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Maintenance technicians are critical technical professionals who conduct routine inspections and maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and perform repairs on equipment, machinery, and systems within a building.
These experts work in a variety of environments ranging from schools and hospitals to offices, manufacturing facilities, and even at ski resorts.
Maintenance technicians must be well-versed in different types of systems, with specializations in HVAC, electrical work, plumbing, and other trades available.
If you’re seeking a career where you can get your hands dirty, that’s highly technical, and you can problem-solve different challenges, then consider becoming a maintenance technician in Washington.
Keep reading to learn more about the process and position!
Article Table of Contents
Steps to Become a Maintenance Technician in Washington
One: Research the Career and Specializations
The first step to becoming a maintenance technician is to understand the available positions and specializations.
Although Washington does not legally require budding maintenance technicians to complete a training program, most employees do.
Therefore, you must first understand if you want to enter general maintenance or expand to learn a specialization.
General maintenance professionals do not require passing a certification exam to work, but other specializations may have a requirement.
As part of the research stage, you must also learn more about the different types of programs.
Do you want the flexibility of an online program, or do you learn better with in-class instruction?
What schools are close to your home?
Are you interested in a foundational six-month program, or do you want to pursue an associate degree?
How are you going to fund the certificate or degree, and do you have time for a longer program?
These questions can narrow your educational and career goals.
Two: Apply for a Training Program
Once you have a more focused career direction, you must apply to and complete the paperwork for your top program.
This includes understanding start and completion dates, filling out basic information about yourself, and paying the fee.
Some programs may require a background check, and all will request high school transcripts as proof of graduation.
Three: Complete the Program
Once you have been accepted into the program, you must follow the class schedule and complete the curriculum.
Self-paced online programs must be completed within a certain time, compared to in-person training that has a set weekly schedule.
Most programs allow you to attend part-time or full-time, depending on your personal commitments and work schedule.
Four: Earn a Certification
Most programs prepare students to sit for the relevant certification exam, and some programs include the certification as part of the curriculum.
There are many certifications available, with the most popular being:
- Building Systems Maintenance Certificate – this certificate tests potential holders on their understanding of plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other systems, as well as water treatment and energy management.
- Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technicians – those focused on working in the residential side can earn this certificate, which is offered by the National Apartment Association. The certificate demonstrates the professional’s skills related to maintaining apartments and residential facilities.
- Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT) – this is the gold standard for general maintenance technicians who want to demonstrate their abilities in corrective, predictive, and preventative maintenance.
Additional certifications related to HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, electrical, medical, and industrial trades are also available, depending on your career goals.
Five: Apply for Jobs
Once you have received a certification, it’s time to search for a job.
General maintenance technicians do not need to earn the CMRT designation to start working, since it is not a prerequisite.
It is recommended to differentiate from the competition.
However, those in other areas, like HVAC or plumbing, must have the certificate to work in the field.
When searching for a job, it’s important to look online and develop a networking community where you can find out about news and new job openings.
Joining local professional organizations and attending guest speaking events, seminars, and trade shows will widen your networking group.
There are general maintenance technician organizations and more specialized options.
It’s beneficial to join both if they are relevant to your career.
Six: Maintain Certifications
The final ongoing step is to maintain your earned certifications.
Some require continuous learning classes, so you remain updated on the latest processes, concepts, and technologies, while others simply require a financial renewal of the designation.
Most companies will pay for the certification renewal and related classes, but it’s important to understand this benefit when the job offer is made.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Maintenance Technician
Washington does not have a state-wide licensing requirement to become a maintenance technician.
Instead, the state focuses on specialized training and practical qualifications.
For instance, those who want to become maintenance technicians at the Department of Transportation may need a Commercial Driver’s License.
Those who choose emissions repair will need a special certification like ASE L1.
Aircraft maintenance technicians will require an FAA certification and completion of training from an FAA-approved program.
Although there are no statewide licensing requirements, it’s always beneficial to earn the certificate immediately after completing the training program, since the information will be fresh.
This will help you differentiate yourself from those without the certificate and further demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers.
