What Does a Maintenance Fitter Do?

Your Guide to One of NZ’s Most Essential Trade Jobs

If you’re exploring trade jobs in New Zealand, you’ve probably come across the role of a maintenance fitter. But what exactly does a maintenance fitter do, and why is this role so important across NZ industries? Whether you’re considering this career path or looking to hire skilled trades staff, here’s everything you need to know.

What Does a Maintenance Fitter Do?

A maintenance fitter is a specialist who installs, inspects, maintains, and repairs machinery and mechanical equipment. Their work is crucial in factories, plants, and production facilities—anywhere that relies on machines to keep things moving. The main goal? To minimise downtime and keep operations running smoothly.

Typical Maintenance Fitter Duties:

• Conducting routine inspections and preventative maintenance on equipment
• Diagnosing and repairing mechanical faults and attending breakdowns
• Repairing or replacing worn or faulty parts
• Assembling and installing new machinery
• Working with other trades staff, such as electricians and mechanical fitters
• Maintaining accurate records of maintenance and repairs
• Ensuring all work complies with safety standards

How Does a Maintenance Fitter Differ from a Mechanical Fitter?

While both roles are closely related, a mechanical fitter typically focuses on assembling and installing machinery, while a maintenance fitter is more involved in ongoing servicing and repairs. Both are vital trade jobs NZ industries rely on, and many professionals are skilled in both areas.

What Qualifications Do You Need?

To become a maintenance fitter in New Zealand, you’ll usually need:

• A relevant trade qualification, such as a New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering – Level 4 
• Experience working with mechanical systems and tools
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Good communication and teamwork abilities

Some roles may require additional certifications, depending on the industry or specific machinery involved.

How Much Does a Maintenance Fitter Make in NZ?

One of the most common questions is: How much does a maintenance fitter make in NZ? Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and industry, but here’s a general guide:

• Entry-level: $60,000 – $70,000 per year
• Experienced: $80,000 – $1100,000+ per year
• Senior or specialised roles can command even higher salaries, especially in high-demand sectors.

Why Choose a Career as a Maintenance Fitter?

• Job Security: With NZ’s ongoing need for skilled trades staff, maintenance fitters are always in demand.
• Variety: Every day brings new challenges, working with different machines and solving unique problems.
• Career Progression: Start as a trade assistant, move up to maintenance fitter, and progress to supervisory or engineering management roles.

Start Your Maintenance Fitting Journey with Techtrade

If you’re ready to take your first step into this rewarding trade, or you’re looking to hire experienced maintenance fitters, mechanical fitters or machine builders, Techtrade connects talented people with top employers across New Zealand. Explore our latest trade jobs and see where your skills can take you.

Contact Techtrade today build your future together! https://www.techtrade.co.nz/jobs/ 

Looking for your next top engineering or trades staff hire? Contact Techtrade today and let’s and let’s keep NZ’s industries moving! https://www.techtrade.co.nz/submit-a-vacancy/ 

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