How to hire a compressor mechanic

How to hire a compressor mechanic, step by step

Here's a step-by-step compressor mechanic hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a compressor mechanic job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new compressor mechanic
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the compressor mechanic you need to hire. Certain compressor mechanic roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a compressor mechanic to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a compressor mechanic that fits the bill.

   This list presents compressor mechanic salaries for various positions.

   Type of Compressor Mechanic	Description	Hourly rate
   Compressor Mechanic	Diesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair, and overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engine.	$14-26
   Truck Technician	Truck technicians are skilled employees who are responsible for working and inspecting the mechanical parts of trucks such as the engine, wheels, accelerator, and brakes. These technicians must use specialized instruments and tools to diagnose problems and repair parts... Show more	$15-28
   Mechanic Helper	The job of a mechanic helper is to support lead mechanics and perform a variety of duties and responsibilities. You will be assisting in the maintenance of cars, such as changing tires and oils, replacing brakes, and diagnosing vehicle issues... Show more	$11-19

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Compressors
   • Preventative Maintenance
   • Customer Service
   • Production Equipment
   • Scrubbers
   • Electrical Systems
   • Mechanical Problems
   • PPE
   • Ariel
   • CDL
   • Routine Maintenance
   • Oil Gas
   • Mechanical Repairs
   • Hand Tools

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Have visited various locations and have accomplished field preventive maintenance on compressors.
   • Service and install refrigerant and desiccant air dryers.
   • Maintain and service all asphalt equipment and vehicles.
   • Perform pipe welding for heating oil systems on asphalt plants.
   • Perform repairs and daily maintenance on LeTourneau diesel electric drive loaders.
   • Maintain all company equipment, including: trucks, excavators, loaders, and small equipment.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your compressor mechanic job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A compressor mechanic salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, compressor mechanics' average salary in south carolina is 41% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level compressor mechanics earn 46% less than senior-level compressor mechanics.
   • Certifications. A compressor mechanic with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a compressor mechanic's salary.

   Average compressor mechanic salary

   $41,266yearly

   $19.84 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level compressor mechanic salary

   $30,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

4. Writing a compressor mechanic job description

   A compressor mechanic job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a compressor mechanic job description:

   Compressor mechanic job description example

   Reports to : Service Manager
   
   Overview : Performs maintenance and repair activities on gas compression and/or process equipment at customer's location, as directed.
   
   Essential Duties :
   
   - Maintains a safe and well-organized work environment.
   
   - Performs most Call Outs (CO) without assistance from a technical expert. Diagnoses and repairs mechanical problems on multiple compressor configurations.
   
   - Performs Major Maintenance (MM), Overhauls and MOB/DEMOB as part of a team.
   
   - Completes and submits required documentation in an accurate and timely manner.
   
   Non-Essential Duties : Performs other duties as assigned.
   
   All employees shall be in compliance with the Archrock Health Safety and Environmental Policy and local, statutory and/or regulatory requirements at all times.
   
   Skills and Abilities:
   
   Ability to:
   
   - Perform all essential duties.
   
   - Demonstrate proficiency in accurately and efficiently diagnosing and repairing mechanical problems on multiple compressor configurations.
   
   - Show track record of performing Preventative Maintenance (PM) with no guidance and minimal COs due to poor PM work.
   
   - Perform Major Maintenance (MM), Overhauls, and MOB / DEMOB as part of a team.
   
   - Perform most Call Outs (CO) without assistance from a technical expert.
   
   - Demonstrate customer service skills.
   
   - Read, write and speak English (work orders, manuals, etc.)
   
   - Follow all health, safety and environmental procedures.
   
   - Use intermediate computer skills, including engine specific software (Cat and Waukesha), Internet Explorer and Outlook.
   
   - Complete and submit company required documentation in an accurate and timely fashion.
   
   - Respond to afterhours request regularly on an on call basis.
   
   Knowledge:
   
   - Knowledge of gas engines and compressors, electrical systems, panel boards, skid wiring, control systems and end-devices, etc., through Compressor 101, equivalent training or performance verification.
   
   - Knowledge of some new technologies.
   
   - Basic knowledge of troubleshooting Telematics.
   
   - Working knowledge of relevant HSE procedures and regulations.
   
   - General understanding of customer's production equipment, scrubbers, and on/off skid.
   
   - General understanding of all processes and systems and how a compressor works.
   
   - Knowledge of company maintenance standards checklist and ability to accurately and completely follow.
   
   Minimum Education and Certification:
   
   - High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
   
   - Valid driver's license and a good driving record.
   
   - Gas or diesel engine and compressor school / training preferred.
   
   Minimum Experience:
   
   - Typically at least 3 years of experience with natural gas engines and compressors, and a working knowledge of production equipment.
   
   Leadership:
   
   - May serve as a resource to others with less experience.
   
   - Often called on to assist in training or mentoring less experienced FSTs.
   
   Physical Demands : (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions)
   
   - Must be fit for duty for the job tasks being performed - Refer to WorkSaver Systemssm for full details.
   
   - Must meet the medical requirements necessary to wear PPE required by role (includes respiratory protection medical requirements as required by role).
   
   - Constantly required to display good manual dexterity and to reach with hands and arms.
   
   - Constantly required to talk and hear.
   
   - Frequently required to sit while driving or using a PC.
   
   - Frequently required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, squat, and twist with good balance.
   
   - Regularly required to lift, move and carry up to 50 pounds and to push and pull up to 110 pounds.
   
   - Occasionally required to carry at least 40 pounds with one hand for at least 10 feet.
   
   - Occasionally required to crawl, climb in and around equipment, stairs and vertical ladders.
   
   - Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
   
   - Extensive Travel.
   
   - Drives and works in inclement weather for extended periods.
   
   Problem Solving and Innovation:
   
   - Most assignments regularly require some problem identification and resolution.
   - Implements solutions to non-recurring problems by analyzing, interpreting and evaluating various precedents and data.
   - Anticipates and proactively solves moderately complex problems using internal and external resource.
   - Routinely identifies opportunities and provides ideas, methods and innovations to enhance teamwork, efficiency and quality.
   
   Impact:
   
   - Actions and decisions impact operational, and financial results on assigned equipment.
   - Customers complain quickly if there is trouble, which will affect customer satisfaction and productivity.
   - Errors will most likely result in schedule delays or increased costs.
   - Accountable for HSE, service quality, and customer satisfaction.
   
   Freedom to Act:
   
   - Typically receives and follows specific detailed instructions and/or procedures.
   
   - Supervision or other resources are generally available for issue.
   
   - Follows standard practices and procedures in reviewing situations or data from which answers can most often be readily obtained.
   
   - Within defined parameters selects methods, techniques and approaches and arranges activities to meet defined schedule.
   
   This job description is a summary of essential job functions. It is not intended as an employment contract, nor is it intended to describe all duties someone in this position may perform. All employees are expected to perform tasks, as assigned by supervisor, regardless of job title or routine job duties.
   
   

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right compressor mechanic for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with compressor mechanics they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit compressor mechanics who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your compressor mechanic job on Zippia to find and recruit compressor mechanic candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit compressor mechanics, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new compressor mechanic

   Once you have selected a candidate for the compressor mechanic position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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