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Maintenance technicians are essential positions for numerous industries.
These professionals provide maintenance and repair services to ensure businesses and residential locations continue to operate at maximum efficiency.
If you are interested in becoming a maintenance technician in New Jersey, it’s important to understand the steps, licensing requirements for the state, available training programs, and expected salary.
Tuition costs $1,700, including all books, fees, and materials.
Keep reading to learn more about becoming a maintenance technician in New Jersey!
Article Table of Contents
Steps to Become a Maintenance Technician in New Jersey
The steps to become a maintenance technician in New Jersey are rather straightforward, but require a training program to be competitive when seeking a job.
These steps include:
One: Researching Training Programs
The first step in the process is to research training programs in your area.
Do you want the flexibility of online instruction or want to take a hands-on approach to your education with in-class learning?
This will determine the type of program you want and which schools to contact.
You also want to research whether a certificate, diploma, or associate degree is the best option for your goals.
To be accepted into any maintenance technician program, you must hold a High School diploma.
Two: Completing a Training Program
Once you have determined the best option, completed all paperwork, and paid the tuition, you must then complete the training program.
A certificate is the fastest option, with some programs only taking six months to complete.
Others opt for an associate degree, which takes around two years, but provides more extensive foundational knowledge and can lead to a higher starting salary.
Three: Earning a Certification
Once you have graduated, you may want to earn a certification.
Many programs prepare students to sit for different certification exams.
Although not all maintenance technician fields require certification, those working with electrical systems or HVAC are legally required to be certified before starting the position.
Even if certification is not required, it’s advisable to earn the Certified Maintenance & Reliability Technician designation to improve your career opportunities.
Four: Finding a Job
Researching a position in the field you want is the next step in the process.
New Jersey has extensive manufacturing and industrial opportunities, so you need to determine which type of job and company is right for your career goals.
Finding a job is a two-pronged approach: applying to online positions and networking.
Joining professional organizations and attending seminars or trade shows is a great way to meet others in the industry and learn more about open positions.
Five: Maintaining the Certification
The final step is to maintain your certification.
Some certifications require continuing education to ensure you remain updated with the latest processes and technologies, while others only require paying a renewal fee.
For legally required certifications, you cannot allow the designation to lapse, or you may not be able to work until the recertification requirements are met.
Most companies will pay the cost of maintaining your certification.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Maintenance Technician
Although general maintenance technicians do not require a state-specific license, more specialized roles, like HVAC, electrical systems, and those working in healthcare or the automotive industry, require licensure and certification.
The HVAC licensing is maintained by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and has a specific set of requirements to earn and maintain the certification.
It’s important to note that those who opt for an apprenticeship may meet the experience requirements for certain certifications.
Maintenance Technician Programs in New Jersey
Bergen Community College
Bergen Community College has a Maintenance Technician program that is available entirely online to provide students with the ultimate flexibility.
The 18-month program is self-paced with a curriculum preparing students for a career as a maintenance engineer, facilities manager, equipment engineering technician, maintenance mechanic, or maintenance technician.
With classes that cover the assembly process, troubleshooting, TPM and Lean processes, PLC communication, and robot installation, graduates gain the required knowledge for entry-level positions.
The program costs $1,700, inclusive of all materials and fees.
New Jersey City University
NJCU offers a self-paced, 18-month Maintenance Technician program for those who want to take an online approach to their education.
This program provides the knowledge and skills necessary to enter manufacturing maintenance, including robotics, PLCs, safety, and the principles of power transfer.
The curriculum covers workholding principles, equipment troubleshooting, inspection methods, fluid, mechanical, and electrical systems, robot maintenance, fabrication, and Six Sigma methodologies.
Rowan College of South Jersey
The Rowan College of South Jersey has an Industrial Maintenance Technician training program on its Cumberland Campus.
This training gives students practical hands-on experience in mechanical maintenance, electrical systems, pneumatics, hydraulics, welding, and machine shop basics.
