27 Jobs For Fixing Things (Tinker Trailblazers)

Jobs For Fixing Things

Are you a certified fixer-upper? Does solving complex puzzles with a toolbox thrill you?

Then, this is right up your alley!

Today, we’re diving into a fascinating selection of jobs for those who love fixing things.

From mechanics to electricians. Each one, a perfect niche for those who feel at home with gears and wires.

Picture yourself surrounded by machines. Day in, day out.

Sounds like paradise, doesn’t it?

So, grab your tool belt.

And get ready to discover your dream repair profession!

Contents show

Automotive Mechanic

Average Salary: $30,000 – $50,000 per year

Automotive Mechanics diagnose, maintain, and repair vehicles, ensuring they run safely and efficiently on the road.

This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy solving mechanical problems and have a passion for automobiles and how they operate.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

Starting as an entry-level mechanic, there are numerous opportunities for career advancement.

With experience and additional certifications, an Automotive Mechanic can become a Master Technician, shop supervisor, or service manager.

Some may choose to specialize in areas such as high-performance engines or electric vehicle technology.

Others may open their own repair shop or become instructors in automotive technology programs.

Aircraft Maintenance Technician

Average Salary: $45,000 – $65,000 per year

Aircraft Maintenance Technicians ensure the safety and functionality of aircraft by performing regular maintenance, repairs, and inspections.

This role is ideal for individuals who are fascinated by aviation and enjoy the intricacies of fixing and maintaining complex machinery.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

Aircraft Maintenance Technicians have a critical role in the aviation industry, ensuring that aircraft are safe for flight.

With experience, technicians can advance to lead mechanic positions, supervisory roles, or specialize in specific types of aircraft.

There is also the potential to move into management positions within airline maintenance departments or to work for aviation regulatory bodies.

The demand for skilled Aircraft Maintenance Technicians is expected to remain strong, driven by the need for regular aircraft upkeep and the introduction of new aircraft technologies.

Electrician

Average Salary: $50,000 – $75,000 per year

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power systems in homes, businesses, and factories.

This role is crucial for those who enjoy practical problem-solving and ensuring that electrical systems are safe and functional.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

As an electrician, there is the potential to specialize in areas such as commercial, industrial, or residential electrical work.

With experience, electricians can advance to supervisory positions, start their own contracting businesses, or become electrical inspectors.

There is also an opportunity to stay abreast of the latest technologies, such as smart home systems and renewable energy installations, thereby expanding one’s skill set and marketability.

Plumber

Average Salary: $40,000 – $75,000 per year

Plumbers are skilled tradespeople who install, repair, and maintain piping systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

This role is ideal for individuals who excel at fixing things and take pride in ensuring that homes and businesses have functioning water and waste systems.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

As a plumber, there is potential for career advancement into supervisory roles, specializations in areas such as steam fitting or pipelaying, or the opportunity to start one’s own plumbing business.

Experienced plumbers may also advance to become master plumbers, project managers, or plumbing inspectors.

With the constant need for plumbing maintenance and repair, job security in this field is typically strong.

IT Technician

Average Salary: $40,000 – $60,000 per year

IT Technicians are the go-to professionals for maintaining and repairing computer systems, ensuring that technology operates smoothly and efficiently within an organization.

This role is perfect for individuals who enjoy solving technical problems and have a knack for fixing and improving computer hardware and software.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

Starting as an IT Technician offers a solid foundation in the IT field.

With experience, technicians can advance to roles such as Systems Administrator, Network Engineer, or IT Manager.

There are also opportunities for specialization in areas like cybersecurity, cloud computing, or database management.

Continuous education and certification can lead to higher responsibility, better job prospects, and increased earning potential.

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

Average Salary: $50,000 – $70,000 per year

Industrial Machinery Mechanics maintain and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery, such as conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging equipment.

This role is ideal for individuals who take pride in fixing complex machinery and ensuring that manufacturing processes run smoothly.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

Industrial Machinery Mechanics play a crucial role in the manufacturing industry, ensuring that production lines are kept operational.

With experience, mechanics can advance to supervisory positions, specialize in complex machinery repair, or move into roles that focus on improving maintenance procedures.

Continuing education and certification can also open up opportunities in higher-level technical support or management positions within the industrial sector.

Elevator Technician

Average Salary: $44,000 – $76,000 per year

Elevator Technicians specialize in the installation, maintenance, and repair of elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lift systems.

