How to Become a Maintenance Technician in Missouri

Missouri’s maintenance technicians keep the Show Me State running.

From apartment buildings in St. Louis to hotels in Branson to the Missouri side of the KC metro area, these problem-solvers handle everything from leaky pipes to faulty wiring.

It’s a career for people who like to work with their hands, think on their feet, and see results right away.

If you’ve ever wondered how to break into this field, Missouri offers plenty of paths to get started.

Steps to Become a Maintenance Technician in Missouri

1. Finish High School or Earn a GED

Most maintenance technician jobs require at least a high school diploma or GED.

Focus on classes like math, shop, and science, since these give you a foundation for measuring, troubleshooting, and understanding mechanical systems.

A GED in Missouri is the same as in other states, so you can use it anywhere once you earn it.

2. Learn the Basics

Start getting comfortable with tools, safety practices, and basic repairs.

That might mean helping out with projects at home, shadowing a family member in the trades, or taking shop classes.

Understanding how to measure, cut, fasten, and safely operate common tools will make your training easier later and help you stand out when applying for your first role.

3. Get Hands-on Experience

Many techs start as helpers, porters, or custodians, picking up repair skills while earning a paycheck.

In Missouri, you can find these jobs in apartment complexes, hotels, schools, or manufacturing facilities.

These roles let you see experienced techs at work, learn industry language, and build a base of practical knowledge without the pressure of being the lead repair person.

4. Add Training Through a Vocational Class or a Community College Certificate

Look for programs in industrial maintenance, HVAC, electrical, or plumbing at Missouri community colleges or trade schools.

Some employers will hire you without formal schooling, but a certificate makes you more competitive and can help you advance faster.

You can complete many programs in under a year while working part-time or full-time.

5. Earn Key Certifications

If you work on HVAC systems or refrigeration, you must have the EPA Section 608 certification.

OSHA 10 or 30 training shows you understand workplace safety, which many Missouri employers prefer.

Other optional credentials, like forklift operation or first aid/CPR, can make you a more versatile hire and open more job opportunities.

6. Apply for Entry-Level Maintenance Tech Roles

Start with positions in apartments, hotels, or facilities that will let you keep learning on the job.

Highlight any relevant skills, training, or certifications on your resume.

Missouri has a steady demand for maintenance techs in both urban and rural areas, so you can target locations that fit your lifestyle.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Maintenance Technician in Missouri

You’ll find this common in other states, too, but Missouri doesn’t have a general maintenance technician license.

The “but” in that thought comes with specialty tech jobs.

For example, expect license requirements by the city or county if you plan to work in HVAC, aviation, electrical, or plumbing.

Most maintenance tech jobs in Missouri don’t require a state license.

However, if you plan to start your own maintenance technician business, you’ll need a business license from the state.

Also, keep an eye on the Missouri Statewide Mechanical Contractor Licensing Act that was working its way through the state legislature.

That could change the requirements in the future.

Knowing these requirements up front keeps you compliant and opens the door to higher-paying specialty work.

Maintenance Technician Programs in Missouri

Kansas City and St. Louis are the largest cities in the state, but you can also find maintenance technician programs from the Bootheel to the Iowa border.

Also, keep in mind that some programs are open to high school students who want to get started with college while still earning a diploma.

Ranken Technical College

The St. Louis-based Ranken Technical College offers practical, hands-on training for anyone looking to become a maintenance technician.

The Facilities Maintenance program can be completed in under two years and covers electrical, plumbing, HVAC, solar, and home inspection.

Most programs run two years or less, for $720 per credit hour.

That brings the average semester tuition to $8,640.

There’s also an automotive maintenance track and a mechanical automation program that includes paid internships.

Classes are designed to build skills you can use immediately, and job placement rates are high for graduates.

If you’re in the St. Louis area, book time for a Shadow-A-Tech session to get an idea of what a day in the life of a student is like.

Ozarks Technical Community College

In the heart of the Ozarks, you’ll find plenty of programs related to becoming a maintenance technician in Missouri at Ozarks Tech.

The college is located in Springfield, just north of Branson.

Tuition varies depending on which tiered program you enroll in, additional fees, and extra program costs.

For example, the lowest in-district tuition in Tier I is $126 per credit hour, and the highest out-of-state tuition per credit hour in Tier III is $276.

We totaled up the fees per credit hour, which adds another $92.

Then, there are per-course program fees.

These vary widely, from $20 to $400.

Programs related to being a maintenance technician are under the Industrial and Engineering Technology heading.

Be sure to scroll down on each program for the Costs and Options, which detail the associate’s degree, certifications, and short-term training options that are offered.

Metropolitan Community College

In Kansas City, Metropolitan Community College has an Industrial Maintenance program that runs for two years and earns students an A.A.S.

That degree will include some general education requirements.

You can also consider a Building Maintenance and Construction A.A.S. program, pre-apprentice certification, or certificate.

Those interested in vehicle maintenance should look at the Automotive Technology certificate.

Tuition rates vary depending on whether you live in the district, outside the district, or out of state.

For a ballpark, expect each credit hour to cost between $120 and $320.

State Fair Community College

Head to central Missouri’s Sedalia for State Fair Community College, where programs to become a maintenance technician fall under Industrial & Manufacturing Technology.

Options include:

• Automotive Technology
• Marine Technology
• Industrial Maintenance
• HVAC/Refrigeration

Once again, tuition depends on whether you live in the district, in the state, or outside of Missouri.

Maintenance tech training ranges from $150 to $385. Use the Price Net Calculator to get a closer estimate of your tuition within your selected program.

Salary

Maintenance Technicians in Missouri earn between $48,000 and $71,000 a year, with $58,500 being the median.

This job field is expected to grow at 5% through 2033, which is about average.

Regional Salary in Missouri

Maintenance Technician by State