How to hire a heavy duty mechanic

How to hire a heavy duty mechanic, step by step

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

What does a heavy duty mechanic do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The heavy duty mechanic hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   A heavy duty mechanic's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, heavy duty 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.

   The following list breaks down different types of heavy duty mechanics and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Heavy Duty Mechanic	Description	Hourly rate
   Heavy Duty Mechanic	Diesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair, and overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engine.	$17-31
   Shop Technician	Shop Technicians are skilled workers assigned to a retail store. Their main activities depend on the nature of the business their company is in... Show more	$12-25
   Diesel Technician	Diesel technicians specialize in repairing and handling the maintenance of vehicles powered by diesel. They are primarily responsible for inspecting cars, conducting tests, and identifying its problems to determine what course of action to take... Show more	$15-31

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CDL
   • Hand Tools
   • Preventive Maintenance
   • Construction Equipment
   • OSHA
   • Electrical Systems
   • Hydraulic Systems
   • Diesel Engines
   • Routine Maintenance
   • Fleet Vehicles
   • Perform Routine Maintenance
   • Repair Orders
   • Loaders
   • Hoists

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
   • Set up hydraulic and electrical systems and complete diagnosis and repair.
   • Dismantle devices, remove defective parts, used hoists, cranes, hand and power tools.
   • Perform preventative maintenance; FHWA / D.O.T.
   • Perform major engine and driveline service and repair.
   • Perform diagnosis and repairs to semi trucks and trailers.

   More heavy duty mechanic duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your heavy duty mechanic job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A heavy duty mechanic salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a heavy duty mechanic in Texas may be lower than in Washington, and an entry-level heavy duty mechanic usually earns less than a senior-level heavy duty mechanic. Additionally, a heavy duty mechanic with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average heavy duty mechanic salary

   $49,563yearly

   $23.83 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level heavy duty mechanic salary

   $36,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average heavy duty mechanic salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Washington	$62,329	$30
   2	New Jersey	$57,859	$28
   3	California	$56,606	$27
   4	Connecticut	$55,340	$27
   5	New York	$54,589	$26
   6	North Dakota	$53,864	$26
   7	Pennsylvania	$52,511	$25
   8	Virginia	$52,296	$25
   9	Oregon	$50,123	$24
   10	Colorado	$50,097	$24
   11	Arizona	$48,507	$23
   12	New Hampshire	$48,458	$23
   13	Utah	$48,423	$23
   14	Indiana	$45,840	$22
   15	Iowa	$45,148	$22
   16	Minnesota	$44,754	$22
   17	North Carolina	$44,279	$21
   18	Montana	$44,262	$21
   19	Michigan	$43,944	$21
   20	Wyoming	$43,766	$21

   Average heavy duty mechanic salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Granite Construction	$65,784	$31.63	16
   2	Alhambra Unified School District	$63,526	$30.54
   3	City of Los Angeles	$62,948	$30.26	5
   4	W.W. Clyde	$62,031	$29.82	1
   5	Jacobs Engineering Group	$62,007	$29.81
   6	Wilson Construction	$61,628	$29.63	4
   7	Underground Construction	$61,345	$29.49
   8	Rummel Construction	$59,409	$28.56
   9	Fisher Industries	$59,035	$28.38	22
   10	GPAC	$57,062	$27.43
   11	Michels	$56,939	$27.37	17
   12	King County	$56,607	$27.21	1
   13	Casella Waste Systems	$55,958	$26.90	96
   14	Rogers Group	$55,798	$26.83	13
   15	University of California-Berkeley	$55,093	$26.49
   16	Transdev Services, Inc.	$53,749	$25.84	146
   17	Bruce Transportation Group	$53,376	$25.66
   18	Clyde Companies	$53,196	$25.57	23
   19	Waste Connections	$53,062	$25.51	148
   20	top-notch	$53,047	$25.50

4. Writing a heavy duty mechanic job description

   A job description for a heavy duty 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 heavy duty mechanic job description:

   Heavy duty mechanic job description example

   Building a career at Granite may be the most valuable thing you could do...
   Are you interested in the opportunity to work for an industry-leading company that will give you the experience and exposure you need to build your career and personal brand? If so, then you've come to the right place!
   
   General Summary
   The Heavy Duty Truck Mechanic is responsible for safely performing diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs on medium to heavy duty transport trucks and trailers, of all types of diesel and non-diesel engines.
   
   Essential Job Accountabilities
   Diagnose and perform mechanical repairs on a variety of trailers, including but not limited to pneumatic, live bottoms, belly dumps, flatbeds, tankers. Diagnose and repair engines, transmissions, drive trains, emission systems, hydraulic and air brake systems, electrical systems, and wheel ends. Perform mechanical and lubrication, routine/preventative maintenance.Perform safety and mechanical inspections of the equipment. Operate a Mechanic truck on job sites throughout Southern Arizona as needed.Proper use of tools to complete system diagnostic and repairs including but not limited: electronics, EM, hydraulic, engine powertrain, air conditioning, clutch, air brakes, suspension, transmission.Follow contamination control and HAZMAT rules and regulations.Perform other duties as required.
   
   Education
   High School Diploma, GED or equivalent years of experience
   
   Work Experience
   Five (5) years of experience as a heavy-duty truck mechanic, preferred.Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with HAZMAT and Tanker Endorsement or ability to obtain.Working knowledge and experience with OEM Diagnostic Programs, preferred. Possess power and hand tools including sockets and wrenches up to 1 ½” and 24mm with other associated tools of the trade.
   
   Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
   Basic skills in welding and cutting.Knowledge of heavy equipment components and systems.Knowledge in the use of computer based diagnostic tools.Ability to perform routine maintenance.Ability to utilize cut torches to repair and maintain equipment.Ability to communicate effectively.Ability to obtain an MSHA Part 46 Certificate (5000-23) as required for the job.Ability to work, day, swing, and night shifts (occasionally extended hours).Ability to work in safety sensitive construction setting, including exposure to moving machinery and heavy equipment.Ability to work collaboratively with a team in a fast-paced and complex environment.
   
   Physical Demands
   Climb and maintain balance on scaffolds and ladders.Reach for, handle, and manipulate objects and materials.Bend, kneel, and crawl.Good eyesight (either naturally or with correction).Stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time.Exposure to adverse weather conditions, chemicals, odors, dirt, and dust.Push, pull, lift, or move up to 80 lbs. or more.
   
   About Granite Construction IncorporatedGranite Construction Incorporated is a member of the S&P 400 Index and is the parent company of Granite Construction Company, one of the nation's largest heavy civil contractors and construction materials producers. Granite Construction is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities and a Drug-Free Workplace. For additional information on applicant/employee rights please click here.Notice to Staffing AgenciesGranite Construction, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Granite") will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Granite, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Granite mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Granite employees, or to Granite's resume database will be considered Granite property. Granite will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Granite will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Granite's recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully-executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening. Granite will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such agreement in place. Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Granite's Human Resources Representative or his/ her designee. No other Granite employee is authorized to bind Granite to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Agencies.

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5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right heavy duty 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 heavy duty mechanic job on Zippia to find and recruit heavy duty mechanic candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with heavy duty mechanic candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of 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 heavy duty mechanic

   Once you've found the heavy duty mechanic candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   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 heavy duty 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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How much does it cost to hire a heavy duty mechanic?