This role is perfect for those who enjoy fixing things and have an interest in the mechanics and electronics that enable vertical transportation.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

Elevator Technicians have a clear pathway to progress through experience and additional certifications.

They can move up to become supervisors, project managers, or even specialists in elevator design and engineering.

With the increasing complexity of lift systems and the constant need for maintenance and modernization, skilled technicians are in high demand, making this a stable career choice with growth potential.

Watchmaker

Average Salary: $35,000 – $70,000 per year

Watchmakers are skilled craftsmen who specialize in the repair, restoration, and creation of watches.

They work with intricate mechanisms, ensuring the precision and functionality of both modern and vintage timepieces.

This role is ideal for individuals who are fascinated by the meticulous craftsmanship involved in watchmaking and enjoy restoring and maintaining the intricate components of timekeeping devices.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

A career in watchmaking provides a unique blend of tradition and innovation, with opportunities to work on historical pieces as well as modern, high-tech watches.

Experienced watchmakers may advance to master watchmaker status, open their own repair shops, or work for prestigious watch manufacturers.

Additionally, there is potential for specialization in areas such as luxury watchmaking, watch design, or horological education and training.

Appliance Repair Technician

Average Salary: $35,000 – $50,000 per year

Appliance Repair Technicians are skilled professionals who diagnose and fix issues with various household appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, washers, and dryers.

This role is ideal for individuals who have a knack for fixing things and take satisfaction in restoring appliances to their optimal function.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

Appliance Repair Technicians have the opportunity to grow their expertise in a high-demand field.

With experience, they can specialize in certain types of appliances or move into supervisory or managerial roles.

Some may choose to start their own appliance repair business, offering them entrepreneurship opportunities and the potential for increased earnings.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technician

Average Salary: $45,000 – $75,000 per year

HVAC Technicians are skilled professionals who install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.

This role is ideal for those who enjoy fixing things and ensuring that indoor environments remain comfortable and safe year-round.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

As an HVAC Technician, you’ll have the opportunity to work in residential, commercial, or industrial settings, with a critical role in maintaining the comfort and safety of building occupants.

With experience, HVAC Technicians can advance to supervisory or managerial roles, become specialists in areas like refrigeration or solar panels, or even start their own HVAC businesses.

The demand for skilled technicians in this field is expected to remain strong due to the essential nature of climate control systems in buildings.

Medical Equipment Repairer

Average Salary: $49,000 – $67,000 per year

Medical Equipment Repairers specialize in the installation, maintenance, and repair of patient care equipment in healthcare facilities.

This role is perfect for individuals who have a knack for fixing things and are interested in contributing to the healthcare industry by ensuring medical devices function correctly.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

As a Medical Equipment Repairer, you play a vital role in patient care by ensuring that life-saving medical devices are in optimal working condition.

With experience, repairers can move into supervisory positions, specialize in more complex equipment, or even transition into roles related to medical equipment design and development.

Additionally, some may choose to work as independent contractors or start their own medical equipment repair businesses.

Bicycle Mechanic

Average Salary: $30,000 – $45,000 per year

Bicycle Mechanics are skilled technicians who specialize in the maintenance and repair of bicycles, ensuring that these modes of transportation are safe and efficient for use.

This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working with their hands, have a passion for cycling, and take pleasure in restoring and maintaining mechanical systems.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

Bicycle Mechanics can find great satisfaction in a job that combines their love for cycling with the gratification of fixing things.

With experience, mechanics can advance to senior mechanic positions, manage a bike shop, or even open their own business.

The growing popularity of cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation may lead to increased demand for skilled bicycle mechanics.

Locksmith

Average Salary: $30,000 – $55,000 per year

Locksmiths are skilled technicians who specialize in locks and security systems.

They provide essential services such as installing, repairing, and opening locks for residential, commercial, and automotive clients.

This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy fixing things and have a keen interest in security and mechanics.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

Locksmithing is a trade with a clear pathway for growth.

Beginners can start as apprentices and move up to become fully licensed locksmiths.

With experience, one can specialize in areas like forensic locksmithing or advanced security solutions.

Professional locksmiths may also have the opportunity to start their own businesses or advance to managerial positions within larger security firms.

The constant need for security and the evolution of technology in the field ensure a dynamic and potentially lucrative career for dedicated locksmiths.

Welder

Average Salary: $40,000 – $70,000 per year

Welders are skilled tradespeople who specialize in joining metal parts together using various welding techniques.

