How to hire a generator mechanic

How to hire a generator mechanic, step by step

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

What does a generator mechanic do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the generator mechanic you need to hire. Certain generator 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

   Hiring the perfect generator mechanic also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list shows salaries for various types of generator mechanics.

   Type of Generator Mechanic	Description	Hourly rate
   Generator 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.	$13-28
   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:

   • Plumbing
   • Ladders
   • Hand Tools
   • General Maintenance
   • HVAC
   • Routine Maintenance
   • Safety Standards
   • Preventive Maintenance
   • Perform Routine Maintenance
   • Test Equipment
   • OSHA
   • Switches
   • Diesel Engines
   • Electrical Systems

   Check all skills

   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.
   • Follow all rules and safety guidelines according to union, plant, and OSHA regulations.
   • Request assistance from plumbers, painters, HVAC technicians, carpenters, and electricians when necessary.

   More generator mechanic duties

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, generator mechanics' average salary in kentucky is 43% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level generator mechanics 51% less than senior-level generator mechanics.
   • Certifications. A generator 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 generator mechanic's salary.

   Average generator mechanic salary

   $41,670yearly

   $20.03 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level generator mechanic salary

   $29,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

   Average generator mechanic salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	New York	$54,149	$26
   2	California	$52,590	$25
   3	Washington	$50,029	$24
   4	District of Columbia	$49,823	$24
   5	Maryland	$45,591	$22
   6	Minnesota	$44,359	$21
   7	Pennsylvania	$43,547	$21
   8	Louisiana	$43,040	$21
   9	Iowa	$41,943	$20
   10	Arizona	$41,708	$20
   11	Virginia	$40,905	$20
   12	Missouri	$38,368	$18
   13	Illinois	$38,094	$18
   14	Texas	$37,133	$18
   15	North Carolina	$36,268	$17
   16	Florida	$35,400	$17
   17	Arkansas	$34,470	$17
   18	New Mexico	$34,369	$17

   Average generator mechanic salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Sandia National Labs	$68,687	$33.02
   2	New York State Restaurant Association	$53,054	$25.51
   3	WestRock	$49,959	$24.02	4
   4	Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority	$47,972	$23.06	3
   5	MeadWestvaco	$45,570	$21.91
   6	EMCOR Group	$45,001	$21.64	41
   7	Chugach Alaska	$43,068	$20.71	8
   8	KBR	$42,365	$20.37	78
   9	CareerBuilder	$42,217	$20.30
   10	Lamar State College Orange	$41,776	$20.08
   11	Univ. Of Texas Cancer Ctr.	$41,669	$20.03	6
   12	Interstate Companies, Inc.	$41,638	$20.02	31
   13	Texas Disposal Systems	$41,523	$19.96
   14	W.W.Williams	$41,498	$19.95
   15	Johnson Truck Bodies	$41,374	$19.89
   16	Amerit Fleet Solutions	$41,058	$19.74	145
   17	Custom Electrical Contractors Inc.	$39,493	$18.99
   18	Architect of the Capitol	$29,765	$14.31

4. Writing a generator mechanic job description

   A generator 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. Below, you can find an example of a generator mechanic job description:

   Generator mechanic job description example

   Title:
   SHIPBOARD ENGINEER (CONSTRUCTION) EQUIPMENT & GENERATOR MECHANIC
   
   MCPP Union Position
   
   The Marine Corps' Prepositioning (MCPP) Program is based FROM Blount Island in Jacksonville, Florida, WITH DUTY ASSIGNMENT ABOARD A SHIP IN GUAM, SAIPAN, OR DIEGO GARCIA. We provide maintenance and logistics services to the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) and U.S. Navy. We are seeking a Shipboard Mechanic (Engineer/Construction Equipment & Generators).
   
   Position Responsibilities:
   •Perform basic automotive mechanic duties incident to inspection, maintenance, and repair of the Engineer (construction) Equipment: M9 ACE Excavator, Kalmar RTCH, Cranes, Graders, Scraper-Tractor, Runway Sweeper, Bulldozer, Crawler, Backhoe, Forklift, and Multi-size Hi-output Generators. Equipment has utility systems or special hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical systems features, and controls designed for combat, logistical, or other special applications.
   •Provide technical assistance, guidance, or training to junior mechanics and assist senior mechanics. Perform other tasks as assigned.
   
   Basic Qualifications:
   •High school graduate or equivalent.
   •Four years directly related (mechanical) work experience.
   •Complete a Construction Equipment and/or Generator Repair-related Course or equivalent.
   •Knowledge of how engines, hydraulic systems, transmission, and other parts and systems work.
   •Ability to detect faulty items, determine cause of malfunction, and determine best repair methods.
   •Ability to assemble, disassemble, repair, or modify components and systems.
   •Ability to read and interpret parts lists, manufacturer's repair manuals, diagrams, and electrical schematics.
   •Thorough understanding of the principles of operation and required repairs of all components and sub-components to include, the Hull, Suspension, Track, Engine, Transmission, crane, winches, and sub-components.
   •Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
   •REQUIRES U.S. CITIZENSHIP.
   •Valid States Driver's License.
   •Able to obtain a U.S. Government Common Access (CAC) Card.
   •Must have a valid U.S. passport to start employment.
   •Must be able to obtain a ‘Secret' security clearance
   •Must pass a comprehensive physical examination (Military Sealift Command standards), drug screening, and detailed background investigation.
   
   Additional Qualifications:
   •Ability to comply with all established methods, quality standards, and time schedules applicable to this position.
   •Working knowledge of requisitioning requirements utilizing appropriate equipment and special tools to complete repairs.
   
   Preferred Qualifications:
   GCSS experience.
   
   KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
   
   In compliance with the U.S. federal government's vaccine mandate, only candidates who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or have a reasonable accommodation or approved medical exception will be considered for this position.
   
   KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right generator 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 generator mechanics they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit generator 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 generator mechanic job on Zippia to find and recruit generator mechanic candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit generator 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.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   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 generator mechanic

   Once you have selected a candidate for the generator 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 equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new generator mechanic first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

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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