These professionals can fix almost anything.
Maintenance and repair workers find solutions for businesses, families and communities, and keep things running smoothly and efficiently. For those who enjoy working with their hands and providing specific maintenance services, these are the seven best maintenance and repair jobs among U.S. News’ 2017 Best Jobs rankings.
7. Exterminator
Median Salary: $32,160
Unemployment Rate: 4.1 percent
Expected Job Openings: -900
Exterminators remove and eliminate pests and critters from homes, schools and other buildings. They can specialize as fumigators, who use poisonous gases to get rid of pests, or termite control technicians, who control insect infestations. Pest control workers must have a high school diploma and be licensed, though requirements vary by state.
Learn more about exterminators.
6. Landscaper and Groundskeeper
Median Salary: $25,030
Unemployment Rate: 10.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 71,700
Landscapers plant trees and shrubbery, and care for gardens, parks and sports fields, while groundskeepers remove snow and refuse, and maintain swimming pools and other public spaces. On-the-job training is provided for workers, and education and certification opportunities are available for career-oriented green thumbs.
Learn more about landscapers and groundskeepers.
5. Janitor
Median Salary: $23,440
Unemployment Rate: 6.9 percent
Expected Job Openings: 136,300
Janitors keep offices, schools, hospitals and other places clean and orderly. They help eliminate the spread of germs, order and maintain cleaning supplies, and make minor repairs. Janitors do not require formal education, although certifications from the Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI) or the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) can be helpful.
Learn more about janitors.
4. Auto Mechanic
Median Salary: $37,850
Unemployment Rate: 4.9 percent
Expected Job Openings: 39,100
Auto mechanics are considered fully trained technicians after two to five years of hands-on experience, and they typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Auto mechanics repair and inspect all types of vehicles, change oil, swap out air filters, test auto parts and fix almost anything on a car. Most work for car dealers, gas stations and auto parts shops.
Learn more about auto mechanics.
3. Medical Equipment Repairer
Median Salary: $46,340
Unemployment Rate: 4.3 percent
Expected Job Openings: 2,900
Medical equipment repairers make physical repairs and internal software adjustments for CAT scanners, MRI scanners and other medical equipment. This field requires an associate degree and in some cases a bachelor’s, with continual education a necessity as new technologies emerge.
Learn more about medical equipment repairers.
2. Maintenance and Repair Worker
Median Salary: $36,630
Unemployment Rate: 4.2 percent
Expected Job Openings: 83,500
Maintenance and repair workers are excellent problem-solvers and should be in good physical shape to complete a slew of technical and manual repair tasks. Usually starting as apprentices, maintenance and repair workers obtain a license, with requirements varying by state, and can get additional training in electrical and plumbing work.
Learn more about maintenance and repair workers.
1. Wind Turbine Technician
Median Salary: $51,050
Unemployment Rate: 5.1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 4,800
Wind turbine technicians ascend high up in the sky to inspect, maintain and troubleshoot the electrical, mechanical and hydraulic components of wind turbines. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts this field will grow exponentially as wind turbines become competitive forms of alternative energy, and upkeep of more turbines will be necessary. On-the-job training is common with individual companies, but a background in technical training is encouraged for new hires.
Learn more about wind turbine technicians.
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The 7 Best Maintenance and Repair Jobs for 2017 originally appeared on usnews.com