This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working with their hands and have a meticulous eye for detail, especially when it comes to repairing or fabricating metal components.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

Welding offers a solid career with the possibility of growth and specialization in areas such as underwater welding, pipeline welding, or aerospace welding.

With additional certifications and experience, welders can advance to supervisory roles, become welding inspectors, or start their own welding businesses.

The demand for skilled welders is consistent across various industries, ensuring a stable and potentially lucrative career path.

Computer Repair Specialist

Average Salary: $30,000 – $50,000 per year

Computer Repair Specialists diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair various computer systems and hardware.

This role is ideal for individuals who have a knack for solving complex problems and enjoy bringing technology back to life.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

As a Computer Repair Specialist, there is a clear path to advancing your career.

With experience and additional certifications, specialists can move into higher-level IT support roles, management positions within a tech repair company, or even start their own computer repair business.

The continuous development of new technologies also provides opportunities for specialization in areas such as data recovery, network support, or cybersecurity.

Furniture Restorer

Average Salary: $30,000 – $45,000 per year

Furniture Restorers meticulously refurbish and repair antique or damaged furniture, restoring pieces to their former glory.

This role is ideal for those who enjoy working with their hands and have an appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in furniture design and history.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

This role offers the opportunity to work with a variety of furniture styles and periods, and to preserve historical craftsmanship.

With experience, Furniture Restorers can advance to lead restorer positions, open their own restoration businesses, or specialize in high-end or museum-quality restorations.

Maintenance Worker

Average Salary: $30,000 – $50,000 per year

Maintenance Workers are skilled technicians who ensure that buildings and facilities are kept in optimal condition through regular repairs and preventative maintenance.

This role is perfect for individuals who are good with their hands and enjoy fixing and maintaining a wide range of equipment and structures.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

Maintenance Workers have the opportunity to become experts in their field, with the potential for specialization in areas such as electrical systems, plumbing, or HVAC.

With experience and additional certifications, Maintenance Workers can advance to supervisory roles, manage larger maintenance teams, or become facility managers responsible for the upkeep of entire buildings or complexes.

Handyman

Average Salary: $30,000 – $50,000 per year

Handymen are skilled professionals who maintain and repair a variety of fixtures and equipment in residential or commercial settings.

This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy fixing things and have a broad range of repair skills.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

As a handyman, you can expect to build a solid reputation through quality work and customer satisfaction.

With experience, you can specialize in areas like plumbing, electrical work, or carpentry, potentially leading to certification and licensing in those trades.

Some handymen may choose to start their own business or move into property management roles, where they oversee maintenance for larger complexes or multiple properties.

Motorcycle Technician

Average Salary: $30,000 – $45,000 per year

Motorcycle Technicians are skilled professionals who specialize in the maintenance, repair, and customization of motorcycles and other similar vehicles.

This role is ideal for those with a passion for motorcycles and mechanical work, who enjoy diagnosing and solving complex mechanical issues.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

As a Motorcycle Technician, you’ll have the opportunity to work with a variety of motorcycle makes and models, constantly improving your mechanical expertise.

With experience, you can advance to senior technician roles, become a workshop manager, or even open your own motorcycle repair shop.

Additionally, there’s potential for specialization in areas such as high-performance engines or antique motorcycle restoration.

Instrument Technician

Average Salary: $45,000 – $70,000 per year

Instrument Technicians are responsible for the maintenance, repair, and installation of electronic and pneumatic instrumentation.

This includes instruments that monitor pressure, temperature, flow, and level within industrial and manufacturing settings.

This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy problem-solving and working with their hands to ensure that machinery and systems are functioning optimally.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

Instrument Technicians have the opportunity to work in various industries, including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and energy production.

With experience, Instrument Technicians can advance to supervisory positions, specialize in specific types of instrumentation, or move into roles focused on design and development of new instrumentation systems.

Continued education and certifications can also open doors to higher-level positions with increased responsibilities and pay.

Aircraft Mechanic

Average Salary: $50,000 – $70,000 per year

Aircraft Mechanics specialize in the maintenance, repair, and inspection of aircraft to ensure they meet safety standards and are ready for flight.

This role is perfect for individuals who are passionate about aviation and have a knack for fixing and maintaining complex machinery.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

Aircraft Mechanics have a critical role in the aviation industry, with opportunities to work for airlines, private aircraft owners, or military services.

With experience, Aircraft Mechanics can advance to lead mechanic positions, supervisory roles, or specialize in areas such as engine repair or avionic systems.

