Post job

What does a junior mechanic do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
On this page

Junior mechanic responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real junior mechanic resumes:

  • Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
  • Assist technicians in the installation and repair HVAC system units, including electronic and mechanical components.
  • Measure, cut, thread and bond pipes and tubing to feeding water, gas or refrigerant to various HVAC equipment.
  • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
  • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.

Junior mechanic skills and personality traits

We calculated that 20% of Junior Mechanics are proficient in Hand Tools, Electrical Systems, and OSHA. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Detail oriented, and Organizational skills.

We break down the percentage of Junior Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Hand Tools, 20%

    Replace or repair worn, defective or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges, and testing equipment.

  • Electrical Systems, 11%

    Performed preventive maintenance inspections & tested various electrical systems.

  • OSHA, 10%

    Follow all plant and OSHA safety requirement and guidelines, including PPE, LOTO, Confined Space, and Fall Protection.

  • Ladders, 7%

    Worked from ladders, scaffolds, lifts and roofs to install, maintain or repair electrical wiring, equipment and fixtures.

  • Light Fixtures, 6%

    Installed fans, light fixtures, outlets, switches, and electrical appliances in residential and commercial sites.

  • Preventive Maintenance, 5%

    Carried out preventive maintenance on electrical circuits.

"hand tools," "electrical systems," and "osha" are among the most common skills that junior mechanics use at work. You can find even more junior mechanic responsibilities below, including:

Customer-service skills. One of the key soft skills for a junior mechanic to have is customer-service skills. You can see how this relates to what junior mechanics do because "diesel technicians frequently discuss automotive problems and necessary repairs with their customers." Additionally, a junior mechanic resume shows how junior mechanics use customer-service skills: "performed daily routine maintenance service on customer equipment (john deere). ]"

Detail oriented. Many junior mechanic duties rely on detail oriented. "diesel technicians must be aware of small details when inspecting or repairing engines and components, because mechanical and electronic malfunctions are often due to misalignments and other easy-to-miss causes.," so a junior mechanic will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways junior mechanic responsibilities rely on detail oriented: "changed oil and performed routine maintenance and repair work performed state safety inspections kept detailed records and check sheets"

Organizational skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of junior mechanics is organizational skills. This skill is critical to many everyday junior mechanic duties, as "diesel technicians must keep workspaces clean and organized in order to maintain safety and accountability for parts." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "researched and implemented organizational maintenance practices/techniques, repair/replace components of the engine, cooling system, brake system, hydraulic system. "

Dexterity. junior mechanic responsibilities often require "dexterity." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "mechanics need a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination for many tasks, such as disassembling engine parts, connecting or attaching components, and using hand tools." This resume example shows what junior mechanics do with dexterity on a typical day: "learned hands on mechanical and electrical components performed oil changes, tune-ups and brake jobs communicated effectively with staff"

Physical strength. Another common skill required for junior mechanic responsibilities is "physical strength." This skill comes up in the duties of junior mechanics all the time, as "diesel technicians often lift heavy parts and tools, such as exhaust system components and pneumatic wrenches." An excerpt from a real junior mechanic resume shows how this skill is central to what a junior mechanic does: "passed the osha regulations exam as well as physical fitness exam"

Troubleshooting skills. Another skill commonly found on junior mechanic job descriptions is "troubleshooting skills." It can come up quite often in junior mechanic duties, since "diesel technicians use diagnostic equipment on engine systems and components in order to identify and fix problems in mechanical and electronic systems." Here's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day junior mechanic responsibilities: "worked with high voltage .electrical repairs.troubleshooting circuits.wire three way and four way switches.service and label panel. "

See the full list of junior mechanic skills

The three companies that hire the most junior mechanics are:

Choose from 10+ customizable junior mechanic resume templates

Build a professional junior mechanic resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your junior mechanic resume.
Junior Mechanic Resume
Junior Mechanic Resume
Junior Mechanic Resume
Junior Mechanic Resume
Junior Mechanic Resume
Junior Mechanic Resume
Junior Mechanic Resume
Junior Mechanic Resume
Junior Mechanic Resume
Junior Mechanic Resume
Junior Mechanic Resume
Junior Mechanic Resume
Junior Mechanic Resume
Junior Mechanic Resume
Junior Mechanic Resume
Junior Mechanic Resume

Compare different junior mechanics

Junior mechanic vs. Mechanic's assistant

A mechanics assistant job involves assisting mechanics in operating, repairing, and refurbishing vehicles. Primarily, mechanics assistants work on the installation, repair, and replacement of an automobile's mechanical parts. They need to be knowledgeable of the processes and composition of automobiles. Also, they execute the opening and closing tasks in stores. The skillset for this position includes a strong work ethic, diagnostic skills, problem-solving, prior experience, customer service skills, and resourcefulness.

