Maintenance Manager

Education and Training: Associate’s degree
Average Salary: $32,293 to $91,294 per year
Job Outlook: Excellent

Maintenance managers are responsible for the overall maintenance of a facility or organization. The specific duties of a maintenance manager are determined by the work environment and specific industry. Many maintenance managers work in factories while others work in hospitals or universities.

Maintenance is a complicated and fast-paced profession. Workers must adhere to manufacturer specifications, federal, local, and state regulations as well as the directives of their company. It is the maintenance manager’s responsibility to ensure that everyone does their job and follows appropriate rules and guidelines.

The responsibilities of a maintenance manager are immense. Typical duties of a maintenance manager include hiring or disciplining staff, recommending equipment, supplies, and parts for purchase, training staff regarding safety and machine operation, inspecting and evaluating the work of subordinates, running equipment, setting work and preventive maintenance schedules, coordinating maintenance activities with other departments, reading blueprints, reviewing bids from contractors, and assisting with budget preparation.

Education and Training Requirements

An associate’s degree is the minimum requirement for employment as a maintenance manager. A degree in maintenance engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or industrial maintenance along with certification from a professional organization will aid in obtaining employment. In addition, most maintenance managers started out in the field as maintenance workers.

High school students interested in becoming a maintenance manager should study arithmetic, geometry, algebra, calculus, and statistics. They should also have solid personal computer skills in word processing and database software as well as excellent oral and written communication skills.

College students should ensure that they take courses that will give them a background in curriculum and training design, teaching, human resources, production and processing, management, and maintenance.

The Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals offers certification as a Certified Maintenance Professional (CMPs) and the Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE) offers certification as a Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM). Both agencies require applicants pass a written test in addition to having specific work and academic requirements. Also, engineers must obtain licensing from an ABET accredited engineering program if they offer their services to the directly to the public.

Getting the Job

Most employers prefer a combination of education and experience. Previous work experience is required to perform the duties of the maintenance manager. Some of these skills can be gained via a company apprenticeship program or a college internship.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook and Career Development

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment should increase by 11 percent during the 2008-2018 decade for the maintenance field. The employment outlook and job prospects for the maintenance field are superb. More jobs will become available as workers retire or leave the company for other reasons.

Maintenance managers must be willing to pursue additional education and training to stay up-to-date with new technology and processes, new machines and federal, state, and local regulations.

Working Conditions and Environment

The working environment is varied according to the type of industry where the maintenance manager works. Those who posses the ability to handle stress and multiple deadlines are best suited to this job. Maintenance managers may be required to work long hours and are subject to being on call at all times.

Salary and Benefits

According to Payscale.com the average salary for maintenance mangers is $32,293 to $91,294. Health benefits packages vary from employer to employer. Maintenance managers that work for organizations or corporations generally have benefits packages that include vacation and sick leave as well as pensions or 401K plans.

Where to Go for More Information

Association for Facilities Engineering – AFE
AFE Certification Program Manager
12801 Worldgate Dr., Ste. 500
Herndon, VA 20170
Phone: (571) 203-7237
Fax: (571) 766-2142
Association for Facilities Engineering – AFE

Grand Rapids Community College
143 Bostwick Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295
Phone: (616) 234-4722
Fax: (616) 234-3546
Grand Rapids Community College

Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals Certifying Organization
8400 Westpark Dr., 2nd Fl.
McLean, Virginia 22102
Phone: 800-950-7354
Fax: (703) 610-0249
Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals Certifying Organization