How Much Does it Cost to Become a Maintenance Technician?

Being a maintenance technician requires a highly technical skill set since you will be working with multiple types of equipment, regardless of the industry.

Best of all, developing these technical skills and creating a foundation of knowledge within the profession doesn’t require long classroom hours.

This keeps costs lower and allows budding technicians to enter the workforce sooner.

However, before jumping into this profession, it’s crucial to understand the cost of becoming a maintenance technician.

Keep reading to learn more!

How Much Does It Cost to Complete Maintenance Technician School?

The cost of a maintenance technician program varies significantly based on several factors.

First, the amount of schooling you choose to pursue.

You can get a certificate program in as little as a few months that teaches the basics or an associate degree that takes two years.

Second, the program type – online, in-person, or hybrid.

Third, the school’s reputation in the field.

Finally, the cost of living in different locations.

A mid-range, in-person, maintenance technician certificate program that helps build your foundational knowledge will cost a few thousand dollars.

A similar program, a two-year program at a community college, can cost 10s of thousands of dollars, not including additional expenses like supplies, books, and tools.

For this reason, most opt for a shorter program that allows them to save money and jump into the field quickly.

Those seeking higher degrees have their sights set on management in the future.

How Much Does a Maintenance Technician License Cost?

Although states don’t require maintenance technicians to earn a license, they may need to be certified for a specific trade, like HVAC or electrical work.

It’s always advisable to earn a general maintenance technician certification, even if it’s not required.

Popular basic maintenance technician certifications include:

• CBET (Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician) – CBET is a designated certification for those who work with and maintain biomedical equipment.
• CMRT (Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician) – CMRT is a popular credential that confirms the competencies of maintenance technicians in corrective, troubleshooting, predictive maintenance, and preventive maintenance.
• EETC (Electrical Technician Certification) – EETC is a certification for technicians who work with electrical equipment.
• EPA HVAC – this designation is for technicians who dispose of, repair, service, or maintain refrigerant equipment.
• MCET (Master Certified Electronics Technician) – MCET confirms the knowledge of technicians with several years of experience in the electronics field.

Although the cost of these certifications varies, the general range is from $100 to $300 to take the exam, then another $50 – $100 for the application fee.

Also, most certifications require renewal every 1 – 3 years, which costs around $100 – $150.

To renew, several certifications have a continuing education requirement, which may cost several hundred dollars for classes.

What Are the Additional Costs After Becoming a Maintenance Technician?

Other than certification renewal costs, maintenance technicians don’t have additional fees.

After completing all requirements for employment and finding a job, maintenance technicians will only have the general costs of commuting and gas, or mass transit.

Most maintenance technicians don’t start a maintenance technician consulting or related business immediately out of school.

However, for those who have the experience and connections to consult in this field, they must endure the same costs as most other businesses, which can be in the thousands.

Maintenance technicians must have access to extensive tools and equipment, which can cost in the 10s of thousands of dollars.

One option for new businesses is to lease the equipment via a monthly fee.

Those who start a business must also pay insurance and invest in marketing and advertising to drum up business.

Furthermore, those who want an office must pay rent and utilities.

The combination of these finances can be in the thousands of dollars per month.

Is Becoming a Maintenance Technician a Good Investment?

Given that the average salary for a maintenance technician is between $53,000 and $60,000 for only a few months of education, it’s an excellent investment.

Costs to enter the field with an established company can be high, depending on the educational level the candidate wishes to achieve, but this will be offset by the earning potential in the position.

Those starting a consulting or related company will incur the additional costs of marketing, advertising, equipment purchases, vehicles, rent, and utilities.

While these could be in the thousands of dollars per month, having a team of maintenance technicians can be of significant financial value.

In both situations, becoming a maintenance technician is an excellent investment.

Key Takeaways

The greatest upfront cost of becoming a maintenance technician is the training program, which can range from a few thousand to 10s of thousands of dollars.

After completing the program, a certification will cost a few hundred dollars, including renewal.

These are the only fees a maintenance technician working for an established company is required to pay.

However, those who choose the entrepreneurial route will incur costs associated with running a business, like purchasing equipment and vehicles, utilities, rent, advertising, and marketing.

Each of these can add up to several thousand dollars per month.