How to hire a mechanic driver

How to hire a mechanic driver, step by step

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

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your mechanic driver job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a mechanic driver for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A mechanic driver's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, mechanic drivers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of mechanic drivers.

   Type of Mechanic Driver	Description	Hourly rate
   Mechanic Driver	Diesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair, and overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engine.	$16-30
   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... Show more	$15-31
   Truck Technician	Truck technicians are skilled employees who are responsible for working and inspecting the mechanical parts of trucks such as the engine, wheels, accelerator, and brakes. These technicians must use specialized instruments and tools to diagnose problems and repair parts... Show more	$15-28

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Tractor Trailer
   • CDL
   • Dump Truck
   • Preventative Maintenance
   • DOT
   • Safety Equipment
   • MIG
   • Semi Trucks
   • Diesel Engines
   • Routine Maintenance
   • Fuel Systems
   • Tow Truck
   • OTR
   • Troubleshoot

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
   • DOT inspections, replacing brakes, tires, king pins shackle pins.
   • Repair and replace damage or worn parts and troubleshoot problems.
   • Metal fabrication and MIG welding to restore serviceability of 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.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your mechanic driver job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A mechanic driver can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, mechanic drivers' average salary in arkansas is 39% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level mechanic drivers 47% less than senior-level mechanic drivers.
   • Certifications. A mechanic driver with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a mechanic driver's salary.

   Average mechanic driver salary

   $47,243yearly

   $22.71 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level mechanic driver salary

   $34,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

4. Writing a mechanic driver job description

   A job description for a mechanic driver 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 mechanic driver job description:

   Mechanic driver job description example

   Our Diesel Mechanics perform inspection, diagnosis, preventative maintenance, and repair of electrical, hydraulic, suspension, brake and air systems on vehicles and equipment, including diesel heavy trucks and engines. Utilizing diagnostic software, Mechanics are responsible for interpreting failure modes and initiate or assign necessary repairs. At times, Mechanics may be on call, assisting with emergency breakdowns.
   
   • Competitive Pay | $10,000 Sign on Bonus | Full Time | OT after 40 hrs
   • $ 5,000 referral bonus
   • Union Position
   • Monday-Friday
   • Diesel Mechanics perform inspection, diagnosis, preventative maintenance, and repair of electrical, hydraulic, suspension, brake and air systems on vehicles and equipment, including diesel heavy trucks and engines.
   • Hydraulics experience is highly preferred
   Requirements Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and legally eligible to work in the United States.
   A valid driver's license is required. CDL preferred.
   2+ years' experience working as a heavy duty Diesel Mechanic
   Hydraulics experience is highly preferred
   Experience with troubleshooting/repairing DPF systems diagnostic software such as Premium Tech Tool (Mack), Allison transmission, Cummins, CAT, Peterbilt, and Paccar.
   Yellow Iron experience and/or experience as a Mechanic or Technician for a refuge company is a plus.
   Working knowledge of applicable DOT and OSHA standards and regulations.
   Must be able to speak and read English well enough to converse with colleagues, drivers and dispatch, and be able to make legible entries on reports and records.
   Must be able to meet the physical and safety requirements of the position.
   Must be able to provide own tools Career opportunities We believe in providing the training and development you need to grow your career with IWS. Many of our Supervisors, Dispatchers, Managers, and other leadership staff, started their careers as Helpers or Drivers. IWS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. Salary and benefits IWS is committed to providing a world class work place to all employees. Each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package including, hourly pay based on experience and paid overtime, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and more. Our employees also receive Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Personal Days. All mechanics and technicians are members of a Union and benefits will be provided as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

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

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit mechanic drivers, 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 mechanic driver

   Once you've decided on a perfect mechanic driver 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 equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new mechanic driver. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are 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.)

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