How to become an utility maintenance worker
Official title: Utility maintenance workers
Also called: Utility locator, Utility pole tester, Gas utility operator, Gas maintenance worker, Utility pole inspector, Line locator - utilities, Pipe locator - utilities, Maintenance utility worker, Utility maintenance worker, Pipeline maintenance worker, Waterworks utility servicer, Water main maintenance worker
Utility maintenance workers locate, repair, install and perform maintenance work to various equipment and facilities, such as water filtration and distribution plants, waste water treatment plants and power plants. They may also work on exterior and underground gas mains and distribution lines. They are employed by municipal, provincial and federal public works departments, private contractors under contract with government public works departments and gas distribution companies.
Main tasks
- Waterworks maintenance workers
- Check, clean and lubricate waterworks equipment, such as pumping equipment, chlorination equipment and compressors
- Adjust and repair waterworks equipment under the direction of qualified tradesperson
- Search and locate reported water leaks and repair water-mains, valves or outlets
- Install water meters using hand and power tools
- Gas maintenance workers
- Check and lubricate gas pipeline valves
- Conduct routine survey of gas mains and distribution lines to detect and locate escaping gas using gas detecting devices
How to become one
Completion of secondary school may be required. Several years of experience as a labourer in the same company may be required. On-the-job training is provided. Drinking water certification is required in Quebec and Ontario for waterworks maintenance workers.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $66,300 a year The middle half earn $56,550 to $79,950.
- About 8,100 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 9,000 are projected by 2033. (+11.1%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Railway yard and track maintenance workers
- Water transport deck and engine room crew
- Air transport ramp attendants
- Automotive and heavy truck and equipment parts installers and servicers
- Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers
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Questions people ask
How do I become an utility maintenance worker?
Completion of secondary school may be required. Several years of experience as a labourer in the same company may be required. On-the-job training is provided. Drinking water certification is required in Quebec and Ontario for waterworks maintenance workers.
How much does an utility maintenance worker earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $66,300 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $56,550 to $79,950.
Is an utility maintenance worker a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2033, from about 8,100 to about 9,000 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an utility maintenance worker?
Usually not. Only 10% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03