathematics3.3/5
Design3.3/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repairing, Coordination.