How to Become a Maintenance Technician in South Carolina

Becoming a maintenance technician in South Carolina means you’ll find opportunities in every corner of the state, from the industrial hubs of the Upstate to the coastal tourism centers and the agriculture-heavy Midlands and Pee Dee regions.

Manufacturers in Greenville and Spartanburg need skilled techs to keep production lines running, while Charleston’s booming port and tourism industry rely on facility maintenance year-round.

In the Midlands, you’ll see demand from agriculture, healthcare, and government facilities, and in the Pee Dee, agriculture and manufacturing play a big role.

No matter the region, the skills are in demand and the work is steady.

Steps to Become a Maintenance Technician in South Carolina

Most states have the same basic requirements, but let’s walk you through what that looks like when you want to be a maintenance technician in South Carolina.

1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED: You’ll need at least a high school diploma or equivalent to get started. Focus on math, science, and technical courses like shop or mechanics. This base knowledge will help you understand the systems you’ll eventually work on and meet the entry requirements for most training programs.
2. Complete Technical or Vocational Training: South Carolina has a strong technical college system, offering programs in industrial maintenance, mechatronics, and HVAC. Schools like Greenville Technical College and Trident Technical College mix classroom learning with lab work, so you graduate with both theory and hands-on skills employers want.
3. Get On-the-Job Experience: Entry-level roles such as maintenance helper, apprentice, or junior tech are a great way to build skills in real-world settings. Manufacturing plants, hospitals, hotels, and schools across the state often hire trainees. Working under seasoned technicians will help you learn troubleshooting, safety practices, and day-to-day workflows.
4. Earn Certifications or Licenses as Needed: While South Carolina doesn’t require a general maintenance license, certain specialties do. HVAC techs need state licensing, and electricians or plumbers must be certified for specific work. OSHA safety training, PLC programming, or manufacturer-specific certifications can also make you more competitive.
5. Stay Updated on Skills and Standards: Technology and safety codes change. Follow updates from the South Carolina Department of Labor, take continuing education courses, and attend local industry workshops. Staying current keeps you marketable and ready for new opportunities in different sectors across the state.
6. Review job descriptions: One of the best ways to see the most updated job requirements is by looking at job descriptions at your preferred employers. Don’t just focus on the minimum requirements. Look for the recommended skill sets or certifications that will help you stand out.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Maintenance Technician in South Carolina

South Carolina doesn’t require a general license to work as a maintenance technician.

However, if your work involves certain trades or specialties, you’ll need the appropriate credentials.

Jobs that require licensing in South Carolina include:

• HVAC Technician – Requires a state Mechanical Contractor or Residential HVAC license, depending on project size and scope.
• Electrician – Requires a state-issued electrical contractor or journeyman license.
• Plumber – Requires a plumbing contractor or journeyman license for most installation or repair work.
• Gas Fitter – Requires licensing to install or service gas lines and appliances.
• Elevator Mechanic – Requires certification through the state’s Office of Elevators and Amusement Rides.

For more information, look at the Labor Licensing Regulation government website for South Carolina.

Maintenance Technician Programs in South Carolina

Midlands Technical College

Midlands Tech serves up straightforward programs like industrial maintenance and mechatronics, designed to launch your hands-on career in two years or less.

Think classroom time plus serious lab work on industrial systems, PLCs, and preventive maintenance.

It’s structured so you graduate with a certificate or associate degree.

Cost-wise, it’s about $6,100 a year for in-state students, making it a solid value for what you learn and the doors it opens.

Florence-Darlington Technical College

Florence-Darlington Tech is another budget-conscious choice for maintenance-minded folks.

Their mechanic and repair technologies programs are especially strong if you’re leaning toward technical trades.

Check out their apprenticeship program, too.

Expect a blend of theoretical and practical training, plus quick prep for entry into the workforce.

The net cost for in-state students kicks in at around $4,100 per year.

Trident Technical College

If you’re closer to Charleston, Trident Technical College offers industrial maintenance or related programs that won’t break the bank.

Tuition costs around $2,700 annually for in-state students, a very competitive rate.

You’d get hands-on lab time, tools training, and exposure to the electrical and mechanical systems that keep facilities humming.

Couple that with Trident’s ties to local employers, and you’ve got a pretty direct path to job-ready skill sets.

Upstate University of South Carolina

The Maintenance Technician program is offered through ed2go, a carbon copy of the nationwide program, but this one is at the Upstate University of South Carolina.

The cost is $1,695, and most people complete the program in 18 months.

It’s self-guided so that you can learn on your own timeline.

Check the requirements because this program might require you to have a toolset to finish the exercises and pass the classes.

Salary

There’s a bit of a wage gap in wages in different cities in the state.

Let’s look at a breakdown of the median pay, lowest wages, and highest potential.

• Aiken: $55,821 (median) | $45,981 (lowest) | $68,015 (highest)
• Greenville: $55,991 (median) | $46,121 (lowest) | $68,221 (highest)
• Myrtle Beach: $55,821 (median) | $44,890 (lowest) | $66,400 (highest)
• Charleston: $57,455 (median) | $47,327 (lowest) | $70,005 (highest)

Keep in mind that the cost of living will be higher the closer you get to the coastline and the tourism corridors.

Salary by Metro Area in South Carolina

Maintenance Technician by State