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The role of a maintenance technician varies based on skill set, certification, industry, experience, and education level.
In general, maintenance technicians are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining various types of systems and equipment in industrial, commercial, and residential environments.
These highly technical professionals play a critical role in ensuring the facilities and machinery operate efficiently and effectively.
Pennsylvania has several major cities, which are ripe with job opportunities.
For those seeking employment in smaller towns, Pennsylvania has them scattered across the state.
If you’re interested in becoming a maintenance technician in Pennsylvania, keep reading to learn more about the process and whether this career is right for you!
Article Table of Contents
Steps to Become a Maintenance Technician in Pennsylvania
By following these six steps, you can become a maintenance technician in Pennsylvania.
Step One: Research the Role
The first step toward becoming a maintenance technician is to research and understand the role of a maintenance technician, the available specialties, certifications, licensure, and requirements.
Employers and educational institutions require budding technicians to hold a high school diploma and be 18 years old at the time of hire or enrollment.
Step Two: Find a Training Program
Part of the research is to find a maintenance technician training program.
Although formal training is not required by the state, many employers want classroom-educated employees who demonstrate they are prepared for the entry-level position.
Although additional on-the-job training will occur in all workplaces, holding a certificate or degree ensures you hit the ground running.
The higher the level of education you have, the more earning power and negotiating power you will have during the hiring process, and the more job opportunities will become available to you.
Also, those with associate or bachelor’s degrees can move into management positions in the future.
When searching for the right program, it’s important to understand whether you prefer in-person learning, a hands-on experience, or an online program that offers more flexibility
. If opting for a classroom experience, it’s important to search for a program local to you, to limit commuting time and costs.
Larger cities will have more options than smaller towns, but it depends on your goals.
You must also determine the length of the program and your educational goals.
Step Three: Complete the Program
After you have enrolled in the program, you must complete it to start looking for a position.
The type of program you define during the research step will range from six months for a certificate to two years for an associate degree.
The certificate program allows you to jump into the workforce faster, but with limited knowledge.
The two-year degree requires a longer commitment but opens more doors and gives you extensive knowledge of the trade.
Step Four: Take the Certification Exam
Many programs prepare graduates to sit for various types of certification exams, with some being incorporated into the curriculum.
Even if certification is not required, it’s advisable to earn the Certified Maintenance & Reliability Technician (CMRT) certificate to demonstrate additional knowledge and commitment to future employers.
Other specialties may require certification before entering the workforce.
Step Five: Find a Job
Although maintenance technicians continue to be in demand, finding a job can be a full-time job in itself.
Start with searching online message boards, job sites, and social media platforms like LinkedIn.
Simultaneously, become involved in industry organizations and attend career fairs, seminars, and trade shows to extend your networking range.
These activities will help you remain updated on the latest industry news and meet hiring managers.
Step Six: Maintain the Certification
The final step is a continuous requirement throughout your career.
Maintaining your certification through continuing education or renewing your fees ensures your earned designation remains in good standing.
Specialized certifications typically require continuing education to ensure you are updated on the latest processes and technologies.
If this certification lapses, you may not be able to work in the State of Pennsylvania, so understanding the requirements in advance is critical to continued employment.
Most companies will pay the renewal fees or for the required continuous education courses.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Maintenance Technician
Like in most states, Pennsylvania does not have statewide licensing requirements for general maintenance technicians.
However, many positions within the general field, especially those requiring specialized trades, require licensing or certification.
For general maintenance technicians, most employers offer on-the-job training, but many prefer an apprenticeship or formal training program.
Although not required, the CMRT is the gold standard to demonstrate competency and improve job options.
Specialized roles like aircraft maintenance technicians, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC professionals require licensure.
Aircraft maintenance technicians are certified at the national level by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Electricians receive licensure from the State Electrical Examining Board, and plumbers are licensed by the State Board of Plumbing.
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry provides licenses to HVAC technicians.
It’s important to research the required licensure and certifications before selecting a career path.
Maintenance Technician Programs in Pennsylvania
Bucks County Community College
BCCC has an Industrial Maintenance Pre-Apprenticeship training program that was designed to combine practical hands-on learning with classroom theory.
This 12-week, full-time training program is free for those who meet the eligibility requirements.
For those who do not meet the requirements, tuition costs $6,500.
Also, those who complete the program will receive one-on-one job placement assistance.
Instructors are all industry professionals, and students will learn blueprint reading, shop math, PLCs, electrical relay control concepts, applied practice, hydraulics, pneumatics, fabrication, basic electricity, and safety.