Classroom learning is reinforced by firsthand applications, working with a lab partner, and in teams.
The goal of the program is to demonstrate knowledge of proper safety protocols, how to troubleshoot a basic hydraulic circuit, electrical theory and applications, use of electrical testing equipment, and reading schematics.
The program takes between 6 and 12 months, depending on your class schedule, and costs $6,000, including all fees and materials.
Universal Technical Institute
Located in Bloomfield, NJ, on a 108,000 square foot campus, UTI offers HVACR training for aspiring maintenance technicians who want to learn the different HVAC systems within a facility, including refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation, and heating.
Graduates from this nine-month program will be well-prepared to earn three professional credentials, which set them apart from the competition.
These certifications include R410A Refrigerant Safety, North American Technician Excellence, and EPA Section 608 Technician Certification.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Bergen Community College | 400 Paramus Rd, Paramus, NJ 07652, United States |
| New Jersey City University | 2039 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07305, United States |
| Rowan College of South Jersey | 1400 Tanyard Rd, Sewell, NJ 08080, United States |
| Universal Technical Institute | 1515 Broad St, Bloomfield, NJ 07003, United States |
Salary
New Jersey maintenance technicians have a median annual salary of $69,181, compared to $60,505 nationally.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Newark | $60,819 |
| Jersey City | $51,462 |
| Paterson | $53,272 |
| Lakewood | $53,975 |
| Edison | $58,142 |
| Woodbridge | $61,624 |
| Toms River | $52,855 |
| Hamilton | $50,690 |
| Trenton | $59,199 |
| Clifton | $71,679 |
Salary by Metro Area in New Jersey
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | 2,010 | $51,190 | $24.61 | $72,380 | $35,240 |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ | 1,810 | $56,240 | $27.04 | $79,510 | $38,680 |
| Vineland, NJ | 520 | $53,530 | $25.74 | $77,570 | $36,120 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best degree for New Jersey maintenance technicians?
Although there are many types of certificates, diplomas, and degrees that a New Jersey maintenance technician can earn, the best option is an Associate’s Degree in Building Maintenance Technology.
Graduates with this degree will have a massive advantage when searching for a job.
Those looking to enter an industrial field may want to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Industrialized Maintenance Technology.
Those who graduate with a two-year associate degree may be eligible for a higher starting salary, due to the knowledge gained from the program, compared to six months of training.
Also, an associate degree can lead to management positions within the field in the future.
Many maintenance technicians opt to earn a bachelor’s degree to further expand their career movement and opportunities.
What are the best certifications for maintenance technicians in New Jersey?
Maintenance technicians have a range of certification options, depending on their career path.
Several of the best certifications include:
- CBET (Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician) – created for those working in healthcare technology management.
- CMRP (Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional) – considered the gold standard for assessing the knowledge of reliability, maintenance, and asset management.
- CMRT (Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician) – prepares technicians for more advanced roles in the reliability and maintenance fields.
- CETma (Master Certified Electronics Technician) – created for professionals within the field of electronics.
- Electrical Technician Certification – designed for those who want to advance their skills in small engine electrical systems.
- EPA HVAC Certification – this designation is legally required for those who must handle refrigerants.
- FMC (Facilities Management Certificate) – professionals who hold this designation have a better understanding of managing and operating cost-effective facilities.
- SMC (Building Systems Maintenance Certificate) – for those working in facility maintenance on several building systems.
Is there a shortage of maintenance technicians in New Jersey?
There is a continuous shortage of maintenance technicians in New Jersey and across the United States.
Studies show that this is due to the older generation retiring and the next generation lacking an interest in entering this trade.
Also, the retiring Baby Boomer generation has encouraged their children to pursue university degrees instead of entering an apprenticeship or trade school program, which has further contributed to a decline in maintenance technicians.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Maintenance Technician
Maintenance Technician by State