How to hire a general repair mechanic

How to hire a general repair mechanic, step by step

Here's a step-by-step general repair 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 general repair mechanic job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new general repair mechanic
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

Post a general repair mechanic job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your general repair mechanic job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a general repair mechanic for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   A general repair mechanic's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, general repair mechanics from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents general repair mechanic salaries for various positions.

   Type of General Repair Mechanic	Description	Hourly rate
   General Repair Mechanic	General maintenance and repair workers fix and maintain machines, mechanical equipment, and buildings. They paint, repair flooring, and work on plumbing, electrical, and air-conditioning and heating systems.	$14-27
   Utility Worker	A utility worker is an entry-level position who is responsible for the cleanliness and maintenance of company premises and equipment. Utility workers take verbal and written instructions from managers and maintenance officers about the assigned work areas inside and outside of the property... Show more	$11-18
   Handyman	A handyman can perform various repair and maintenance tasks involving electricity, carpentry, plumbing, and even appliance installation. Most handymen work independently, but they can also choose to be part of a company... Show more	$15-29

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Hand Tools
   • Cranes
   • Grinders
   • Jigs
   • Hoists
   • Plumbing
   • Technical Manuals
   • Maintenance Manuals
   • FAA
   • Mechanical Problems
   • Mechanical Equipment
   • Routine Maintenance
   • Mechanical Repairs
   • Electrical Systems

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Accomplish final operational checkout for conformance to customer specifications of prototype and new electronic systems including system installation on new airframes.
   • Remove or install aircraft components, using hoists, mobile lifts, chain falls, or forklift trucks.
   • Help workers in parts replacement, machine repair, electrical and electronics equipment and plumbing.
   • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
   • Receive and implement combat orders and direct deployment of personnel in offensive, defensive and retrograde operations.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your general repair mechanic job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A general repair mechanic can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, general repair mechanics' average salary in new mexico is 47% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level general repair mechanics 47% less than senior-level general repair mechanics.
   • Certifications. A general repair mechanic with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a general repair mechanic's salary.

   Average general repair mechanic salary

   $42,119yearly

   $20.25 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level general repair mechanic salary

   $30,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 21, 2026

4. Writing a general repair mechanic job description

   A job description for a general repair mechanic role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a general repair mechanic job description:

   General repair mechanic job description example

   Job Responsibilities
   Demonstrate behaviors in support of company safety procedures with focus on zero injuries. Keep work areas and equipment clean and safe.Follow and comply with all Safe Quality Food (SQF), HACCP, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's).Actively support the ConAgra Performance System (CPS) and, specifically, the PM Pillar.Effectively and accurately troubleshoot and make routine adjustments and repairs to industrial equipment and machinery in order to maintain production and maintenance schedules. Monitor repairs and validate that the problem has been solved. Own the problem until resolved with a focus on doing it right the first time.Perform preventative and predictive maintenance as assigned, including cleaning and lubricating in order to maintain the proper working order of industrial equipment and machinery. Focus on improving and optimizing PMs by providing feedback on assigned PMs.Perform and validate changeovers on equipment and machinery as needed.Dismantle, evaluate, and rebuild equipment and machinery as needed. Focus on quality of workmanship by doing the job right the first time and be accountable for results.Assist in the Planning process by identifying parts and work required using SAP to enter notifications. Include parts and material information when possible.Prioritize work based on business needs. Maintain a high level of urgency in response to tasks assigned.Participate in the Breakdown Elimination process in order to reduce the frequency of breakdowns and improve equipment reliability.Maintain and improve 5S standards.Make decisions that are “best for the business” with regards to maintenance costs and overall productivity.Repair and fabricate industrial parts using machine shop tools such as drill press, band saw, grinder, and welding/brazing equipment.Knowledge of and ability to perform quality welding including TIG, MIG, and SMAW. Knowledge of gas types, joint types, heat/penetration requirements, and materials in order to determine the most appropriate weld technique.Perform proper rigging and lifting of equipment and machinery as needed using hoists, cranes, and other rigging equipment.Keep accurate up to date records of work orders, maintenance activities, and needed repairs utilizing SAP to maintain proper records.Maintain continuity among work teams by using SAP to document and communicate actions, irregularities, and continuing needs.Use blueprints, diagrams, centerlines, and OEM manuals to aid in preventive maintenance and troubleshooting.Assist operations in understanding equipment through supporting Autonomous Manufacturing Development (AMD).Follow Maintenance Standard Procedures and seek to improve machinery specific procedures where possible.Share knowledge and experience with others including dedicated training as assigned.Work overtime as required to achieve production and maintenance schedules.Perform other duties that the Team Leader or Maintenance Manager might require.
   
   Qualifications
   Must be able to effectively communicate in English, both orally and in writing.Must have demonstrable knowledge of SAP.Must possess strong mechanical aptitude demonstrated through troubleshooting skills.Must have the ability to effectively and cooperatively work in a team environment.Must have at least two years' experience as a maintenance mechanic.
   
   Our Benefits:
   
   We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:
   Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid life, accident and disability insurance Wealth: great pay, incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan Growth: online courses, virtual and classroom development experiences Balance: paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role)
   
   Our Company:
   
   Conagra Brands is one of North America's leading branded food companies. We have a rich heritage of making great food, and a team that's passionate about innovation and growth. Conagra offers choices for every occasion through iconic brands, such as Birds Eye , Marie Callender's , Banquet , Healthy Choice , Slim Jim , Reddi-wip , and Vlasic , and emerging brands, including Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP , Duke's , Earth Balance , Gardein , and Frontera .
   We pride ourselves on having the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in the food industry. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com.
   
   Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right general repair mechanic for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting general repair mechanics requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   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 general repair mechanic

   Once you have selected a candidate for the general repair 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.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a general repair mechanic?