As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a General Maintenance Worker I in South Carolina is $43,516 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a General Maintenance Worker I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A General Maintenance Worker I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a General Maintenance Worker I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| General Maintenance Worker I | 0-1 years | $43,516 |
| General Maintenance Worker II | 1-3 years | $48,444 |
| General Maintenance Worker III | 3-5 years | $55,499 |
| General Maintenance Worker IV | 5-7 years | $71,741 |
| General Maintenance Supervisor | 7+ years | $78,521 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract General Maintenance Worker Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
General Maintenance Worker I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $48,672. While startup companies pay approximate $41,162.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $41,162 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $43,536 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $47,003 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $48,672 |
For General Maintenance Worker I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, General Maintenance Worker positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view General Maintenance Worker I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $52,219 | $25.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $52,219 | $25.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $50,044 | $24.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $50,044 | $24.0 | 15% |
| Software & Networking | $50,044 | $24.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a General Maintenance Worker I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026For a General Maintenance Worker I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the General Maintenance Worker II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $48,444 - a projected growth of 11% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current General Maintenance Worker I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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