Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Hydraulic mechanic education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a hydraulic mechanic. Hydraulic mechanics usually study aviation, automotive technology, or surveying, mapping, and hydraulic technologies. 43% of hydraulic mechanics hold a high school diploma, and 27% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 1,371 real hydraulic mechanic resumes to see exactly what hydraulic mechanic education sections show.
The most common colleges for hydraulic mechanics are the University of Phoenix and the University of Phoenix.
There are also many online hydraulic mechanic courses to help get the education required to be a hydraulic mechanic.
There are certain hydraulic mechanic certifications that you should consider. These hydraulic mechanic certifications include Fluid Power Industrial Hydraulic Technician (CFPIHT) and OSHA Safety Certificate .
What education do you need to become a hydraulic mechanic?
What degree do you need to be a hydraulic mechanic?
- High School Diploma, 43%
- Associate, 27%
- Bachelor's, 14%
- Diploma, 9%
- Other Degrees, 7%
What should I major in to become a hydraulic mechanic?
- Aviation, 18%
- Surveying, Mapping, And Hydraulic Technologies, 8%
- General Studies, 7%
- Other Majors, 51%
Most common colleges for hydraulic mechanics
| Hydraulic mechanic common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| University of Phoenix | 11.36% |
| Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology | 9.09% |
| West Virginia University | 6.82% |
| Central State University | 6.82% |
| University of Maryland - College Park | 6.82% |
Best majors for hydraulic mechanics
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aviation | 18.0% |
| 2 | Automotive Technology | 15.7% |
| 3 | Surveying, Mapping, And Hydraulic Technologies | 7.7% |
| 4 | General Studies | 7.0% |
| 5 | Electrical Engineering | 6.3% |
Best colleges for hydraulic mechanics
The best colleges for hydraulic mechanics are Purdue University, SUNY Farmingdale, and Liberty University.
A hydraulic mechanic with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for hydraulic mechanics. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become hydraulic mechanics.
1. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
In-state tuition
$9,992
Enrollment
33,495
2. Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS • Private
In-state tuition
$10,383
Enrollment
17,611
3. SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill
Cobleskill, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,654
Enrollment
2,231
4. Baker College
Owosso, MI • Private
In-state tuition
$9,800
Enrollment
8,319
5. SUNY College of Agriculture & Technology at Morrisville
Morrisville, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,670
Enrollment
2,758
6. Utah State University
Logan, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$8,138
Enrollment
21,658
7. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$9,816
Enrollment
21,047
8. Brigham Young University - Idaho
Rexburg, ID • Private
In-state tuition
$4,118
Enrollment
37,636
9. Montana State University - Northern
Havre, MT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,955
Enrollment
970
10. North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC • Private
In-state tuition
$9,101
Enrollment
23,708
20 best online courses for hydraulic mechanics
Advertising disclosure
1. Modelling and simulation of mechanical systems
The course provides the principles of modelling and simulation of modern mechatronic systems, which are mechanical systems integrated with several types of sensors and actuators. The aim of the course is to show different methodologies to improve the potential of mechanical systems by transforming them into mechatronic systems based on virtual models. In particular, the lessons will be focused on case studies in three engineering fields: robotics, controlled electro-hydraulic actuators and...
2. The Complete Hydraulic Course
Oil hydraulics systems & fundamentals, hydraulic fluids, control valves, cylinders, circuits construction & analysis...
3. Garnett Cross Training in the Maintenance of Oil Hydraulics
This course will prepare you to work with hydraulic systems, plan maintenance and perform troubleshooting...
4. Hydraulic schematics and calculation exercises
Hydraulic diagrams and hydraulic problems...
5. Control Systems Made Simple Beginner's Guide
Learn fundamentals of Mechanical & electrical system modeling, simulation and control with this unique practical course!...
6. Aerospace Engineering: Aircraft Systems and Avionics
Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering: Master the Systems of Airplanes - Hydraulics, Avionics, Electric, Propulsion...
7. Electrical Control & Protection Systems
This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical substation...
8. Control Systems: From Mathematical Modelling to PID Control
Learn the mathematics that will allow you to model and control any engineering system. Make machines do what you want!...
9. Applied Control Systems 3: UAV drone (3D Dynamics & control)
Modeling + state space systems + Model Predictive Control + feedback control + Python simulation: UAV quadcopter drone...
10. Electrical Control & Protection Part 4
This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical network...
11. Electrical Control & Protection Systems part 2
This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical substation...
12. IT Support Technical Skills Bootcamp
Hands-on Technical skills for IT Support Professionals...
13. ISO 22000:2018. Food Safety Management System
Understand the requirements for a food safety management system applicable for any organization in the food chain...
14. Electrical Power Equipment
Learn how electrical equipments operate and how they fit together into a network...
15. Flight Mechanics - From Theory to Certification of Aircraft
Modeling theory, aircraft 6DOF simulation, flight dynamics, flight simulators and aircraft certification...
16. Applied Control Systems 1: autonomous cars: Math + PID + MPC
Modeling + state space systems + PID + Model Predictive Control + Python simulation: lateral control for autonomous cars...
17. Advanced Process Control & Safety Instrumented Systems SIS
Learn how the main process equipment such as chemical reactors , pumps , compressors & heat exchangers are controlled...
18. OSHA Control of Hazardous Energy and Lock Out / Tag Out
OSHA required training under 29 CFR 1910 and 1926...
19. HACCP-Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point Certification
Food Safety Preventive Approach (HACCP System)...
20. Know Read Understand Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams P & IDs
Learn how Process Control, Safety Instrumented Systems, Interlock & Alarms are represented in engineering P & ID drawings...
Top 10 most affordable universities for hydraulic mechanics
The most affordable schools for hydraulic mechanics are Brigham Young University - Idaho, university of puerto rico - mayaguez, and suny farmingdale.
If the best universities for hydraulic mechanics are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for hydraulic mechanics.
1. Brigham Young University - Idaho
Rexburg, ID • Private
In-state tuition
$4,118
Cost of attendance
12,223
2. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
Mayaguez, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$4,094
Cost of attendance
14,302
3. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,306
Cost of attendance
16,091
4. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
In-state tuition
$9,992
Cost of attendance
22,430
5. Montana State University - Northern
Havre, MT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,955
Cost of attendance
15,744
6. Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX • Private
In-state tuition
$7,292
Cost of attendance
20,387
7. Utah State University
Logan, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$8,138
Cost of attendance
18,531
8. New York City College of Technology of the City University of New York
Brooklyn, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,120
Cost of attendance
13,997
9. Calvary University
Kansas City, MO • Private
In-state tuition
$11,164
Cost of attendance
18,268
10. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant, OK • Private
In-state tuition
$6,750
Cost of attendance
15,839
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for hydraulic mechanics
The hardest universities for hydraulic mechanics to get into are Purdue University, SUNY Farmingdale, and Liberty University.
Some great schools for hydraulic mechanics are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for hydraulic mechanics based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
1. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
Admissions rate
58%
SAT average
1,309
2. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
Admissions rate
46%
SAT average
1,091
3. Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA • Private
Admissions rate
56%
SAT average
1,133
4. Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA • Private
Admissions rate
56%
SAT average
1,269
5. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA • Private
Admissions rate
30%
SAT average
1,339
6. Utah State University
Logan, UT • Private
Admissions rate
89%
SAT average
1,201
7. North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC • Private
Admissions rate
47%
SAT average
1,336
8. Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX • Private
Admissions rate
55%
SAT average
1,056
9. Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL • Private
Admissions rate
72%
SAT average
1,124
10. Ohio State University
Columbus, OH • Private
Admissions rate
52%
SAT average
1,359
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for hydraulic mechanics
The easiest schools for hydraulic mechanics to get into are Brigham Young University - Idaho, tarleton state university, and suny farmingdale.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a hydraulic mechanic without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for hydraulic mechanics.
1. Brigham Young University - Idaho
Rexburg, ID • Private
Admissions rate
97%
SAT average
1,140
2. Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX • Private
Admissions rate
55%
SAT average
1,056
3. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
Admissions rate
46%
SAT average
1,091
4. Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL • Private
Admissions rate
72%
SAT average
1,124
5. SUNY College of Technology at Canton
Canton, NY • Private
Admissions rate
78%
SAT average
997
6. Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI • Private
Admissions rate
81%
SAT average
1,070
7. Utah State University
Logan, UT • Private
Admissions rate
89%
SAT average
1,201
8. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
Admissions rate
58%
SAT average
1,309
9. SUNY College of Agriculture & Technology at Morrisville
Morrisville, NY • Private
Admissions rate
72%
SAT average
955
10. SUNY College of Technology at Delhi
Delhi, NY • Private
Admissions rate
64%
SAT average
1,011
Average hydraulic mechanic salary by education level
| Hydraulic mechanic education level | Hydraulic mechanic salary |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or Less | $51,555 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $58,145 |
| Some College/ Associate Degree | $58,110 |
Hydraulic mechanic education FAQs
Have more questions? See all answers to common installation, maintenance and repair questions.
Search for hydraulic mechanic jobs
Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025