Maintenance Supervisor

Maintenance Foreman, Maintenance Manager, Maintenance Supervisor, Service Manager
Job Description

A Maintenance Supervisor oversees and coordinates the workers who maintain and repair electrical, plumbing, ventilation, and other building systems. They are responsible for ensuring that the maintenance work is completed efficiently and in compliance with all safety standards.

Typical Preparation

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Years in related career: Less than 5 years

On-the-job training: None

Outlook

Projected Growth: 2.4% (average)

Annual job openings: 52,400

Direct AI exposure: 8% of tasks

Potential AI exposure: 46% of tasks

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $80K per year.
Bottom 10%Bottom 25%Median (average)Top 25%Top 10%
$50K
per year
$63K
per year
$80K
per year
$101K
per year
$127K
per year
Compared to other careers: Median is $29K above the national average.

What does a Maintenance Supervisor do?

Intro video

(less than 2 minutes)

Duties

  • Supervises and schedules maintenance staff.
  • Inspects and ensures the maintenance of building systems.
  • Develops maintenance procedures and ensures implementation.
  • Prepares and manages maintenance budgets.
  • Ensures compliance with safety and health regulations.

Work environment

Maintenance Supervisors typically work in industrial, residential, or commercial properties. Their work environment may vary from office settings to on-site at different maintenance locations. The role often involves interacting with a variety of professionals, from maintenance staff to property managers.

Typical Schedule

Areas of specialization

  • Facilities Management: Focusing on the upkeep of entire buildings and services.
  • HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Supervision: Specializing in the maintenance of heating and cooling systems.
  • Electrical Maintenance Supervision: Concentrating on the electrical systems within a building.
  • Plumbing Supervision: Specializing in the maintenance of plumbing systems.
  • Safety Compliance Supervision: Ensuring that all maintenance activities comply with safety regulations.

Description

Maintenance Supervisors play a critical role in the upkeep of building facilities. They ensure that all maintenance activities are carried out efficiently and in accordance with set standards and regulations. This occupation requires technical knowledge of various building systems and the ability to manage and coordinate a team of maintenance workers.

Effective communication skills are essential, as Maintenance Supervisors need to liaise with property managers, staff, and sometimes residents or tenants. They must also be adept at problem-solving and decision-making, especially in emergency situations where quick action is necessary.

The role includes administrative responsibilities, such as budget management and maintenance scheduling. Maintenance Supervisors also play a key role in ensuring safety compliance, which is critical in maintaining a safe working environment for all employees.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

You might make a good Maintenance Supervisor if you are...

Pros:

  • High demand in various industries.
  • Opportunities for hands-on problem-solving.
  • The satisfaction of maintaining essential systems and facilities.

Cons:

  • Can involve irregular hours, especially in emergencies.
  • Physical demands and potential exposure to hazardous materials.
  • Requires staying updated with changing building codes and technologies.

How to become a Maintenance Supervisor

Typical education

Typically, a high school diploma is required, with some employers preferring additional certification or an associate's degree in a relevant field. This equates to approximately 2-4 years of post-secondary education or training.

High school preparation

Courses:

  • Shop classes or vocational training in electrical, plumbing, or carpentry.
  • Mathematics for understanding technical aspects of maintenance work.
  • Physics to understand the principles behind building systems.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

  • Join a robotics club or similar activities to develop technical skills.
  • Participate in community service projects involving building or repairs.
  • Take leadership roles in clubs to develop management skills.

Preparation after high school

  • Pursue an associate's degree or certification in facilities management, HVAC, electrical, or plumbing.
  • Gain practical experience through apprenticeships or entry-level maintenance jobs.
  • Attend workshops or seminars on safety compliance and management skills.

More resources

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