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How to hire an industrial mechanic

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

  • The median cost to hire an industrial mechanic is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per industrial mechanic on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • There are a total of 95,286 industrial mechanics in the US, and there are currently 158,560 job openings in this field.
  • Bloomfield, CT, has the highest demand for industrial mechanics, with 14 job openings.

How to hire an industrial mechanic, step by step

To hire an industrial 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 an industrial mechanic:

Here's a step-by-step industrial mechanic hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write an industrial mechanic job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new industrial mechanic
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an industrial mechanic do?

An industrial mechanic maintains and repairs equipment and any other industrial types of machinery in a factory. Industrial mechanics manage the operation of machinery like production machinery, packaging equipment, and conveying systems. They need to use protective equipment like safety glasses and hardhats as well as follow safety precautions during operations. It is their responsibility to make sure that all industrial machines function well through preventive maintenance service and troubleshooting.

Learn more about the specifics of what an industrial mechanic does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

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

    You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them an industrial 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 an industrial mechanic that fits the bill.

    This list presents industrial mechanic salaries for various positions.

    Type of Industrial MechanicDescriptionHourly rate
    Industrial MechanicIndustrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workers maintain and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery, such as conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging equipment. Millwrights install, dismantle, repair, reassemble, and move machinery in factories, power plants, and construction sites.$18-34
    Building Maintenance TechnicianA building maintenance technician is a professional who takes responsibility for keeping the repair tools and other supplies in good condition. Building maintenance technicians make sure that a facility operates pretty well... Show more$14-25
    Facility Maintenance TechnicianA facility maintenance technician is responsible for inspecting the safety and security of the facilities, including the operational tools, equipment, and machinery, to avoid potential hazards in the production area and maintain timely project deliverables. Facility maintenance technicians perform a regular check on the equipment, identifying glitches and inconsistencies, and repairing defective components to avoid delays in operation... Show more$13-25
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Industrial Maintenance
    • Hand Tools
    • PLC
    • Mechanical Equipment
    • HVAC
    • Mechanical Troubleshooting
    • Production Machines
    • Plumbing
    • Production Equipment
    • Hydraulic Systems
    • Conveyor Systems
    • Electrical Systems
    • Safety Standards
    • Cranes
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Organize a procedure for rapid plumbing repairs by proactively devising a solid inventory system for effectively managing spare parts and tools.
    • Work on airport baggage conveyor systems including troubleshooting PLC problems
    • Used lathes, welding equipment, hoists and lifts.
    • Monitor comfort controls, fire safety, lighting, and HVAC equipment.
    • Have training in the Herzig arc flash electrical safety and PPE standards.
    • Correct electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, welding, and PLC problems.
    More industrial mechanic duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your industrial mechanic job description helps attract top candidates to the position. An industrial 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 an industrial mechanic in New Hampshire may be lower than in West Virginia, and an entry-level industrial mechanic usually earns less than a senior-level industrial mechanic. Additionally, an industrial 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 industrial mechanic salary

    $53,333yearly

    $25.64 hourly rate

    Entry-level industrial mechanic salary
    $39,000 yearly salary
    Updated January 23, 2026

    Average industrial mechanic salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$65,811$32
    2Maryland$59,680$29
    3Wisconsin$56,005$27
    4Washington$55,984$27
    5Illinois$55,379$27
    6Minnesota$54,672$26
    7Ohio$54,525$26
    8Missouri$52,610$25
    9New York$52,369$25
    10Georgia$50,986$25
    11Colorado$50,598$24
    12Virginia$50,172$24
    13Oregon$48,816$23
    14Texas$47,804$23
    15Massachusetts$47,461$23
    16Pennsylvania$47,363$23
    17Iowa$47,009$23
    18Michigan$45,351$22
    19South Carolina$45,155$22
    20Alabama$44,042$21

    Average industrial mechanic salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1California Resources$78,485$37.73
    2Anheuser-Busch$69,052$33.2039
    3Frito-Lay$64,021$30.7834
    4Novelis$63,597$30.5819
    5MeadWestvaco$63,371$30.47
    6Pactiv$62,939$30.2633
    7Silgan Holdings$61,773$29.706
    8UPS$60,907$29.28134
    9Federal Signal$58,963$28.3511
    10Kroger$58,888$28.3165
    11Chippewa Valley Schools$58,531$28.143
    12WestRock$58,511$28.1370
    13Midwest Manufacturing$58,320$28.049
    14Hormel Foods$57,976$27.8773
    15Michelin$57,959$27.8614
    16Post Holdings$57,851$27.8119
    17International Paper$57,747$27.76138
    18Brown-Forman$57,679$27.7310
    19Dairy Farmers of America$57,663$27.72118
    20Austin Industries$57,586$27.6983
  4. Writing an industrial mechanic job description

    An industrial 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 an industrial mechanic job description:

    Industrial mechanic job description example

    $5,000 SIGN-ON BONUS !!!

    Maintenance candidates hired at Reading will receive $2,500 upon successful completion of 6 months of employment and an additional $2,500 upon successful completion of 9 months of employment. (Note: Maintenance trainee positions are not eligible for sign-on bonuses.)

    Industrial Mobile Mechanic

    Shifts: 3

    PRIMARY DUTIES:

    Responsible for providing mechanical support and maintaining, repairing heavy mobile and special purpose equipment throughout the manufacturing plant. This includes, but not limited to, troubleshooting and repairs; cooperating with and supporting operations; aggressively pursuing process improvements; assisting with documentation and training for all equipment. Must be able to function safely in a fast-paced environment and be responsible to maintain equipment in a craftsman-like manner. Ability to work in conjunction with other maintenance crafts, engineering and production personnel. This position involves shift rotations, and the ability to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays as necessary.

    REQUIREMENTS:

    • An Associate degree in Mechanical Technology and/or graduation from an acceptable Technical Training Institution in a mechanical program is preferred or a minimum of two years automotive maintenance experience in the past ten years will be considered.
    • The ability to read blueprints, operate vehicles, work from heights, and work in various environmental conditions is required.
    • A working knowledge of hydraulics and pneumatics, and the ability to weld and acetylene burn, is preferred.
    • Applicants must meet the ANSI fall protection requirement.
    • Applicants must be willing to upgrade their knowledge and skills as new technology and methods are introduced. This will involve attending training schools.

    Carpenter Technology Company offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including life, medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, 401k with company contributions as well as many other options to employees.

    Carpenter Technology Corporation’s policy is to fully and effectively maintain a program of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination for all employees, to employ affirmative action for all protected classes, and to recruit and develop the best qualified persons available regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by law. The Company also will recruit, develop and provide opportunities for qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans.

  5. Post your job

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

    During your first interview to recruit industrial mechanics, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

    You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete 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 industrial mechanic

    Once you've decided on a perfect industrial mechanic candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

    It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

    To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

  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.)
    Sign up to download full list

How much does it cost to hire an industrial mechanic?

There are different types of costs for hiring industrial mechanics. One-time cost per hire for the recruitment process. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, onboarding, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider all of these costs when evaluating hiring a new industrial mechanic employee.

You can expect to pay around $53,333 per year for an industrial mechanic, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for industrial mechanics in the US typically range between $18 and $34 an hour.

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