Occupation profile

Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers

Help installation, maintenance, and repair workers in maintenance, parts replacement, and repair of vehicles, industrial machinery, and electrical and electronic equipment. Perform duties such as furnishing tools, materials, and supplies to other workers; cleaning work area, machines, and tools; and holding materials or tools for other workers.

Apprenticeship

Median Wage

$38,860/yr • $18.68/hr

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Full Occupation Profile
Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

These occupations involve following instructions and often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include dishwashers, landscaping and groundskeeping workers, counter and rental clerks, dental laboratory technicians, and security guards.

Education
High school diploma or equivalent: 32%
Associate's degree: 25%
Post-secondary certificate: 23%
Skills

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Actively looking for ways to help people.

Teaching others how to do something.

Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.

Writing computer programs for various purposes.

Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge Areas

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.

Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.

Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.

The ability to see details at a distance.

The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.

The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).

The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.

The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.

The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.

The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.

The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.

The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.

The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

The ability to see under low-light conditions.

Work Context

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

How much does this job require standing?

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

Duration of Typical Work Week
61

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

How much does this job require walking or running?

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

How automated is the job?

How much does this job require sitting?

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

Work Schedules
23

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

Technology Skills

Presentation software

Computer aided design CAD software

Electronic mail software

Industrial control software

Facilities management software

Office suite software

Operating system software

Spreadsheet software

Data base user interface and query software

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

Tools and Equipment

Stripping tools

Pipe or tube cutter

Track cranes

Manlift or personnel lift

Threading machine

Drilling machines

Facial shields

Articulating boom lift

Hand trucks or accessories

Protective gloves

Pneumatic drill

Pressure or steam cleaners

Sledge hammer

Portable data input terminals

Conventional truck cranes

Spot welding machine

Tube end finisher

Ball peen hammer

Power nail guns

Pneumatic sanding machines

Claw hammer

Skid steer loaders

Front end loaders

    Ladders

      Mallets

        Air compressors

          Grease guns

            Wire cutters

              Ratchets

                Vacuum pumps

                  Scaffolding

                    Dollies

                      Utility knives

                        Notebook computer

                        Forklifts

                          Power drills

                            Combination wrenches

                              Power grinders

                                Box end wrenches

                                  Locking pliers

                                    Torque wrenches

                                      Power chippers

                                        Open end wrenches

                                          Caulking guns

                                            Adjustable wrenches

                                              Needlenose pliers

                                                Personal computer

                                                Pipe wrenches

                                                  Power sanders

                                                    Backhoes

                                                      Detailed Work Activities
                                                      Work Styles
                                                      Dependability
                                                      71

                                                      A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

                                                      Cooperation
                                                      65

                                                      A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

                                                      Attention to Detail
                                                      62

                                                      A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

                                                      Cautiousness
                                                      48

                                                      A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

                                                      Integrity
                                                      39

                                                      A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

                                                      Perseverance
                                                      35

                                                      A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

                                                      Stress Tolerance
                                                      33

                                                      A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

                                                      Adaptability
                                                      30

                                                      A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

                                                      Self-Control
                                                      24

                                                      A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

                                                      Achievement Orientation
                                                      23

                                                      A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

                                                      Humility
                                                      23

                                                      A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

                                                      Social Orientation
                                                      20

                                                      A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

                                                      Sincerity
                                                      19

                                                      A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

                                                      Intellectual Curiosity
                                                      15

                                                      A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

                                                      Self-Confidence
                                                      14

                                                      A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

                                                      Initiative
                                                      13

                                                      A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

                                                      Optimism
                                                      12

                                                      A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

                                                      Empathy
                                                      7

                                                      A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

                                                      Innovation
                                                      1

                                                      A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

                                                      Work Values

                                                      Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

                                                      Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

                                                      Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

                                                      Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

                                                      Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

                                                      Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

                                                      Reference

                                                      O*NET in-it

                                                      This page includes information from the O*NET Career Exploration Tools by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the O*NET Tools Developer License. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Beesla has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.