How to hire a heavy truck mechanic

How to hire a heavy truck mechanic, step by step

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

What does a heavy truck mechanic do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

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

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

   Type of Heavy Truck Mechanic	Description	Hourly rate
   Heavy Truck Mechanic	Diesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair, and overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engine.	$17-31
   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
   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

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CDL
   • Diagnosis
   • OSHA
   • Service Calls
   • Troubleshoot
   • DOT
   • Electrical Systems
   • HVAC
   • Perform Preventative Maintenance
   • ASE
   • Hand Tools
   • Diesel Trucks
   • Equipment Maintenance
   • Road Service

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
   • Comply with all dot regulations.Skills usedrepair vehicles right before being put on street.
   • Have committed myself to working safely base on OSHA standard to avoid personal injuries.
   • Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulicjacks or hoists.
   • Light warranty work include wheel seals and break replacement, HVAC, window replacement and body components.
   • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.

   More heavy truck mechanic duties

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, heavy truck mechanics' average salary in mississippi is 35% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level heavy truck mechanics earn 44% less than senior-level heavy truck mechanics.
   • Certifications. A heavy truck 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 heavy truck mechanic's salary.

   Average heavy truck mechanic salary

   $49,777yearly

   $23.93 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level heavy truck mechanic salary

   $37,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

   Average heavy truck mechanic salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$61,764	$30
   2	New York	$61,412	$30
   3	North Dakota	$54,315	$26
   4	Louisiana	$52,572	$25
   5	Iowa	$50,151	$24
   6	Illinois	$49,913	$24
   7	Colorado	$49,772	$24
   8	Texas	$49,335	$24
   9	Wisconsin	$49,301	$24
   10	Utah	$49,117	$24
   11	Ohio	$48,012	$23
   12	Alabama	$47,669	$23
   13	Kansas	$46,918	$23
   14	Nebraska	$46,911	$23
   15	Georgia	$46,674	$22
   16	Indiana	$45,827	$22
   17	North Carolina	$45,170	$22
   18	Florida	$45,145	$22
   19	Wyoming	$44,252	$21
   20	Arizona	$43,147	$21

   Average heavy truck mechanic salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Hunter Contracting	$62,600	$30.10
   2	Jr. Davis Construction	$61,967	$29.79	7
   3	Interstate Highway Construction	$60,569	$29.12
   4	Michels	$56,417	$27.12	18
   5	FANN Contracting	$54,561	$26.23
   6	Morgan	$53,719	$25.83	11
   7	Southern Concrete Materials	$53,563	$25.75
   8	Bruce Transportation Group	$53,243	$25.60
   9	Clyde Companies	$53,007	$25.48	21
   10	Strata	$52,804	$25.39
   11	Colas USA	$52,656	$25.32	21
   12	Rude Transportation	$52,505	$25.24
   13	Solar.com	$52,344	$25.17	3
   14	Owen Ltd.	$51,839	$24.92
   15	First Transit	$51,462	$24.74
   16	Republic Services	$50,401	$24.23	269
   17	Alamo Group	$50,026	$24.05	27
   18	Waste Management	$49,472	$23.78	123
   19	University of Nebraska System	$49,263	$23.68
   20	Colony Tire	$48,860	$23.49	16

4. Writing a heavy truck mechanic job description

   A good heavy truck mechanic job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a heavy truck mechanic job description:

   Heavy truck mechanic job description example

   Jr. Davis Construction Company Inc. builds roads, bridges and highways that connect our communities! We are seeking passionate individuals eager to apply their skills to take their career to the next level. Jr. Davis Construction Company Inc. is seeking a highly motivated individual with a strong work ethic to fill the position of Heavy Truck/Diesel Mechanic. This individual will be responsible for performing preventative maintenance and repairs on heavy trucks and equipment, as well as diagnosing and repairing diesel/gas engines and heavy equipment. JDC is one of the largest heavy highway and civil construction firms in the state with over 900 employees, while still retaining a family business atmosphere. We’ll respect your hard work and treat you like family.

   COMPENSATION : Based on experience. Our OJT (On the Job Training) will allow you to move up in our company as your skill set expands.

   Requirements:

   • Minimum of 2 years as heavy duty/diesel mechanic required
   • Must have a safety first attitude. Strict adherence to safety requirements and procedures is required.
   • Diagnose and repair heavy trucks and perform preventative maintenance tasks
   • Repair and adjust gas and diesel engines
   • Repair drive trains, electrical systems and components
   • Repair and modify hydraulic systems and their components
   • Identify and solve mechanical and electrical issues: services, motors, lights, air brakes, etc.
   • Must be able to use diagnostic equipment to isolate mechanical failure and troubleshoot
   • Operate vehicles to diagnose problems and to check if the vehicle is repaired
   • Complete reports, work orders, order parts and perform other administrative duties
   • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs; frequently list and carry 25 hours
   • Bend, twist, kneel, squat, reach, push and pull
   • Maintain excellent attendance
   • Ability to work as part of a team

   Knowledge & Skills:

   • A High School diploma or general education degree (GED) is preferred.
   • Ability to listen, follow directions, and have a willingness to continue to enhance skills.

   Join the Team! At JDC, we believe that our employees are the reason for our success. JDC provides rewarding and challenging careers, encourages professional growth and strives to help each employee achieve their full potential.

   Company Benefits : We don’t just want to tell employees we care about them; we show it. That’s why we offer a comprehensive and competitive package to our employees:

   • Competitive pay rates
   • Medical, dental and vision insurance
   • Voluntary life
   • Supplemental insurances
   • 401k
   • Paid time off
   • Paid holidays
   • On-the-job training and skill development
   • Complementary Wellness Clinic services

   This is a great opportunity for the right candidate!

   At JDC/S&L, we promote a drug-free workplace environment and we pride ourselves on being an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

   Jr. Davis Construction Company, Inc. is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and is actively recruiting women and minorities for all open positions.

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5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find heavy truck mechanics for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit heavy truck 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 heavy truck mechanic

   Once you have selected a candidate for the heavy truck 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.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new heavy truck 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 truck mechanic?