The Next Generation of Multifamily Maintenance Technicians: A Tale

of Wrenches and Wisdom

Author: Chris Caramanica

Podcast Host: Beyond the Work: Tales in Multifamily

Maintenance

Once upon a time, in the land of multifamily properties, there was a group of unsung heroes They were the knights in shining polos and khakis, the warriors with wrenches, the wizards of wiring, the sorcerers of painting - they were the multifamily maintenance professionals

The Current State of Affairs

According to the NMHC 2023 National Multifamily Industry Compensation Survey, data was submitted for over 92,000 employees across 128 leading apartment industry companies These professionals range from top executives to leasing consultants But let's focus on our maintenance maestros, the backstage crew that keeps the show running smoothly

The Highs and Lows

Now, let’s talk numbers. The multifamily industry is a mixed bag when it comes to salaries. On one hand, we have top division executives basking in the glory of an average base salary of $390,400. On the other hand, we have our hardworking groundskeepers and porters, who, despite their crucial role, have the lowest median base compensation of all multifamily positions at $32,900.

And what about our maintenance engineers and technicians? Their median base salary ranges between $41,000 and $50,300 It’s can be a tough gig, but someone’s got to do it!

Training the Next Generation

So, how do we ensure that the next generation of maintenance technicians is ready to take up the mantle? Well, it’s not like we can just wave a magic screwdriver and poof - instant maintenance professional No, it takes time, training, and a whole lot of patience

Firstly, we need to make sure that our future technicians understand the importance of their role They’re not just fixing leaky faucets and changing light bulbs They’re ensuring the safety and satisfaction of our residents They’re the superheroes who swoop in to save the day when disaster strikes. And yes, in this context, a clogged toilet counts as a disaster, we know it's a disaster to our residents.

Secondly, we need to provide them with the necessary training and resources. This includes hands-on experience, theoretical knowledge, and perhaps a few war stories from the seasoned pros. After all, nothing says ‘welcome to maintenance’ like a good old tale of wrestling with a rogue radiator.

Lastly, we need to show them that their hard work is appreciated This could be through competitive salaries, benefits, or simply a heartfelt ‘thank you’ at the end of a long day Remember, a happy technician is a productive technician!

Conclusion

In the world of multifamily properties, maintenance professionals are the heart and soul of operations They’re the ones who keep everything running smoothly, often without any recognition or fanfare So, here’s to the multifamily maintenance professionals - the unsung heroes, the knights in shining polos and overalls, the warriors with wrenches And here’s to training the next generation, who will carry on this noble tradition May their wrenches be mighty, and their polos and khakis forever shiny!!