Career Comparison Dashboard

Comparing 2 careers • Side-by-side analysis

Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics & O*NET

Quick Comparison

Career Highlights

When comparing General Maintenance and Repair Workers and Metal and Plastic Machine Workers, several key differences and similarities emerge. General Maintenance and Repair Workers offers a median salary of $48,620, the highest among these roles, while Metal and Plastic Machine Workers earns $46,800, the lowest. In terms of job growth, General Maintenance and Repair Workers is projected to grow at +4.0%, the fastest, while Metal and Plastic Machine Workers is expected to grow at -7.0%, the slowest.

Job opportunities also differ: General Maintenance and Repair Workers has 1,629,700 positions (most jobs), while Metal and Plastic Machine Workers offers 74,500 (fewest jobs). Education requirements for General Maintenance and Repair Workers typically include High school diploma, while Metal and Plastic Machine Workers does not specify a standard path.

When it comes to work-life balance, General Maintenance and Repair Workers and Metal and Plastic Machine Workers may differ, with one typically offering a more balanced lifestyle and the other potentially having a more demanding schedule. Automation risk is lower for General Maintenance and Repair Workers if its score is lower, meaning it is more secure from technological replacement, while Metal and Plastic Machine Workers may face a higher risk if its score is higher. In terms of personality fit, General Maintenance and Repair Workers is best suited for those who align with its Holland code profile, while Metal and Plastic Machine Workers matches a different set of interests and strengths.

This side-by-side analysis helps you weigh salary, growth, job opportunities, education, work-life balance, automation risk, accessibility, and personality fit to find the best career for your goals and lifestyle.

General Maintenance and Repair Workers is the overall leader in salary, growth, and job opportunities among these careers.

General Maintenance and Repair Workers

Metal and Plastic Machine Workers

General Maintenance and Repair Workers

$48,620
+4.0%

Requirements

High school diploma 1,629,700 jobs

Automation Risk

Low
25% chance of being automated

Work-Life Balance

6.4/10
6.4/10

Top Skills

Customer-service skills Dexterity Troubleshooting skills

Strengths

  • High Demand
  • Flexible Work
  • Continuous Learning

Challenges

  • Burnout Risk
  • Rapid Technological Change

What They Do

General Maintenance and Repair Workers perform a variety of tasks to maintain, repair, and improve buildings, machinery, and equipment. They handle plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and mechanical repairs to ensure safe and functional facilities. Their work is critical in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

This career is well suited for individuals who enjoy hands-on work, problem-solving, and a variety of technical tasks.

What Do General Maintenance and Repair Workers Do?

These professionals inspect, troubleshoot, and repair equipment, systems, and building structures to keep operations running smoothly.

Common responsibilities include:

  • Performing routine maintenance on buildings, machinery, and equipment
  • Troubleshooting and repairing electrical, plumbing, or mechanical issues
  • Painting, carpentry, and structural repairs
  • Installing, adjusting, or replacing parts and fixtures
  • Maintaining tools, equipment, and work areas
  • Responding to maintenance requests and emergencies
  • Following safety procedures and regulations

Key Areas of Maintenance and Repair

Workers may specialize in certain systems or tasks:

  • Building Maintenance: Repairing walls, floors, windows, and doors
  • Mechanical and Electrical Systems: Fixing HVAC, plumbing, or electrical systems
  • Equipment and Machinery: Maintaining industrial or commercial machines
  • Preventive Maintenance: Performing inspections and routine servicing
  • Safety and Compliance: Ensuring facilities meet safety codes and standards

Skills and Abilities Needed

Maintenance and repair workers combine technical, problem-solving, and practical skills.

Core Professional Skills

- Basic electrical, plumbing, and mechanical repair skills - Carpentry, painting, and general construction knowledge - Troubleshooting and diagnostic abilities - Operation of hand and power tools - Preventive maintenance and inspection techniques - Understanding of safety standards and regulations

Personal Qualities That Matter

- Attention to detail and problem-solving ability - Manual dexterity and physical stamina - Flexibility and adaptability to varied tasks - Safety-conscious and responsible - Communication and teamwork skills - Initiative and reliability

Education and Career Pathway

This role typically requires minimal formal education and practical experience:

  • High School Diploma or GED (minimum): Basic math, reading, and technical skills
  • Vocational or Technical Training (optional): Specialized courses in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or carpentry
  • On-the-Job Training: Learning repair and maintenance techniques under supervision
  • Certification (optional): Industry credentials for specific trades or equipment
  • Continuous Learning: Staying updated on safety standards, tools, and maintenance methods

Where Do General Maintenance and Repair Workers Work?

They are employed across industries that require facility and equipment upkeep:

  • Residential and Commercial Buildings
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Facilities
  • Schools, Hospitals, and Public Institutions
  • Property Management Companies
  • Self-Employed or Independent Contracting

Work environments include indoor and outdoor locations, offices, industrial floors, and mechanical rooms.

Is This Career Difficult?

This career requires a broad set of technical skills, physical stamina, and problem-solving abilities. Workers must troubleshoot a variety of issues and ensure the safety and functionality of equipment and facilities.

Who Should Consider This Career?

This career may be a strong fit if you:

  • Enjoy hands-on repair and maintenance work
  • Are versatile and able to handle multiple tasks
  • Can solve practical problems and troubleshoot effectively
  • Are detail-oriented, responsible, and safety-conscious
  • Want a career maintaining and improving buildings, equipment, and facilities

How to Prepare Early

  • Take courses in basic construction, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems
  • Gain experience through internships, part-time work, or vocational programs
  • Develop problem-solving, technical, and hands-on skills
  • Learn safety procedures and proper use of tools and equipment
  • Explore certifications in specific trades or maintenance disciplines

General maintenance and repair workers ensure buildings, equipment, and systems function safely and efficiently, supporting smooth operations in a wide range of industries.

Key Industries

Manufacturing Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals Educational services; state, local, and private Real estate and rental and leasing Accommodation and food services

Metal and Plastic Machine Workers

$46,800
-7.0%

Requirements

Varies 74,500 jobs

Automation Risk

Medium
38% chance of being automated

Work-Life Balance

3.3/10
3.3/10

Top Skills

Computer skills Mechanical skills Physical stamina Physical strength

Strengths

  • High Demand
  • Flexible Work
  • Continuous Learning

Challenges

  • Burnout Risk
  • Rapid Technological Change

What They Do

Metal and Plastic Machine Workers operate and maintain machines that cut, shape, and form metal or plastic parts. They produce precision components used in manufacturing, construction, and consumer products. Their work is critical in industrial production, quality control, and mechanical fabrication.

This career is well suited for individuals who enjoy hands-on technical work, precision, and mechanical problem-solving.

What Do Metal and Plastic Machine Workers Do?

These workers set up, operate, and monitor machinery to produce metal and plastic products according to specifications.

Common responsibilities include:

  • Setting up machines based on work orders and blueprints
  • Operating lathes, milling machines, grinders, or plastic molding equipment
  • Monitoring machine performance and adjusting settings as needed
  • Inspecting finished parts for accuracy and quality
  • Performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting
  • Recording production data and maintaining logs
  • Adhering to safety standards and company procedures

Key Areas of Metal and Plastic Machining

Workers may specialize in specific processes or materials:

  • Metal Fabrication: Cutting, shaping, and forming metal components
  • Plastic Molding and Machining: Producing plastic parts using molds and machines
  • CNC Operation: Programming and operating computer-controlled machinery
  • Quality Control: Inspecting and testing parts for specifications
  • Maintenance and Safety: Ensuring machines operate safely and efficiently

Skills and Abilities Needed

Metal and plastic machine workers combine technical knowledge with precision and problem-solving skills.

Core Professional Skills

- Machine setup, operation, and monitoring - Reading and interpreting blueprints and specifications - CNC programming and operation (if applicable) - Measurement and quality inspection - Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting - Safety compliance and hazard recognition

Personal Qualities That Matter

- Attention to detail and accuracy - Mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills - Physical stamina and manual dexterity - Patience and persistence - Organizational and time-management skills - Ability to work independently or in teams

Education and Career Pathway

This role typically requires vocational training or on-the-job experience:

  • High School Diploma or GED (minimum): Basic math, science, and technical skills
  • Vocational or Technical Training: Programs in machining, manufacturing, or industrial technology
  • On-the-Job Training: Learning machine operation, safety procedures, and quality standards
  • Continuous Learning: Staying current with machining technology, tools, and industry standards

Where Do Metal and Plastic Machine Workers Work?

They are employed in industries that produce metal and plastic components:

  • Manufacturing and Industrial Companies
  • Metal Fabrication Shops
  • Plastics and Polymer Production Facilities
  • Automotive and Aerospace Manufacturing
  • Tool and Die Shops

Work environments include factories, workshops, and production floors.

Is This Career Difficult?

This career requires technical knowledge, precision, and physical stamina. Workers must manage machinery safely, produce accurate parts, and troubleshoot mechanical issues.

Who Should Consider This Career?

This career may be a strong fit if you:

  • Enjoy working with machinery and tools
  • Are detail-oriented and mechanically skilled
  • Have patience and problem-solving ability
  • Can follow specifications and maintain quality standards
  • Want a career in manufacturing, fabrication, or production

How to Prepare Early

  • Take courses in industrial technology, manufacturing, or mechanical systems
  • Gain experience through vocational programs, internships, or workshops
  • Develop skills in blueprint reading, measurement, and machine operation
  • Practice attention to detail and safety procedures
  • Stay informed on new machining technologies and techniques

Metal and plastic machine workers produce precise components, operating and maintaining machinery to support manufacturing and industrial production.

Key Industries

Machinery manufacturing Transportation equipment manufacturing Primary metal manufacturing Fabricated metal product manufacturing Plastics and rubber products manufacturing