Delaware County Community College
DCCC offers a Building & Facility Maintenance Technical program in Media, Pennsylvania.
The cost of the program is $4,000, including all materials and fees, and is available in the evenings, part-time, or full-time.
The program is entirely in-person, with students learning the structural components of residential buildings, plumbing, HVAC, and valve installation procedures, general requirements for rough-in electrical wiring, and basic carpentry tasks.
Other learned skills include reading and interpreting blueprints and specifications, and installing different types of flooring.
Graduates will earn a certificate and the OSHA 10 Construction Industry Certification.
Pennsylvania College of Technology
As a Penn State University affiliate, PCT offers an excellent one-year Industrial Maintenance Mechanic program that equates to 2,000 hours of on-the-job training.
The curriculum is aligned to eight NIMS Industrial Technology Maintenance credentials that prepare students for careers as maintenance technicians.
The four competencies of the program include electrical controls, electrical systems, fluid power, and mechanical systems.
Graduates of the program receive journey work papers from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry or the Department of Labor and will be prepared to sit for the NIMS Industrial Technology Maintenance Level 1 exam.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Bucks County Community College | 275 Swamp Rd, Newtown, PA 18940, United States |
| Delaware County Community College | 901 Media Line Rd, Media, PA 19063, United States |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology | 1 College Ave, Williamsport, PA 17701, USA |
Salary
The median annual U.S. compensation for a maintenance technician is $60,505, with pay ranging from $49,839 in the 10th percentile to $73,721 in the 90th percentile.
Comparatively, maintenance technicians in Pennsylvania can expect to make around $63,200 with pay ranging from $52,00 to $77,000.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $54,578 |
| Pittsburgh | $54,510 |
| Allentown | $62,158 |
| Erie | $49,551 |
| Scranton | $44,836 |
| Bethlehem | $64,743 |
| Lancaster | $55,835 |
| Harrisburg | $49,909 |
| Harrisburg | $49,909 |
| York | $64,055 |
Salary by Metro Area in Pennsylvania
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | 4,050 | $54,330 | $26.12 | $76,690 | $34,390 |
| Altoona, PA | 670 | $45,740 | $21.99 | $61,570 | $29,120 |
| Chambersburg, PA | 740 | $53,160 | $25.56 | $71,950 | $35,790 |
| Erie, PA | 1,320 | $46,330 | $22.27 | $62,850 | $30,420 |
| Gettysburg, PA | 500 | $48,990 | $23.55 | $65,560 | $29,840 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | 3,340 | $52,580 | $25.28 | $75,470 | $34,210 |
| Johnstown, PA | 500 | $45,160 | $21.71 | $62,280 | $28,770 |
| Lancaster, PA | 2,690 | $51,750 | $24.88 | $73,040 | $32,530 |
| Lebanon, PA | 700 | $52,240 | $25.12 | $64,980 | $37,380 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 23,190 | $54,080 | $26.00 | $76,990 | $35,220 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 10,980 | $50,540 | $24.30 | $74,170 | $31,200 |
| Reading, PA | 1,940 | $53,600 | $25.77 | $76,400 | $35,220 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | 3,180 | $51,290 | $24.66 | $73,600 | $33,170 |
| State College, PA | 1,250 | $56,640 | $27.23 | $86,520 | $36,060 |
| Williamsport, PA | 660 | $49,620 | $23.86 | $71,870 | $31,770 |
| York-Hanover, PA | 2,140 | $52,820 | $25.39 | $74,500 | $33,010 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills are needed to be successful as a maintenance technician in Pennsylvania?
Maintenance technicians need many soft and hard skills to be successful in their careers.
The best skills to develop include:
- Communication
- Computer
- Diagnostic
- Mechanical
- Physical strength
- Technical
- Time management
What are the most common places a Pennsylvania maintenance technician could work in?
Maintenance technicians are needed anywhere there’s equipment and structures that need to be repaired, installed, or maintained.
Some of the most common environments include apartment complexes, assisted living facilities, entertainment facilities, factories and technical complexes, hospitals, hotels and resorts, offices, schools and colleges, scientific research facilities, shopping centers, and transportation companies.
How long does it take to become a maintenance technician in Pennsylvania?
The time to become a maintenance technician varies greatly depending on the type of certification program you choose, experience in the field and industry, and educational background.
In general, becoming a maintenance technician in Pennsylvania takes between several months and two years to finish the training, earn a certification, and find a job.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Maintenance Technician
Maintenance Technician by State