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What does a master mechanic do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Trish Serratore
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Master mechanic responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real master mechanic resumes:

  • Maintain all HVAC and refrigeration equipment and replace units as needed
  • 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.

Master mechanic skills and personality traits

We calculated that 12% of Master Mechanics are proficient in Preventative Maintenance, Hand Tools, and Electrical Systems. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Detail oriented, and Dexterity.

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

  • Preventative Maintenance, 12%

    Developed and implemented the Preventative Maintenance System for the facility support equipment.

  • Hand Tools, 7%

    Use hand tools and carries toolbox, uses power tools and equipment.

  • Electrical Systems, 6%

    Worked with electrical systems throughout the complex: MCC Centers, distribution panels, UPS systems, and standby generators.

  • Diagnosis, 6%

    Provide automotive repairs on gasoline powered vehicles ranging from diagnosis to part replacement to performance modifications

  • Plumbing, 5%

    Performed Plumbing of all types: copper, steel, stainless steel, plastic, iron, cast.

  • PLC, 4%

    Used Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's) to troubleshoot facility problems.

Common skills that a master mechanic uses to do their job include "preventative maintenance," "hand tools," and "electrical systems." You can find details on the most important master mechanic responsibilities below.

Customer-service skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a master mechanic to have is customer-service skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "service technicians discuss automotive problems—along with options to fix them—with their customers." Master mechanics often use customer-service skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "maintain customer base of monthly preventative maintenance services. "

Detail oriented. Another essential skill to perform master mechanic duties is detail oriented. Master mechanics responsibilities require that "service technicians must be aware of small details when inspecting or repairing vehicle systems, because mechanical and electronic malfunctions are often due to misalignments or other easy-to-miss causes." Master mechanics also use detail oriented in their role according to a real resume snippet: "general maintenance, engine stripping/inventory parts, auto detailing, shuttling cars, deconstructing wrecked cars, forklift operator,"

Dexterity. master mechanics are also known for dexterity, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to master mechanic responsibilities, because "service technicians perform many tasks that require steady hands and good hand–eye coordination, such as assembling or attaching components and subassemblies." A master mechanic resume example shows how dexterity is used in the workplace: "licensed forklift, crane, and scissor lift operator. "

Mechanical skills. A big part of what master mechanics do relies on "mechanical skills." You can see how essential it is to master mechanic responsibilities because "service technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical master mechanic tasks: "supervised mechanical and hydraulic repairs and maintenance of over 50 cranes, 40 trucks, 60 trailers. "

Organizational skills. Another crucial skill for a master mechanic to carry out their responsibilities is "organizational skills." A big part of what master mechanics relies on this skill, since "service technicians must keep workspaces clean and organized in order to maintain safety and ensure accountability of parts." How this skill relates to master mechanic duties can be seen in an example from a master mechanic resume snippet: "monitored 273 scheduled and unscheduled maintenance operations while executing five field tactical problems throughout keen insight and organizational skill. "

Physical strength. Another skill commonly found on master mechanic job descriptions is "physical strength." It can come up quite often in master mechanic duties, since "service technicians must sometimes lift and maneuver heavy parts such as engines and body panels." Here's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day master mechanic responsibilities: "required to maintain class a license and dot physical according to federal regulations. "

See the full list of master mechanic skills

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Compare different master mechanics

Master 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.

