$18/Hour General Maintenance Jobs in Illinois

General maintenance jobs in Illinois offer excellent opportunities for individuals looking to earn a solid income while working in a hands-on, practical field. Earning $18 per hour, these roles provide a competitive wage in a variety of industries, including residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Why Consider General Maintenance Jobs in Illinois?

1. Attractive Pay

With an hourly wage of $18, general maintenance workers in Illinois can expect to earn a reasonable income. Overtime opportunities are common, allowing for even higher earnings, especially in industries where 24/7 maintenance is required.

2. Job Security

General maintenance work is a staple in many industries, from residential buildings to large manufacturing plants. The constant need for upkeep and repair ensures job security for workers in this field, as every facility requires regular maintenance to remain operational.

3. Skill Development

A general maintenance job allows you to build a diverse skill set in areas such as plumbing, electrical repair, carpentry, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), and general repairs. Over time, you can specialize in certain areas, leading to career growth and potentially higher wages.

4. Variety of Work Environments

General maintenance jobs are available in numerous settings, including:

• Apartment complexes
• Commercial office buildings
• Hospitals and schools
• Factories and manufacturing plants
• Hotels and resorts

This variety offers the flexibility to choose a work environment that suits your preferences, whether you prefer indoor or outdoor work, or working in residential or industrial settings.

Types of General Maintenance Jobs in Illinois

1. Residential Building Maintenance Worker

In this role, you’ll be responsible for the upkeep and repair of apartment complexes, condos, or housing communities. Tasks may include repairing appliances, handling plumbing issues, performing basic electrical work, and keeping the common areas clean and functional.

• Pay: $17-19 per hour
• Shift Availability: Daytime with some on-call hours

2. Commercial Property Maintenance Technician

Working in office buildings, retail stores, or business parks, commercial maintenance technicians are tasked with maintaining the property’s overall function. This may involve inspecting and repairing HVAC systems, replacing lighting fixtures, fixing doors and windows, and maintaining elevators or escalators.

• Pay: $18-22 per hour
• Shift Availability: Daytime, evenings, and weekends depending on the business

3. Industrial Maintenance Mechanic

For those with more specialized skills, industrial maintenance roles involve working in factories or warehouses. These jobs often require more technical expertise to repair and maintain heavy machinery, conveyor systems, and automated equipment.

• Pay: $20-25 per hour
• Shift Availability: Varied, with many night shifts and overtime opportunities

4. Hospital or School Maintenance Worker

Schools and hospitals require regular maintenance to ensure safety and functionality. General maintenance workers in these settings handle everything from minor repairs to overseeing HVAC systems, electrical troubleshooting, and emergency maintenance tasks.

• Pay: $18-21 per hour
• Shift Availability: Daytime with on-call hours for emergencies

5. Hotel and Resort Maintenance Staff

Hotels and resorts often require maintenance staff to ensure the guest rooms, lobbies, restaurants, and recreational areas are in top condition. Responsibilities include general repairs, fixing plumbing and electrical systems, and maintaining heating and cooling systems.

• Pay: $16-20 per hour
• Shift Availability: Varied, including weekends and evenings

Job Responsibilities for General Maintenance Workers

The specific duties of a general maintenance worker can vary depending on the industry, but typical responsibilities include:

1. Routine Inspections and Repairs Regularly inspecting buildings, machinery, and equipment to identify and fix issues before they become larger problems.
2. Plumbing and Electrical Work Repairing pipes, drains, faucets, and toilets, as well as handling basic electrical tasks such as replacing fuses or rewiring appliances.
3. HVAC Maintenance Maintaining heating and cooling systems, ensuring they function efficiently and safely. This often requires cleaning air filters, replacing parts, or performing routine inspections.
4. General Carpentry Performing minor carpentry work, such as fixing doors, replacing windows, and repairing drywall or tiles.
5. Appliance Repair Fixing appliances like refrigerators, ovens, washers, and dryers in residential and commercial buildings.
6. Emergency Maintenance Responding to urgent issues, such as broken pipes, electrical outages, or heating system failures, to minimize downtime and ensure safety.

Requirements to Secure a General Maintenance Job

1. Basic Education and Certifications

Most general maintenance jobs do not require a college degree, but a high school diploma or equivalent is typically expected. However, some specialized positions (e.g., HVAC or electrical maintenance) may require certifications or vocational training in that area. Common certifications include:

• EPA 608 Certification for handling refrigerants in HVAC systems
• OSHA Safety Training for industrial or construction environments
• Basic Electrical or Plumbing Certifications

2. Experience

While entry-level positions are available, having prior experience in maintenance, repairs, or a related field is often preferred. On-the-job training is common, but having a background in carpentry, electrical work, or plumbing can give you a competitive edge.

3. Problem-Solving Skills

General maintenance workers are often faced with unexpected issues that require quick thinking and problem-solving abilities. Being resourceful and able to troubleshoot on the spot is essential.

4. Physical Fitness

This job requires physical stamina, as maintenance workers often spend long hours standing, climbing ladders, lifting heavy objects, and working in awkward positions.

5. Driver’s License

Many maintenance jobs require traveling between job sites, especially for mobile maintenance teams or those working in large complexes. A valid driver’s license is often required.

Tips for Securing a General Maintenance Job in Illinois

1. Apply on Job Boards

Use platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter to search for maintenance job openings in Illinois. Search using keywords like “general maintenance,” “maintenance technician,” or “handyman jobs” in your location.

2. Network Locally

Networking with local businesses, property management companies, and contractors can lead to job opportunities. Many smaller businesses hire maintenance staff through word-of-mouth referrals, so letting people in your community know you’re looking for work can help.

3. Leverage Trade Schools and Apprenticeships

Attending a trade school or apprenticeship program in a specific area (such as HVAC or electrical work) can make you more competitive in the job market. Illinois offers various apprenticeship programs that combine classroom learning with hands-on work experience.

4. Tailor Your Resume

Highlight any prior experience in maintenance or repairs, as well as relevant certifications. Make sure your resume is clear and tailored to the type of maintenance job you’re applying for, focusing on specific skills like HVAC maintenance, plumbing, or electrical work.

Visa Options for International Workers

For international workers interested in securing a maintenance job in Illinois, here are some visa options:

1. H-2B Visa for Non-Agricultural Workers

This visa is designed for temporary, non-agricultural jobs like general maintenance work. Employers must prove that there are not enough U.S. workers available to fill the position before hiring international workers.

2. EB-3 Visa for Skilled Workers

If you have experience and qualifications in a specific trade, such as HVAC or electrical work, you may be eligible for an EB-3 visa. This visa allows skilled workers to apply for permanent residency in the U.S.

3. L-1 Visa for Company Transfers

If you’re working for a multinational company with offices in Illinois, the L-1 visa allows you to transfer to the U.S. location. This is an option if you’re already working in maintenance for a global company.

Conclusion

General maintenance jobs in Illinois offer a rewarding career with a competitive hourly wage of $18 per hour. These roles provide job stability, skill development, and a variety of work environments, from residential buildings to industrial facilities. Whether you’re a local resident or an international worker looking for visa options, there are many opportunities in the maintenance field.

By gaining relevant certifications, networking locally, and tailoring your resume to highlight your skills, you can secure a well-paying maintenance job in Illinois and build a long-term career in this essential field.