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How to hire a hydraulic mechanic

Hydraulic mechanic hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring hydraulic mechanics in the United States:

  • HR departments typically spend 15% of their expenses on recruitment.
  • It usually takes about 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • It typically takes 36-42 days to fill a job opening.
  • The median cost to hire a hydraulic mechanic is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend an average of $1,105 per hydraulic mechanic on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • There are currently 12,564 hydraulic mechanics in the US and 34,465 job openings.
  • Tulsa, OK, has the highest demand for hydraulic mechanics, with 3 job openings.
  • San Diego, CA has the highest concentration of hydraulic mechanics.

How to hire a hydraulic mechanic, step by step

To hire a hydraulic mechanic, consider the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Follow these steps to hire a hydraulic mechanic:

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

    Before you start hiring a hydraulic mechanic, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a hydraulic mechanic to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a hydraulic mechanic that fits the bill.

    This list shows salaries for various types of hydraulic mechanics.

    Type of Hydraulic MechanicDescriptionHourly rate
    Hydraulic MechanicAircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft. They also may perform aircraft inspections as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).$16-36
    Aircraft FuelerAircraft fuelers' primary role is to ensure the proper refueling of aircraft before and after a flight. The position is essential, as proper refueling determines the safety of an aircraft... Show more$12-21
    Aircraft ElectricianAn aircraft electrician specializes in installing and repairing electrical systems in an aircraft, ensuring quality and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically include running diagnostic tests and examinations, troubleshooting problems, replacing and fixing components, understanding diagrams, and keeping records... Show more$18-37
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Hand Tools
    • Safety Procedures
    • Test Equipment
    • Repair Hydraulic
    • Preventative Maintenance
    • Hydraulic Cylinders
    • Hydraulic Components
    • Hydraulic Pumps
    • Hydraulic Hoses
    • Hazardous Materials
    • Hydraulic Equipment
    • Airframe
    • Landing Gear
    • Ground Support Equipment
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Utilize and reference additional supporting documentation including FAA approve engineering data/drawings, supporting company policies/procedures and supervisory instructions.
    • License in APU operation, blade fold and wing stow as well as aircraft towing.
    • Preform checks and services as well as ground operations including running of APU for grind checks and flight control checks.
    • Remove and replace ailerons, stabilizers, aileron servos and stabilizer servos.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your hydraulic mechanic job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A hydraulic mechanic salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, hydraulic mechanics' average salary in nebraska is 54% less than in alaska.
    • Seniority. Entry-level hydraulic mechanics earn 54% less than senior-level hydraulic mechanics.
    • Certifications. A hydraulic 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 hydraulic mechanic's salary.

    Average hydraulic mechanic salary

    $52,254yearly

    $25.12 hourly rate

    Entry-level hydraulic mechanic salary
    $35,000 yearly salary
    Updated January 30, 2026
  4. Writing a hydraulic mechanic job description

    A job description for a hydraulic 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 hydraulic mechanic job description:

    Hydraulic mechanic job description example

    Weatherford is a leading global energy services company. Our world-class experts partner with customers to optimize their resources and realize the full potential of their assets. Across our operating locations, including manufacturing, research and development, service, and training facilities, operators choose us for strategic solutions that add efficiency, flexibility, and responsibility to any energy operation.

    We are focused on technology development, digital solutions, and defining our footprint in the new energy space. Our ability to provide integrated solutions across our segments will be critical to growth in our core operations and the energy transition.

    Energy producers face unique challenges every day, so it is our job to create solutions that enhance safety, streamline operations, and sustain uptime to meet or exceed their targets. We operate across the global energy landscape employing some of the best diverse talent in the industry. At Weatherford, we understand the value each individual brings to the table. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and are immensely proud of our workforce. We invite you to join our passionate, talented, word-class team.

    When you join Weatherford, you instantly feel connected to something bigger – a community that is grounded by our core values and driven to create innovative solutions for our customers. We celebrate each other’s successes, grow together, and learn from each other constantly. Individually, we are impressive. Together, we are unstoppable. We are One Weatherford.

    Weatherford offers competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits program and provides you a challenging and enriching career path, with a healthy balance of structure and flexibility to chart your own course. We are focused on providing a challenging and enriching career path with a healthy balance of structure and flexibility to chart your own course. We are an innovative, global company with wide-ranging opportunities that include career-enhancing talent rotations. Our structured career paths will ensure that you know what it takes to build your ideal career at Weatherford when you join our Company. We also offer a comprehensive benefits program, including health insurance coverage, income protection plans, a 401(k) savings plan, Company paid holidays, and paid time off for vacation.

    Weatherford is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
    Job Description Weatherford is hiring a Hydraulic Mechanic for our Broussard facility. This is a hands-on, rewarding role that you’ll repair and maintain equipment for the oil and gas industry. The Hydraulic Mechanic will be working within a supportive, inclusive team in a fast-paced, progressive environment. Weatherford provides training, excellent benefits and fantastic career progression. Repair, install, adjust, or maintain hydraulic machinery systems in both the field and in the shop. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: (not listed in any particular order) Observe, test, and evaluate operation of machinery and equipment to diagnose cause of malfunction. Disassemble equipment to remove parts and make repairs. Examine parts for defects, such as breakage or excessive wear. Repair, replace, adjust, and align components of equipment. Clean and lubricate parts and equipment. Test-run repaired equipment to verify adequacy of repairs. Fabricate replacement parts. Order parts for equipment repairs. Assist in recording repairs and maintenance performed. Know and understand Weatherford Quality Policy and comply with all requirements of the Quality Systems Manual, Operating and Technical Procedures and Workplace Instructions. Must understand and comply with all safety rules and company policies of Weatherford. Work assignments carried out to the highest quality level. Perform various other duties and activities as assigned by supervisor within the physical constraints of the job. Qualifications 2+ years' experience in mechanics or related field preferred hydraulics experience Good communication skills Ability to follow repair manuals Mechanical aptitude Good computer skills Knowledge of equipment diagnosis and repair
  5. Post your job

    There are a few common ways to find hydraulic 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 hydraulic mechanic job on Zippia to find and recruit hydraulic mechanic candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    To successfully recruit hydraulic 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.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you 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 hydraulic mechanic

    Once you've selected the best hydraulic mechanic candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing 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.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new hydraulic mechanic. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  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 hydraulic mechanic?

Recruiting hydraulic mechanics involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

The median annual salary for hydraulic mechanics is $52,254 in the US. However, the cost of hydraulic mechanic hiring can vary a lot depending on location. Additionally, hiring a hydraulic mechanic for contract work or on a per-project basis typically costs between $16 and $36 an hour.

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