General Maintenance Mechanics

Employment of general maintenance mechanics is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Workers will be needed for the improvement and renovation of public, commercial, and residential buildings. This is a large occupation with a high turnover rate. In addition to newly created jobs, many openings will arise as experienced mechanics transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.

General maintenance mechanics who work for manufacturing companies may be subject to layoffs during bad economic times, when their employers are under pressure to cut costs. Most mechanics, however, are not usually as vulnerable to layoffs related to economic conditions.

Building management systems, which control and monitor a building’s electrical and mechanical equipment (such as ventilation and lighting), are increasingly being used in large buildings. These systems are helpful because they allow building officials to quickly identify problems and automatically schedule repairs, but they may reduce the need for troubleshooting by mechanics, which could reduce employment in the field.