Houston, Texas, is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States, boasting a robust job market across several sectors, including healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and oil and gas.
Among the in-demand roles in 2025, general maintenance jobs in Houston stand out as some of the most accessible yet rewarding opportunities for immigrants seeking a stable career with visa sponsorship options.
Employers across the city are increasingly offering competitive hourly wages, often starting at $20 per hour, making it possible for workers to earn approximately $41,600 annually if working full-time at 40 hours per week.
Some specialized maintenance roles even pay up to $25 or $28 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer’s budget. For many immigrants, finding jobs in the U.S. that provide both fair compensation and visa sponsorship can be challenging.
However, Houston’s economic expansion and continuous infrastructural growth have created a consistent demand for maintenance workers in residential, commercial, and industrial facilities.
From repairing HVAC systems and performing electrical fixes to conducting routine building inspections, these roles keep businesses running smoothly while offering financial stability to workers.
As employers hiring immigrants, we recognize the need for comprehensive information about job expectations, salaries, regions with the best pay, and the visa sponsorship process.
This guide delves into every detail you need to know to secure a general maintenance job in Houston, ensuring that your path to earning $20 per hour or more is clear and well-informed.
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States and home to over 2.3 million people. Its diverse economy heavily relies on construction, oil refineries, and commercial real estate, all of which require skilled and semi-skilled maintenance workers to keep operations running efficiently.
In 2025, the city saw a 12% increase in advertised maintenance roles compared to the previous year, with over 5,000 job postings offering visa sponsorship options.
This combination of competitive salaries, job security, and immigration support makes Houston a prime location for foreign workers seeking long-term employment opportunities in the U.S.
Entry-level Skills and Experience Required
While some general maintenance jobs in Houston require years of technical experience, many entry-level positions are open to workers who possess basic skills and a willingness to learn on the job. Typically, employers look for individuals with mechanical aptitude, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to safety protocols.
Workers can expect to earn between $17 and $20 per hour in starting positions, with wages rising to $25 per hour after gaining certifications or two to three years of experience.
Essential Technical Skills for General Maintenance Jobs
General maintenance roles often require familiarity with basic tools, machinery, and repair techniques. Workers should be able to handle minor plumbing tasks, electrical troubleshooting, painting, carpentry repairs, and equipment maintenance.
Employers value candidates who can work independently and diagnose problems quickly, as this reduces downtime and operational costs. In Houston, many workers take short vocational courses, costing between $1,200 and $3,000, to enhance their skills and increase their earning potential by up to 20%.
Workplace Safety and Compliance Knowledge
In the U.S., occupational safety is a top priority. New hires are expected to understand OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines, especially when working in construction sites or industrial facilities.
Companies often provide paid training sessions, lasting anywhere from two days to two weeks, to ensure workers comply with all safety regulations.
Experience Levels and Advancement Opportunities
Entry-level workers earning $20 per hour can see salary growth within the first year if they demonstrate reliability and technical proficiency. Mid-level maintenance technicians in Houston typically earn $23 to $25 per hour, while supervisory positions pay an average annual salary of $60,000 to $70,000.
Employers also offer benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and 401(k) retirement plans, making the profession financially appealing for immigrants planning to settle in the U.S.
Regions with the Highest Payment Structures
Houston is a vast metropolitan area comprising multiple neighborhoods and surrounding suburbs. Wage rates for maintenance workers often vary depending on the region’s economic activity, cost of living, and demand for technical labor.
Downtown Houston
Downtown Houston boasts some of the city’s highest-paying maintenance jobs, especially in commercial high-rise buildings, luxury apartments, and corporate headquarters.
Workers employed in this area often handle sophisticated HVAC systems, modern electrical equipment, and advanced building management technologies. Hourly wages here typically range from $21 to $26, translating to annual salaries between $43,680 and $54,080.
Energy Corridor and West Houston
West Houston, particularly the Energy Corridor district, is home to several multinational oil and gas companies. Maintenance workers in this region support office complexes, industrial equipment, and corporate housing units.
Because of the technical nature of some roles, wages can reach $27 per hour, or about $56,160 annually, making it one of the most lucrative areas for maintenance professionals.
Medical Center and University Districts
The Texas Medical Center is the largest medical complex in the world, employing thousands of maintenance staff for its hospitals, research centers, and educational facilities.
General maintenance workers here earn an average of $22 to $24 per hour, with additional benefits like healthcare coverage and tuition discounts for dependents.
Salary Expectations for General Maintenance Workers
Understanding salary structures helps immigrants plan their relocation and career growth in Houston. As of 2025, general maintenance workers in the city earn an average hourly wage of $20, which amounts to $41,600 per year for full-time employees.
Experienced professionals or those with certifications such as HVAC licensing can command salaries up to $55,000 annually.
Entry-Level Salary Estimates
Newly hired workers with minimal experience typically earn between $17 and $20 per hour. Employers often provide opportunities for overtime work, which is paid at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate. A worker earning $20 per hour who works 10 hours of overtime weekly could make an additional $15,600 annually, bringing total yearly earnings to around $57,200.
Mid-Career and Senior-Level Salaries
Maintenance technicians with five or more years of experience, or those specializing in electrical systems or plumbing, see hourly rates rise to $25–$27. At this stage, annual salaries range between $52,000 and $56,160.
Supervisors or facility managers overseeing maintenance teams can earn salaries exceeding $70,000 annually, particularly in large commercial complexes.
Comparison with National Averages
Nationally, maintenance workers earn an average of $19 per hour. Houston’s $20–$27 per hour pay scale places it above the U.S. average, reflecting the city’s competitive labor market and demand for skilled workers willing to relocate with visa sponsorship opportunities.
Companies Hiring General Maintenance Workers in Houston, Texas
Houston hosts a wide range of industries that consistently require general maintenance workers to keep their facilities operational. Employers offering visa sponsorship for foreign workers usually prioritize candidates with dedication, technical knowledge, and a willingness to undergo on-the-job training.
In 2025, several sectors, including healthcare, oil and gas, commercial real estate, and educational institutions, are leading the demand for maintenance workers in the city.
Healthcare Facilities
The Texas Medical Center employs thousands of workers across its hospitals, research laboratories, and teaching institutions. With over 50 medical facilities, including prestigious hospitals like Houston Methodist and MD Anderson Cancer Center, these organizations constantly require maintenance staff to handle plumbing, HVAC, electrical systems, and building safety inspections.
The average pay for maintenance workers in these facilities ranges between $22 and $25 per hour, often accompanied by health benefits and paid vacation packages.
Oil and Gas Companies
Houston is widely known as the energy capital of the world, hosting companies like ExxonMobil, Shell, and Chevron. These corporations own massive office complexes, refineries, and storage facilities, requiring regular maintenance.
Skilled maintenance workers here can earn between $25 and $27 per hour due to the technical nature of the equipment and safety standards involved.
Commercial Real Estate Firms
The rapid growth of luxury apartments, shopping malls, and high-rise office complexes in Houston has created job opportunities in real estate development companies.
Firms such as Hines Interests Limited Partnership and Camden Property Trust employ hundreds of maintenance workers annually. Pay typically starts at $20 per hour, but technicians with experience in modern building systems can command higher wages.
Educational Institutions
Universities like Rice University and the University of Houston employ maintenance teams to service dormitories, research labs, and administrative buildings.
Visa sponsorship is sometimes available for immigrant workers, especially those possessing specialized skills like electrical work or HVAC system repair. Hourly pay in educational facilities ranges from $19 to $23, with opportunities for career advancement into supervisory positions.
Visa Types and Options for General Maintenance Workers
Securing legal authorization to work in the United States is one of the most critical steps for immigrants seeking maintenance jobs in Houston. Several visa categories allow foreign workers to enter the U.S. legally, with employers often playing a central role in the sponsorship process.
H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Visa
The H-2B visa remains the most common option for general maintenance workers. This visa category allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for temporary, non-agricultural roles lasting less than a year.
Many Houston employers in construction, hospitality, and facility maintenance use this visa program to fill labor shortages. Workers under this visa earn the same wages as American employees, ensuring fair labor practices.
EB-3 Employment-Based Green Card
For immigrants seeking permanent residency, the EB-3 visa offers a direct path to obtaining a green card. It caters to both skilled and unskilled workers.
Employers willing to sponsor EB-3 applicants must demonstrate the inability to find qualified U.S. workers for the role. General maintenance jobs in Houston, especially in industries facing chronic labor shortages, often qualify under this category.
TN Visa for Canadian and Mexican Workers
Under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), workers from Canada and Mexico can apply for TN visas, which are valid for several years and allow employment in specific professions. Certain technical maintenance roles fall under this agreement, making it easier for North American workers to secure jobs in Houston.
H-1B Specialty Occupations Visa
Although traditionally associated with highly skilled professionals like engineers and IT specialists, the H-1B visa can apply to maintenance workers specializing in advanced building automation systems or industrial equipment maintenance. These roles often require higher education or certifications, with salaries exceeding $60,000 annually.
Where to Find General Maintenance Jobs Opportunities
Locating general maintenance jobs in Houston with visa sponsorship requires a combination of online research, networking, and direct employer engagement. Job seekers should explore multiple platforms to access a wide range of opportunities, including entry-level and specialized positions.
Online Job Portals
Websites such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn consistently advertise maintenance positions in Houston. In 2025, Indeed listed over 3,500 maintenance job openings across the city, with 400 explicitly mentioning visa sponsorship options. Candidates can use search filters like “general maintenance jobs with visa sponsorship Houston” to narrow results.
Company Career Pages
Many large employers, including healthcare institutions, real estate companies, and universities, post job openings directly on their websites. Checking career sections regularly ensures applicants access roles before they appear on public job boards.
Recruitment Agencies
Houston-based staffing agencies like Link Staffing and Aerotek specialize in industrial and technical placements. These agencies often partner with employers providing visa sponsorship, helping immigrants navigate paperwork and interviews efficiently.
Networking Events and Job Fairs
In-person events such as the Houston Career Expo allow job seekers to meet hiring managers directly. Employers frequently conduct on-the-spot interviews and sometimes issue conditional job offers, expediting the hiring process for qualified candidates.
How to Apply for General Maintenance Jobs as an Immigrant in Houston, Texas
Applying for general maintenance jobs in Houston as an immigrant involves several steps, from preparing documentation to undergoing interviews and visa processing. Understanding each phase helps applicants increase their chances of securing employment quickly.
Step 1: Prepare a Professional Resume
A well-structured resume should highlight technical skills, work experience, and certifications relevant to maintenance roles. Employers in Houston often prioritize candidates with clear evidence of problem-solving abilities, safety compliance knowledge, and reliability.
Step 2: Submit Applications Online
Applicants should regularly apply to job postings through platforms like Indeed or company websites. It’s recommended to apply to at least 20 openings weekly to maximize interview opportunities.
Step 3: Attend Interviews
Many employers initially conduct interviews via phone or video calls, especially when hiring international candidates. Questions typically focus on technical skills, work availability, and willingness to relocate.
Step 4: Secure Visa Sponsorship
After receiving a job offer, the employer initiates the visa sponsorship process. For H-2B visas, this involves filing petitions with the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The process can take two to four months, depending on the visa category.
Step 5: Relocate and Begin Employment
Once visa approval is granted, workers can relocate to Houston, often with employer assistance in housing and orientation programs. Most companies offer training sessions during the first week of employment to familiarize workers with safety protocols and building systems.