There is also potential for further career development into aircraft engineering or management positions within the industry.

Watch Repairer

Average Salary: $35,000 – $50,000 per year

Watch Repairers are skilled technicians who specialize in fixing and maintaining various types of watches, from classic mechanical models to modern digital timepieces.

This role is perfect for individuals who have a passion for horology and the intricacies of watch mechanics.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

A career as a Watch Repairer can be highly satisfying as it combines technical skill with artistry.

With experience, Watch Repairers can advance to positions such as master watchmaker, open their own repair shops, or work with luxury watch manufacturers, further honing their expertise in this precision-driven field.

Bicycle Repairer

Average Salary: $30,000 – $45,000 per year

Bicycle Repairers specialize in the maintenance and repair of bicycles, ensuring that customers’ bikes are in optimal condition for safe and enjoyable riding.

This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy hands-on work and have a passion for cycling and mechanical systems.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

As a Bicycle Repairer, you have the opportunity to develop a loyal customer base and become a trusted expert in your community.

With experience, you might manage or open your own bicycle shop, specialize in high-end bicycle customization, or become a certified expert for specific bicycle brands.

Your expertise could also lead to opportunities in bicycle manufacturing or design.

Wind Turbine Technician

Average Salary: $45,000 – $60,000 per year

Wind Turbine Technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of wind turbines, ensuring these renewable energy generators operate efficiently and safely.

This role is perfect for those who are passionate about sustainable energy and enjoy working with complex machinery and electronics.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

As a Wind Turbine Technician, you have the opportunity to play a significant role in the growing renewable energy sector.

With experience, you can advance to lead technician positions, supervisory roles, or specialize in areas such as quality control or safety inspection.

The demand for skilled technicians in this field is expected to grow as the world increasingly turns to renewable energy sources, offering long-term career stability and advancement potential.

Home Inspector

Average Salary: $50,000 – $70,000 per year

Home Inspectors are skilled professionals who assess the condition of residential buildings, identifying issues and ensuring homes meet safety standards.

This role is ideal for those who have a knack for fixing things and want to ensure that homes are safe, secure, and properly maintained for residents.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

As a Home Inspector, you have the opportunity to play a critical role in the real estate industry, ensuring the safety and integrity of homes.

With experience, Home Inspectors can advance to senior inspector roles, start their own inspection businesses, or specialize in areas such as energy efficiency, historical homes, or commercial properties.

The profession offers a fulfilling career path for those passionate about construction, problem-solving, and helping others make informed decisions about their homes.

Carpenter

Average Salary: $35,000 – $75,000 per year

Carpenters are skilled tradespeople who construct, install, and repair building frameworks and structures—ranging from kitchen cabinets to building bridges.

This role is ideal for those who have a knack for fixing things and enjoy working with their hands to create and repair wooden structures and other materials.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

Carpenters have a fundamental role in construction and repair, making the job market consistently strong.

With experience, a carpenter can advance to supervisory roles, become a master carpenter, or start their own contracting business.

Specialization in areas such as cabinet-making or finish carpentry can lead to increased demand and higher income.

Instrumentation Technician

Average Salary: $50,000 – $75,000 per year

Instrumentation Technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing the precise instruments and systems used in industrial and manufacturing processes.

This role is perfect for those who have a knack for fixing things and enjoy working with sophisticated technology in a variety of settings.

Job Duties:

Requirements:

Career Path and Growth:

Instrumentation Technicians play a critical role in the operation and efficiency of industrial plants and manufacturing facilities.

With experience, they can advance to supervisory roles, specialize in a particular type of instrumentation, or move into related fields such as process control or automation.

Continuous learning and certification in the latest technologies can lead to increased responsibility and higher pay.

Conclusion

There you have it.

A comprehensive list of rewarding jobs perfect for those who possess a knack for fixing things.

With a plethora of opportunities available, there’s truly something out there for every handyman or handywoman.

So, don’t hesitate, go forth and turn your talent for repair into a fulfilling everyday job.

Just remember: It’s NEVER too late to transform your skill into a fulfilling career.

The Editorial Team at InterviewGuy.com is composed of certified interview coaches, seasoned HR professionals, and industry insiders. With decades of collective expertise and access to an unparalleled database of interview questions, we are dedicated to empowering job seekers. Our content meets real-time industry demands, ensuring readers receive timely, accurate, and actionable advice. We value our readers' insights and encourage feedback, corrections, and questions to maintain the highest level of accuracy and relevance.