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A rewarding and respected career as a maintenance technician is an excellent choice for individuals interested in playing a vital role in creating well-run and welcoming public spaces.
Maintenance technicians are responsible for delivering a safe space free from disruptions and safety hazards by inspecting, repairing, and maintaining equipment, infrastructure, and systems.
This essential vocation plays a crucial role in ensuring that equipment and systems operate safely and correctly.
Where do maintenance technicians work?
Venues range from hospitality to manufacturing, healthcare to residential buildings– more!
Job duties and responsibilities include:
- Performing routine inspections and preventive maintenance of equipment.
- Diagnosing and troubleshooting problems with machinery and systems.
- Replacing, repairing, and monitoring faulty components.
- General maintenance duties, including painting, plumbing, and electrical work.
- Maintaining records of maintenance activities
Article Table of Contents
- 1 Steps to Become a Maintenance Technician in Arkansas
- 2 Licensing Requirements to Become a Maintenance Technician in Arkansas
- 3 Maintenance Technician Programs in Arkansas
- 4 General Maintenance Training Programs & Certifications for Technicians
- 5 General Maintenance Training Programs & Certifications for Managers
- 6 Facility Maintenance Certifications
- 7 Property Maintenance Certifications
- 8 Salary
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions
Steps to Become a Maintenance Technician in Arkansas
Education: A high school diploma or equivalency is typically the minimum requirement to build a career as a maintenance technician.
Some employers may prefer post-secondary vocational training or an associate degree in a related field, and education and experience are always an advantage in the hiring process.
Depending on the niche, coursework in areas like electrical systems, HVAC, or plumbing can be the price of the entry ticket—and it’s helpful in hiring and career advancement.
To begin building a career in the rewarding and remunerative industry, candidates can earn their maintenance technician certification by meeting the following requirements:
- Legal requirements: Depending on the specialty, it may be necessary to earn licenses or certifications.
- Certification requirements: Research the available certifications based on your career goals.
- Eligibility criteria: Once a candidate has selected the certification, review the eligibility criteria.
This includes education, work background, or training programs.
Required training: Many certification programs require that candidates complete workshops or training courses.
Certification exam: Prepare for any exams by reviewing course materials, practicing sample questions, and getting advice from professionals or instructors.
Maintaining certification: Once a candidate has earned a maintenance technician certification, it’s vital to keep it by keeping up with continuing education or renewal demands.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Maintenance Technician in Arkansas
To start a rewarding career as a maintenance technician in Arkansas, the first step is completing vocational or technical training.
The second is working toward mandated certifications, such as HVAC or electrical licenses.
Maintenance Technician Programs in Arkansas
Black River Technical College
Students have the opportunity to earn an AAS in Industrial Maintenance Technology, learning skills in mechanical maintenance, electrical safety, industrial maintenance, preventative maintenance, and more!
Main Campus: 1410 Highway 304 East / P.O. Box 468 / Pocahontas, AR 72455
(870) 248-4000
https://blackrivertech.edu/?s=Industrial+Maintenance+Technology
Arkansas State University
Maintenance Technician program with VR training (online)
Learn the skill set to become a maintenance technician with VR training (VR Headset v3 included).
Experience a training course that provides workers with the skills and confidence to succeed as maintenance technicians.
(855) 520-6806
HVAC/R Certified Technician (Voucher Included–online)
Candidates can start or advance their HVAC/R career via an online course utilizing hands-on service call simulations, which prepare them for an industry-recognized HVAC Excellence or NATE certification.
(855)520-6806
https://ed2go.degree.astate.edu/training-programs/hvacr-certified-technican/
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Black River Technical College | 1410 Highway 304 East, Pocahontas, Arkansas |
| Arkansas State University | 2105 East Aggie Rd, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA |
General Maintenance Training Programs & Certifications for Technicians
Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT) Certification
Respected and recognized internationally, the CMRT, from the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP), can open career opportunities.
Exam fees: $250 for SMRP members; $300 for nonmembers.
Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma)
The CETma, awarded by the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) International, is the highest TA certification in electronics.
Eligibility:
- Six or more years of electronics training or work experience.
- An Associate CET.
- Four certifications in the candidate’s specialty.
Fee: $25 per year, including ETA membership.
Electrical Technician Certification
From the Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC), this certification is extremely useful for electricians.
Exam fee: $59 for member accounts; $49 for member exams; $39 for full-time students.
EPA HVAC Certification
HVAC technicians need EPA certification to legally handle refrigerants (Type I, II, III, and Universal levels).
Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET)
The CBET certification from the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) is extremely helpful for healthcare technology management professionals.
A CBET certification provides credibility and aids career opportunities.
Eligibility requirements:
- Two years of BMET experience.
- An Associate’s degree from a biomedical equipment tech program.
Exam fee: $350 for AAMI members; $400 for nonmembers.
General Maintenance Training Programs & Certifications for Managers
Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)
The CMRP from SMRP is one of the maintenance technicians’ primary programs and certifications.
Exam fee: $300 for SMRP members; $470 for nonmembers.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Project management professionals can earn the PMP certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI).
Requirements:
- Five years of work experience.
Exam fee: $425 for PMI members; $625 for nonmembers.
Certified Professional Maintenance Manager (CPMM)
The Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE) offers the CPMM for experienced facilities engineering professionals heading maintenance and reliability initiatives.
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s of Engineering / Science in a related field
- Or five years of work experience.
Program fee: This includes the application, live review sessions, and exam fee: $2,000 for AFE members; $2,500 for nonmembers.
Certified Plant Engineer (CPE)
The CPE credential can help facility engineers advance their careers.
The fee (which includes the application, live review sessions, and the exam fee) is $2,500 for AFE members and $3,000 for nonmembers.
Facility Maintenance Certifications
Building Systems Maintenance Certificate (SMC)
Designed for professionals performing facility maintenance on multiple building systems, the SMC from the Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI) is essential.
The SMC consists of three certification courses.
Certified Facility Manager (CFM)
The CFM credential, from the IFMA, is helpful for career hiring and advancement.
Requirements:
- Five years of relevant work experience
- Or, three years of work experience plus a Bachelor’s in Facility Management.
The exam fee is $550 for IFMA members; $815 for non-IFMA members.
Note: Must be recertified every three years.
Facilities Management Certificate (FMC)
The BOMI Facilities Management Certificate, comprised of three courses, is for managing and operating cost-effective facilities.
It showcases experience and expertise in facilities management.
Facility Management Professional (FMP)
The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) grants a high-level facility management certification, a lifelong professional credential.
Cost: $1,650 for IFMA members; $1,990 for nonmembers.
Property Maintenance Certifications
Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technicians (CAMT)
The National Apartment Association offers certification, an outstanding way to house, and highlights apartment maintenance knowledge and skills.
Requirements: 12 months of apartment or rental housing maintenance experience.
Cost: Between $800 and $1,355.
Certified Manager of Maintenance (CMM)
This certificate, which showcases candidates’ skills and knowledge, is offered under the auspices of the National Center for Housing Management (NHCM). The fee is $399.
Salary
On average, the yearly salary for a maintenance technician in Arkansas ranges from $49,616 to $60,909, with a median salary of $54,660 annually.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Bentonville | $54,527 |
| Conway | $54,164 |
| Fayetteville | $54,962 |
| Fort Smith | $52,851 |
| Jacksonville | $54,636 |
| Jonesboro | $56,251 |
| Little Rock | $54,708 |
| Pine Bluff | $54,152 |
| Rogers | $54,636 |
| Springdale | $54,962 |
Regional Salary in Arkansas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | 2,540 | $47,250 | $22.72 | $63,770 | $30,810 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | 990 | $41,650 | $20.02 | $56,310 | $28,740 |
| Hot Springs, AR | 410 | $37,360 | $17.96 | $51,470 | $27,220 |
| Jonesboro, AR | 590 | $39,840 | $19.15 | $55,020 | $28,610 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 2,830 | $46,640 | $22.43 | $66,980 | $29,560 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a maintenance tech in Arkansas?
On average, candidates interested in a rewarding career as a maintenance technician in the Bear State can complete the necessary training and earn certification in several months to two years.
Local vocational schools and community colleges often offer maintenance technician programs.
These programs generally cover maintenance technology fundamentals, including electrical systems, mechanical systems, and troubleshooting procedures, and can be completed in just six months!
What does the employment picture look like for Arkansas-based maintenance technicians?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment picture is solid and expected to grow 5 percent from 2023 to 2033, on pace with the average for all occupations.
Around 157,200 general maintenance and repair jobs are expected annually over the next decade.
Where can I get a job as a maintenance technician in Little Rock, Bentonville, or other major cities?
Maintenance technicians have a great range of work in a wide range of settings in Arkansas cities, in venues such as:
- Residential buildings.
- Entertainment venues.
- Manufacturing facilities.
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities.
- Hotels and resorts.
- Public facilities.
Maintenance Technician by State