Manufacturing

How to become a Maintenance Technician

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

6–18 months

Typical pay

$46k–$68k

Starting from

No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   6–12 months

   Learn mechanical and electrical basics

   Motors, drives, pneumatics, hydraulics and control panels.

   Course that covers thisIndustrial Maintenance & Reliability: PM, PdM, TPM and RCMUdemy · around $69.99 →
2. 2

   3–6 months

   Get comfortable with PLCs

   Allen-Bradley troubleshooting is the single most valuable skill in the trade.

   Course that covers thisHVAC controls and Automation systemUdemy · around $24.99 →
3. 3

   1–2 years

   Work a plant

   Breakdowns at 3am teach what no course covers.

4. 4

   Add electrical safety credentials

   NFPA 70E arc-flash training is required at most sites.

   ◆ NFPA 70E

5. ✓

   Destination

   Maintenance Technician

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