How to Become a Maintenance Technician in Iowa

For those looking to combine an interest in building, machinery, the satisfaction of maintaining order, and working with their hands, and an exciting workday with fresh challenges, a career as a maintenance technician can be a job made for you in perfect working order!

What Skills Do Maintenance Technicians Need?

Candidates should be comfortable working with tools and industrial equipment.

Candidates should be able to pay attention to detail and be knowledgeable about the basic operation of manufacturing equipment; the job entails maintaining accurate records of repairs, industrial maintenance testing, and troubleshooting potential problems.

This means performing preventative checks and routine inspections, identifying potential problems, and implementing corrective measures.

It’s vital to work independently, find information to resolve issues with machinery or buildings, and identify issues, concerns, and problems.

Maintenance technicians need to plan and execute routine maintenance within deadlines and also be able to respond quickly to troubleshooting and unexpected equipment breakdowns.

Communication is essential, and maintenance technicians must be able to read and interpret maintenance documentation, manuals, and plans.

It’s also vital to maintain documentation.

It’s also essential to collaborate with others, such as clients or a maintenance team, to solve maintenance issue reports and communicate clear instructions or updates about procedures, required parts, interventions, and repairs.

Steps to Become a Maintenance Technician in Iowa

Maintenance technicians in Iowa usually earn a high school diploma or its equivalent, at a minimum.

Many employers prefer a formal education, such as an associate’s degree, when hiring.

Industrial machinery maintenance workers often spend a year of on-the-job training, including daily upkeep, blueprint reading, electronics, computer programming, hand tools, welding, and more.

Many candidates seeking to enter the field look for internships or apprenticeship programs.

Where to find one?

Unions, contractor associations, state labor departments, community colleges, work programs, and employers can be sources of apprenticeship programs and internships.

While not strictly mandated, these can be useful for learning the skills necessary to thrive as a maintenance technician and gaining hands-on experience.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Maintenance Technician in Iowa

In Iowa, licensing requirements for maintenance technicians are nuanced.

While the Hawkeye State has no licensing requirements per se and does not mandate that a handyperson hold a state license, workers in the construction trades earning more than $2,000 annually must register as contractors with the Department of Labor.

“Construction” is a pretty open expression, and it can cover many jobs, such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and other skilled workers.

So, if the business provides plumbing, mechanical, HVAC, refrigeration, hydraulic systems services, or sheet metal services, it must obtain a license from the Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Board.

Candidates can submit a joint application for a 3-year registration and contractor license.

And candidates who plan on driving for work-related errands may be required to purchase commercial auto coverage insurance.

Maintenance Technician Programs in Iowa

Iowa Central Community College

Industrial Mechanics Program

The program provides foundational skills in welding, pneumatics & hydraulics, fabrication, blueprint reading, predictive and preventive maintenance, and lean manufacturing, leading to a Diploma in Industrial Mechanics.

Learn hands-on training to install, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment.

Discover a proficiency-based program geared to helping students earn a degree through courses that utilize hands-on skills through proficiency testing.

Contact Information

• (515) 574-1018
• https://www.iowacentral.edu/industrial_technology/industrial_mechanics/index.asp

Des Moines Area Community College

Engineering & Manufacturing

The Engineering & Manufacturing pathway builds career opportunities in production, manufacturing, and renewable energy.

Learn to utilize machinery, computers, and tools to implement solutions and invent new procedures and products.

Gain the skills necessary to be an engineer, welder, machinist, or other hands-on vocations.

Programs of study include Industrial Technology, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, Welding, Renewable Energy Technology, and more!

Contact Information

• (800) 362-2127
• https://www.dmacc.edu/pathways/em/index.html

Northeast Iowa Community College

The Industrial Maintenance Technician program leads to an Associate of Applied Science.

This multidisciplinary program prepares you for a growing and in-demand industrial maintenance career in businesses and organizations, including hospitals, schools, businesses, and manufacturing firms.

Mechanically minded students who enjoy working hands-on and using problem-solving skills to maintain and fix equipment will be well suited for this course of study, where sixty percent of the program is hands-on skills and 40 percent demonstrations and lectures.

Contact Information

• 8342 NICC Drive / Peosta, Iowa 52068
• (844)642-2338
• https://www.nicc.edu/academics/programs/industrial-maintenance-technician/

Iowa Lakes Community College

Earning an Electrical Maintenance Technician Diploma

Get hands-on training and industry certifications, preparing students for work in electrical maintenance, industrial systems, and renewable energy technology.

Students gain the technical skills to install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial environments.

Learn in state-of-the-art electrical labs, gaining knowledge of power distribution, motor controls, electrical safety standards, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

Contact Information

• Estherville campus / 300 South 18th Street, Estherville, IA 51334
• (800) 242-5106 / (800) 242-5108
• https://iowalakes.edu/program/electrical-maintenance-technician-diploma/

Western Iowa Tech Community College

The Electrical Technology Diploma Program

Students learn the principles of electronics and electrical systems, wiring, safety, industrial and household appliances, job estimation, applicable codes and standards, and electrical testing and inspection.

Acquire the technical knowledge and skills to install, maintain, operate, and repair electric systems and machinery, including residential, commercial, and industrial electric-power wiring; and DC and AC motors, controls, and electrical distribution panels.

Contact Information

• 4647 Stone Avenue | Sioux City, Iowa 51106
• (712) 274-8733
• https://www.iwcc.edu/academic_programs/industrial-technology/electrical-technology-diploma/

Southeastern Community College

Industrial Maintenance Technology Diploma

The Industrial Controls, Automation, and Robotics Technology pathway equips students with technological skills in maintaining and troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems used in the field.

Mechanical and electrical theory are taught, and students learn how to repair and troubleshoot industrial systems.

Contact Information

• Keokuk Campus / 335 Messenger Rd., Keokuk, IA,
• (319) 524-3221
• https://programs.scciowa.edu/current/pathways/applied-technologies/industrial-controls-automation-and-robotics-technology/electrical-maintenance-technology-diploma.aspx

Salary

In 2025, a maintenance technician working in Iowa will earn a remuneration from $52,560 to $64,523, with an average annual salary of $57,903.

This breaks down to—or should we say builds up to—$28 an hour.

Salary is based on the candidate’s skill set, the city where the employment is based, experience, the company, and more.

Regional Salary in Iowa

Maintenance Technician by State