As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Maintenance Operative in the United States is $44,167 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Maintenance Operative's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Maintenance Operative'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Maintenance Operative'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Maintenan... Level Maintenance Operative | $45,420 |
| General M... Level Maintenance Operative | $50,564 |
| General M... Level Maintenance Operative | $57,928 |
| General M... Level Maintenance Operative | $74,881 |
| General M... Level Maintenance Operative | $81,956 |
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 Maintenance Operatives. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | 5.08% |
| Preventative Maintenance | 6.32% |
| Repairing | 2.77% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching
|
$49,026 |
11%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$46,817 |
6%
|
|
Property Management
|
$46,817 |
6%
|
|
Analysis
|
$46,376 |
5%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$46,376 |
5%
|
|
Schematic
|
$45,934 |
4%
|
For Maintenance Operative 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, Maintenance Operative positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Maintenance Operative as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $53,001 | $25.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $53,001 | $25.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $50,793 | $24.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $50,793 | $24.0 | 15% |
| Software & Networking | $50,793 | $24.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Maintenance Operatives enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Maintenance Operative with a No Diploma is between $44,861 and $49,079).
Maintenance Operative Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.3% |
| High School | 72.7% |
| Associates | 12.0% |
| Bachelors | 9.3% |
| Masters | 0.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Maintenance Operative'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, 2026Salaries for a Maintenance Operative can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $38,634 in 2023 to around $38,526 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Maintenance Operative salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $38,634 |
| 2024 | $38,866 |
| 2025 | $38,526 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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