General maintenance and repair workers held about 1.4 million jobs in 2014. The industries that employed the most general maintenance and repair workers were as follows:
Real estate and rental and leasing
20%
Manufacturing
14
State and local government, excluding education and hospitals
10
Healthcare and social assistance
8
Educational services; state, local, and private
8
General maintenance and repair workers often carry out many different tasks in a single day at any number of locations. They may work inside a single building, such as a hotel or hospital, or be responsible for the maintenance of many buildings, such as those in an apartment complex or on a college campus.
General maintenance and repair workers may have to stand for long periods or lift heavy objects. These workers may work in uncomfortably hot or cold environments, in uncomfortable or cramped positions, or on ladders. The work involves a lot of walking, climbing, and reaching.
Injuries and Illnesses
General maintenance workers have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Workers risk electrical shocks, falls, cuts, and bruises.
Work Schedules
Most general maintenance workers work full time, including evenings or weekends. Some are on call for emergency repairs.