Comparative costs of plant maintenance and operations functions, including staffing costs, for higher education institutions are presented for 1980-1981. The objective of the survey data is to promote comparisons of unit costs per gross square foot of the functions classified as maintenance and operations of plant, the number of full-time employees required to maintain and operate the plant, and the average wages and salaries paid these employees. A total of 407 questionnaires were used in the analysis. Data from these annual surveys are being used by business officers and other college administrators to verify whether they have an efficient operation. The data on unit costs are presented by state or province for six regions of the United States and Canada and for six types of institutions. The statistical tables provide data by state or province abbreviation and a serial number unique to each institution within each state or province. The data are categorized as follows: building area, administration, engineering, building maintenance, custodial, landscape and grounds, utilities, repairs, deferred maintenance outstanding, and specific physical plant functions. Among the staff for which information is presented are the following: chief and associate/assistant physical plant administrators, chief engineer/architect, head/superintendent of maintenance, shop supervisor/foreman, electrician, pipe fitter/plumber, carpenter, painter, groundsman, laborer, custodian. Salary level codes are used, and information is presented on unionized staff. Appended materials include a classification of accounts for the physical plant and a questionnaire. (SW)