The position is accessible starting from a CAP (vocational certificate) or Bac Pro (vocational high school diploma) in technical fields, although most hires are made at Bac to Bac+2 level depending on the specialization.
Common qualifications include:
CAP Electrician, CAP Maintenance Mechanic, BEP in Maintenance
Bac Pro in Industrial Equipment Maintenance, Electrotechnics, Digital Systems
BTS (2-year degree) in Systems Maintenance, Electrotechnics, Electronics, or Fluid Energy and Home Automation (FED)
The RATP also offers in-house apprenticeship programs through its own training centers. These programs combine on-the-job experience with technical learning and often lead to long-term employment.
Where does a RATP maintenance agent work?
Maintenance agents operate throughout the Île-de-France region, depending on their assignment and specialization. They may be based in workshops, depots, or work directly on metro, tram, RER, or bus lines.
Work environments include:
- Rolling stock maintenance workshops (metro trains, RER, trams, buses)
- Infrastructure sites: tracks, platforms, signaling systems, power supply systems
- Night works or off-hours shifts, when the network is closed
- Depots and technical centers across the Paris region
- Mobile intervention teams handling urgent or scheduled maintenance tasks
The job often involves shift work, including nights and weekends, depending on operational needs.
Salary and career development
A RATP maintenance agent’s salary depends on their education level, experience, specialization, and work rhythm. Entry-level salaries range from €1,800 to €2,200 gross per month, with additional benefits such as:
- Shift premiums (nights, weekends, holidays)
- On-call bonuses for out-of-hours interventions
- 13th month salary and favorable pension plan
- Free transportation on the RATP network for the agent and sometimes dependents
- Dynamic works council (CE): vacation, leisure, culture, meals
- Health insurance and company pension plan
What are the career prospects?
The RATP promotes internal mobility and offers ongoing training to help agents grow within the company.
Career progression may include:
- Expert maintenance technician, serving as a reference for complex interventions
- Team leader or technical coordinator
- Internal trainer at RATP’s technical training centers
- Managerial positions accessible through internal competitions or prior learning recognition (VAE)
- Lateral mobility into other technical or operational roles (unit manager, operations agent, etc.)
This career development approach reflects the RATP's HR strategy, which aims to retain talent and reward long-term commitment.