As you progress through your career and take an interest in different areas, earning certifications in those fields can further improve your opportunities and make you a better employee.
Maintenance Technician Programs in Washington
Bellingham Technical College
The Industrial Maintenance and Mechatronics associate degree from BTC focuses on mechanical and industrial technology, and electronic and electrical circuits.
The curriculum is entirely in-person to provide students with a hands-on experience.
Topics include AC/DC, process technology, applied technical math, computer applications, applied mechanics, engineering graphics, hydraulics and pneumatics, solid state components, and micro-controllers.
The two-year program costs $21,000, including all books and fees.
Walla Walla Community College
WWCC has a Maintenance Technician training program that is available entirely online and must be completed within 18 months of start.
The program costs $1,700 and includes all materials and fees.
Students will learn foundational knowledge of different types of systems, equipment, and processes.
These include inspection methods, assembly processes, fabrication, mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems, 5S auditing, lean manufacturing, troubleshooting, and PLC equipment.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Bellingham Technical College | 3028 Lindbergh Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225, United States |
| Walla Walla Community College | 500 Tausick Way, Walla Walla, WA 99362, USA |
Salary
The median annual U.S. salary for a maintenance technician is $60,505, with pay ranging from $49,839 to $73,721.
In Washington, maintenance technicians can expect a median salary of $66,882, with pay ranging from $55,092 to $81,491.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Spokane | $54,267 |
| Tacoma | $63,515 |
| Vancouver | $57,940 |
| Bellevue | $63,233 |
| Kent | $64,843 |
| Everett | $61,536 |
| Spokane Valley | $53,394 |
| Renton | $61,467 |
| Yakima | $53,617 |
| Federal Way | $60,520 |
Salary by Metro Area in Washington
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellingham, WA | 840 | $57,420 | $27.61 | $79,550 | $37,960 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | 730 | $59,810 | $28.75 | $84,780 | $39,180 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | 1,060 | $57,990 | $27.88 | $77,240 | $38,100 |
| Longview-Kelso, WA | 340 | $55,290 | $26.58 | $74,390 | $37,840 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | 530 | $60,500 | $29.09 | $82,600 | $38,930 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | 1,050 | $59,250 | $28.48 | $83,450 | $38,230 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 17,370 | $62,440 | $30.02 | $83,850 | $44,190 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 2,440 | $55,280 | $26.58 | $76,430 | $37,780 |
| Walla Walla, WA | 320 | $55,180 | $26.53 | $74,880 | $38,230 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | 790 | $55,740 | $26.80 | $76,830 | $37,880 |
| Yakima, WA | 1,200 | $52,720 | $25.35 | $71,580 | $36,000 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are maintenance technicians in demand in Washington?
Washington is a state with a growing population.
As a result, the demand for maintenance technicians across a variety of sectors continues to grow.
The State has a large presence of software and technical companies, especially near Seattle, so maintenance technicians with specializations in electronics, electrical systems, and robotics are highly in demand.
What types of maintenance technicians are the highest paid in Washington?
Given the technical prowess and knowledge of different systems and equipment, maintenance technicians earn a higher-than-normal wage within the vocational fields.
The highest paid maintenance technician role is premises technician, who is responsible for telecommunication installation, repair, and maintenance in apartment complexes, industrial facilities, and commercial locations.
Other well-paid roles include facilities mechanic, general maintenance mechanic, and building services technician.
What are the most common career paths of a maintenance technician in Washington?
Completing a maintenance technician training program can open many career opportunities and paths, including:
- Equipment Maintenance Engineer – this professional designs and implements maintenance programs for specific systems and equipment.
- Facilities Manager – A Facilities Manager is responsible for the maintenance and operation of an entire facility.
- Field Service Technician – a Field Service Technician provides on-site repair and maintenance for different types of systems and equipment.
- Maintenance Planner – this expert schedules and coordinates maintenance activities.
- Maintenance Technician Supervisor – this role involves supervising a team of maintenance technicians.
- Reliability Engineer – A reliability Engineer focuses on optimizing and improving the performance and reliability of systems and equipment.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Maintenance Technician
Maintenance Technician by State