Across U.S. metros, maintenance technicians typically earn $115 more a year than hazmat removal workers (0%). In the 134 metros where BLS publishes both, hazmat removal workers earn more in 46 and maintenance technicians in 88.
| Hazmat Removal Worker | Maintenance Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $48,215 | $48,330 |
| Lowest metro median | $26,520 | $22,040 |
| Highest metro median | $104,530 | $63,980 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +1.5% | +4.2% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 4,300 | 148,700 |
| Self-employed | 1% | 1% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Moderate-term on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 71 | 212 |
| Metros with pay data | 134 | 393 |
On safety, maintenance technicians report more injuries that cause missed work (212 vs. 71 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where hazmat removal workers out-earn maintenance technicians the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where maintenance technicians out-earn hazmat removal workers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, hazmat removal workers earn more in 22 states and maintenance technicians in 29. The gap favors hazmat removal workers most in New York ($15,300) and maintenance technicians most in Connecticut ($10,530).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Very hot or cold conditions: often for hazmat removal workers, often for maintenance technicians.
| Hazmat Removal Worker | Maintenance Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Often | Often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Sometimes | Often |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Often | Often |
| Working at heights | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Occasionally | Occasionally |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Loud noise | Often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Often | Sometimes |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Sometimes | Often |
| Sitting | Occasionally | Occasionally |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Hazmat Removal Worker
Identify, remove, pack, transport, or dispose of hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead-based paint, waste oil, fuel, transmission fluid, radioactive materials, or contaminated soil. Specialized training and certification in hazardous materials handling or a confined entry permit are generally required. May operate earth-moving equipment or trucks.
Maintenance Technician
Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of a building in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting; HVAC maintenance; insulating; welding; machining; carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment; installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing buildings, floors, or stairs.
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