How much does a repair helper make?
Answer: A typical repair helper in the United States makes $39,630 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 96,000 people work in this job. Below the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Repair helper pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $29,310 | $39,630 | $55,890 | about 96,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $46,320 | about 660 |
| Washington | $46,080 | about 1,000 |
| New Hampshire | $45,760 | about 560 |
| Alaska | $45,740 | about 550 |
| Colorado | $45,610 | about 1,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, repair helpers may earn differently based on experience, useful skills or certificates, and the kind of employer or repair work. Location and the complexity of the specialty matter too, and overtime or shift premiums can change total pay.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a repair helper do?
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.
What's a typical day like?
A repair helper gathers tools and parts, then hands them over or holds a piece steady while a mechanic works on a vehicle, machine, or electrical equipment. They may help take equipment apart and put it back together, test it, and clean the work area.
How to get this job
In the U.S., a high school diploma or GED is usually expected, and many people start by applying for an entry-level helper job. They learn on the job over a few days to a year; specialized work may call for extra credentials or an apprenticeship.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
A repair helper may do more than pass tools: O*NET lists diagnosing electrical problems and installing or rewiring electrical parts among the job’s tasks.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes499098.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9098.00
- www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/49-9098.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/localcert/49-9098.00
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY