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What is a lift truck mechanic and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a lift truck mechanic. For example, did you know that they make an average of $19.41 an hour? That's $40,376 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 4% and produce 12,600 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreLift Truck MechanicUS Average
Salary
3.2

Avg. Salary $40,376

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.3

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
10.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.08%

Asian 2.52%

Black or African American 9.53%

Hispanic or Latino 12.73%

Unknown 5.03%

White 69.12%

Gender

female 3.70%

male 96.30%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress level
6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
5.8

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a lift truck mechanic

  1. Explore lift truck mechanic education requirements

    Most common lift truck mechanic degrees

    High School Diploma

    42.9 %

    Associate

    21.4 %

    Diploma

    14.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific lift truck mechanic skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Electrical Systems100.00%
  3. Complete relevant lift truck mechanic training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New lift truck mechanics learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a lift truck mechanic based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real lift truck mechanic resumes.
  4. Research lift truck mechanic duties and responsibilities

    • Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
    • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
    • Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
  5. Apply for lift truck mechanic jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a lift truck mechanic job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first lift truck mechanic job

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Average lift truck mechanic salary

The average lift truck mechanic salary in the United States is $40,376 per year or $19 per hour. Lift truck mechanic salaries range between $28,000 and $56,000 per year.

Average lift truck mechanic salary
$40,376 Yearly
$19.41 hourly

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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.

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