We looked at the average master mechanic salary and compared it with the wages of a mechanic helper. Generally speaking, mechanic helpers are paid $13,563 lower than master mechanics per year.Even though master mechanics and mechanic helpers are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require hand tools, electrical systems, and hvac in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, master mechanic responsibilities require skills like "preventative maintenance," "diagnosis," "ac dc," and "plumbing." Meanwhile a typical mechanic helper has skills in areas such as "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "preventive maintenance," and "safety equipment." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Mechanic helpers earn the highest salaries when working in the professional industry, with an average yearly salary of $36,229. On the other hand, master mechanics are paid more in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $59,212.On average, mechanic helpers reach lower levels of education than master mechanics. Mechanic helpers are 6.2% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Master mechanic vs. Mobile equipment mechanic

Mobile equipment mechanics are skilled employees who are responsible for conducting repairs and maintenance of construction and surface mining equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators. These mechanics must inspect machines and heavy equipment while evaluating operating manuals to perform diagnosis and resolve any defects. They are required to use hand and power tools to perform repairs on the defective equipment parts. Mobile equipment mechanics must also check any open circuits on the electrical systems of heavy equipment.

A career as a mobile equipment mechanic brings a higher average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a master mechanic. In fact, mobile equipment mechanics salary is $26,735 higher than the salary of master mechanics per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Master mechanics and mobile equipment mechanics both require similar skills like "hand tools," "electrical systems," and "ac dc" to carry out their responsibilities.

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that master mechanic responsibilities requires skills like "preventative maintenance," "diagnosis," "plumbing," and "plc." But a mobile equipment mechanic might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "loaders," "preventive maintenance," "mechanical systems," and "asphalt."

On average, mobile equipment mechanics earn a higher salary than master mechanics. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, mobile equipment mechanics earn the most pay in the government industry with an average salary of $84,306. Whereas master mechanics have higher pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $59,212.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Mobile equipment mechanics tend to reach lower levels of education than master mechanics. In fact, they're 5.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for master mechanics in the next 3-5 years?

Trish SerratoreTrish Serratore LinkedIn profile

Senior VP Communications, ASE

Vehicle manufacturers continue to add technology to their vehicles. Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS), collision avoidance technology, and telematics are just a few of these technologies. Infotainment will continue to be a prevalent factor as more folks want their vehicles to do what their phone does.

Master mechanic vs. Industrial maintenance mechanic

An industrial maintenance mechanic is responsible for ensuring the efficiency and optimal performance of industrial equipment and machinery to support operations and prevent operational delays. Industrial maintenance mechanics perform regular maintenance for the equipment, inspecting the components for any malfunctions, and conduct immediate repairs as needed. They also write resolution reports for reference and recommend supplies and resources to avoid the reoccurrence of system problems and downtimes. An industrial maintenance mechanic must have excellent organizational and analytical skills to measure and calibrate instruments properly and identify inconsistencies.

On average scale, industrial maintenance mechanics bring in higher salaries than master mechanics. In fact, they earn a $4,627 higher salary per year.By looking over several master mechanics and industrial maintenance mechanics resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "hand tools," "electrical systems," and "ac dc." 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 master mechanic is likely to be skilled in "preventative maintenance," "diagnosis," "vehicle problems," and "ase," while a typical industrial maintenance mechanic is skilled in "industrial maintenance," "conveyor systems," "ladders," and "production machines."

Industrial maintenance mechanics make a very good living in the construction industry with an average annual salary of $52,513. On the other hand, master mechanics are paid the highest salary in the manufacturing industry, with average annual pay of $59,212.industrial maintenance mechanics typically earn lower educational levels compared to master mechanics. Specifically, they're 5.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Master mechanic vs. Master

A master is an individual who has the power and ability to make use, dispose of something, or take control. One can be a master of a certain language, skill, or anything he/she or she is an expert of. In terms of requirements, a master must be extremely knowledgeable in whichever area they choose to be an expert in. This may entail intense studying, research, and dedication.

Masters tend to earn a higher pay than master mechanics by an average of $24,331 per year.According to resumes from master mechanics and masters, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "hand tools," "arc welding," and "perform routine maintenance. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A master mechanic uses "preventative maintenance," "electrical systems," "diagnosis," and "ac dc." Masters are more likely to have duties that require skills in "social work," "customer service," "ladders," and "excellent interpersonal. "The average resume of masters showed that they earn higher levels of education compared to master mechanics. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 7.5% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.9%.

Types of master 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.

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