If we compare the average junior mechanic annual salary with that of a mechanic's assistant, we find that mechanic's assistants typically earn a $1,724 higher salary than junior mechanics make annually.Even though junior mechanics and mechanic's assistants are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require hand tools, electrical systems, and osha in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, junior mechanic responsibilities require skills like "ladders," "light fixtures," "preventive maintenance," and "pipe systems." Meanwhile a typical mechanic's assistant has skills in areas such as "preventative maintenance," "safety equipment," "maintenance services," and "mechanical equipment." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Mechanic's assistants earn the highest salaries when working in the energy industry, with an average yearly salary of $53,930. On the other hand, junior mechanics are paid more in the construction industry with an average salary of $42,844.The education levels that mechanic's assistants earn slightly differ from junior mechanics. In particular, mechanic's assistants are 1.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a junior mechanic. Additionally, they're 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Junior mechanic vs. 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. Aside from repairing engines, diesel technicians may also fix other systems such as brakes, steering, and even lighting. It is essential to discuss the extent of repairs to clients and make them understand the costs involved. Furthermore, it is vital to maintain an accurate record of data at all times.

Diesel technician positions earn higher pay than junior mechanic roles. They earn a $7,059 higher salary than junior mechanics per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Junior mechanics and diesel technicians both require similar skills like "hand tools," "electrical systems," and "electrical repairs" to carry out their responsibilities.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, junior mechanic responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "osha," "ladders," "light fixtures," and "preventive maintenance." Meanwhile, a diesel technician has duties that require skills in areas such as "cdl," "customer service," "preventative maintenance," and "diagnosis." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Diesel technicians may earn a higher salary than junior mechanics, but diesel technicians earn the most pay in the utilities industry with an average salary of $49,875. On the other hand, junior mechanics receive higher pay in the construction industry, where they earn an average salary of $42,844.diesel technicians earn similar levels of education than junior mechanics in general. They're 1.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Junior mechanic vs. Electrician/mechanic

Electricians are skilled tradesmen responsible for installing, repair, testing, and modifying electrical systems and components. Their duties include maintaining electrical components and systems, conducting diagnostic testings, ensuring complete repair and service documentation, and making sure that supplies have sufficient inventory. They also implement preventative maintenance, troubleshoot repair issues, and verify that work adheres to blueprints, electrical codes, and regulations. Electricians work with power tools to complete a project and maintain open communication with clients to deliver progress reports.

On average, electrician/mechanics earn higher salaries than junior mechanics, with a $20,546 difference per year.By looking over several junior mechanics and electrician/mechanics resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "hand tools," "electrical systems," and "light fixtures." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a junior mechanic is likely to be skilled in "osha," "ladders," "pipe systems," and "routine maintenance," while a typical electrician/mechanic is skilled in "plc," "electrical conduit," "control systems," and "mechanical equipment."

Electrician/mechanics make a very good living in the manufacturing industry with an average annual salary of $62,137. On the other hand, junior mechanics are paid the highest salary in the construction industry, with average annual pay of $42,844.Most electrician/mechanics achieve a similar degree level compared to junior mechanics. For example, they're 3.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Junior mechanic vs. 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. In addition, you will be responsible for logging labor costs and inventory use and take vehicles for test drives. Other duties include replacing belts and hoses, assisting the lead mechanic in major projects, and repairing and maintaining cars.

Mechanic helpers tend to earn a lower pay than junior mechanics by an average of $7,917 per year.While their salaries may vary, junior mechanics and mechanic helpers both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "hand tools," "electrical systems," and "preventive maintenance. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A junior mechanic uses "osha," "ladders," "light fixtures," and "pipe systems." Mechanic helpers are more likely to have duties that require skills in "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "safety equipment," and "safety procedures. "In general, mechanic helpers earn the most working in the professional industry, with an average salary of $36,229. The highest-paying industry for a junior mechanic is the construction industry.In general, mechanic helpers hold similar degree levels compared to junior mechanics. Mechanic helpers are 0.7% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of junior mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs