How To Become A Generator Mechanic: What It Is and Career Path

What is a generator mechanic and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A generator mechanic is responsible for the repair and maintenance of generators. You are to daily assess the generator and perform routine maintenance like fueling and changing oil and filters. You should diagnose any fault and repair generator emergencies.

You will also be in charge of purchasing needed generator spare parts, control panels, and necessary required tools as well as monitoring its usage most productively and effectively. You should also expect to install and repair automatic and manual switchgear and other components that work with the generator.

To work as a generator mechanic, you are required to be well experienced with generators, and associated electrical systems, be an expert in troubleshooting generator equipment, and be skilled in computer knowledge and customer service. Educationally, you are to possess at least a high school diploma. The average base salary is $46,000 annually.

ScoreGenerator MechanicUS Average

Salary

3.3

Avg. Salary $41,670

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.6

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.15%

Asian 4.39%

Black or African American 10.06%

Hispanic or Latino 21.23%

Unknown 4.21%

White 58.95%

Gender

female 7.13%

male 92.87%

Age - 49

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 49

Stress level

7.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.3

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a generator mechanic

Explore generator mechanic education requirements

Most common generator mechanic degrees

High School Diploma

36.4 %

Associate

25.0 %

Bachelor's

17.8 %

Start to develop specific generator mechanic skills

Skills	Percentages
Plumbing	8.24%
Ladders	5.76%
Hand Tools	5.68%
General Maintenance	5.56%
HVAC	5.54%

Complete relevant generator mechanic training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New generator mechanics learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a generator mechanic based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real generator mechanic resumes.

Gain additional generator mechanic certifications

Generator mechanic certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific generator mechanic certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for generator mechanics include EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) and OSHA Safety Certificate .

More About Certifications

Research generator mechanic duties and responsibilities

Trouble-shoot electrical components to include, ignition points, alternators, regulators, and solenoids.
General mechanics shop consists of troubleshooting and repairs of plumbing, electrical, carpentry, HVAC, paint and plastering.
Perform preventive maintenance, troubleshoot breakdowns and repair malfunctioning HVAC systems and components; utilize measuring and testing instruments.
Involve in confine space entry with compliance to OSHA regulations and guidelines.

Prepare your generator mechanic resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your generator mechanic resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a generator mechanic resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable generator mechanic resume templates

Build a professional generator mechanic resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your generator mechanic resume.