What does a mechanic do?
Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.
Mechanic responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real mechanic resumes:
- Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and hand tools, such as transfer cases, hydraulic cylinders, bell housings.
- Identify issues with wire feeder and power source, break press, overhead cranes , 2 ton to 25 ton hoists.
- chain saws, trimmers, tractors, push mowers, blowers, generators, cut saws, power washers, etc.
- Work with networking, plumbing, troubleshooting electrical and performing mechanical repairs.
- Monitor HVAC systems and operations, and ensure that routine preventive maintenance are performed according to establish schedules.
- Complete repair of low-boy style trailers, and tractors with wet line PTO systems.
- Field service calls for asphalt and paving equipment, as well as over-the-road trucks.
- Perform all preventative maintenance on buses including fluid checks to all fluid changes and lube.
- Overhaul or replace carburetors, blowers, generators, distributors, starters, and pumps.
- Maintain asphalt plant equipment repairs, cement plant, and multiple crusher facilities on a daily basis.
- Repair and maintain heavy construction and automotive equipment including, buses, dump trucks, bulldozers, backhoes ,.
- Require to stand for long periods of time, bend often, climb ladders, and squat for heavy lifting.
- Repair, maintain and install gasoline/diesel engines, generators, hydraulic/pneumatic systems, and plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems.
- Replace and fix fluid ends on pump trucks using heavy duty power tools, shop crane, forklift.
- Assemble from the crate, motorcycles, scooters, ATV's, snowmobiles, boat engines, and docks.
Mechanic skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Mechanics are proficient in Hand Tools, Preventive Maintenance, and Customer Service. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Detail oriented, and Dexterity.
We break down the percentage of Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Hand Tools, 9%
Dismantled machines and removed parts for repair, using hand tools, chain falls, jacks, cranes, or hoists.
- Preventive Maintenance, 8%
Perform preventive maintenance inspections and services on all fueling equipment.maintain clean work area.log inspection reports on condition of equipment.
- Customer Service, 7%
Company Name: Cycle Concepts Primary Responsibilities: Custom Fabrication, complicated installs and customer service, motorcycle electronics.
- Customer Vehicles, 7%
Repaired and maintained customer vehicles Auto/diesel/small engines/boats/tractors/motor homes
- Diagnosis, 6%
Worked in there fleet department repairing and diagnosis on all emergency apparatuses and ambulances and police vehicles also included maintenance schedules.
- Electrical Systems, 5%
Service internal combustion engine ignition/fuel/cooling/electrical systems.
Most mechanics use their skills in "hand tools," "preventive maintenance," and "customer service" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential mechanic responsibilities here:
Customer-service skills. The most essential soft skill for a mechanic to carry out their responsibilities is customer-service skills. This skill is important for the role because "diesel technicians frequently discuss automotive problems and necessary repairs with their customers." Additionally, a mechanic resume shows how their duties depend on customer-service skills: "maintain new diesel truck fleet for sale and walk-in customer service and related fleet maintenance. "
Detail oriented. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling mechanic duties is detail oriented. The role rewards competence in this skill because "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." According to a mechanic resume, here's how mechanics can utilize detail oriented in their job responsibilities: "changed oil on diesel trucks detailed interiors/exteriors of truck tractors painted motors disassembled and cleaned vehicle parts"
Dexterity. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of mechanics is dexterity. This skill is critical to many everyday mechanic duties, as "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 example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "major repair on tractors, forklifts, diesel trucks, automobiles, and a variety of industrial and ag equipment. "
Mechanical skills. mechanic responsibilities often require "mechanical skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "diesel technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other." This resume example shows what mechanics do with mechanical skills on a typical day: "perform mechanical repair and maintenance on light duty diesel trucks to maintain in a safe and proper operating condition. "
Organizational skills. Another crucial skill for a mechanic to carry out their responsibilities is "organizational skills." A big part of what mechanics relies on this skill, since "diesel technicians must keep workspaces clean and organized in order to maintain safety and accountability for parts." How this skill relates to mechanic duties can be seen in an example from a mechanic resume snippet: "diagnose and repair failures of automotive mechanical and electrical systems modify work procedures/processes to meet deadlines analyze organizational operating practices or procedures"
Physical strength. Lastly, "physical strength" is an important element of what a mechanic does. Mechanic responsibilities require this skill because "diesel technicians often lift heavy parts and tools, such as exhaust system components and pneumatic wrenches." This resume example highlights how mechanic duties rely on this skill: "provided physical and technical assistance for hvac technicians. "
The three companies that hire the most mechanics are:
- Amwaste Inc.542 mechanics jobs
- CarMax261 mechanics jobs
- LAUNCH Technical Workforce Solutions217 mechanics jobs
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Compare different mechanics
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.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a mechanic are more likely to require skills like "customer service," "customer vehicles," "diagnosis," and "maintenance services." On the other hand, a job as an industrial maintenance mechanic requires skills like "mechanical equipment," "plc," "production equipment," and "conveyor systems." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Industrial maintenance mechanics tend to make the most money working in the construction industry, where they earn an average salary of $52,513. In contrast, mechanics make the biggest average salary, $51,758, in the manufacturing industry.The education levels that industrial maintenance mechanics earn slightly differ from mechanics. In particular, industrial maintenance mechanics are 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a mechanic. Additionally, they're 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Mechanic vs. Building maintenance mechanic
A building maintenance mechanic is primarily in charge of maintaining mechanical systems and equipment in good condition. They conduct regular maintenance checks, performing repairs or replacements when necessary. They may also respond to issues and concerns, troubleshoot problems, install and upgrade systems, provide technical support and advice to staff, manage vehicles, monitor supply inventory, purchase supplies, and maintain records. Moreover, a building maintenance mechanic usually works in a team setting, which requires a clear communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, mechanic responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "preventive maintenance," "customer vehicles," "diagnosis," and "hydraulic systems." Meanwhile, a building maintenance mechanic has duties that require skills in areas such as "plumbing," "cleanliness," "snow removal," and "general upkeep." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Building maintenance mechanics may earn a lower salary than mechanics, but building maintenance mechanics earn the most pay in the energy industry with an average salary of $42,061. On the other hand, mechanics receive higher pay in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $51,758.In general, building maintenance mechanics achieve similar levels of education than mechanics. They're 0.5% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Mechanic vs. General maintenance mechanic
A general maintenance mechanic is responsible for ensuring the cleanliness and orderliness of the facilities and inspecting the condition and performance of the equipment and machinery for business operations and processes. General maintenance mechanics handle equipment repairs and replacement of defective components, requiring them to have extensive knowledge of the mechanical industry. They also install and assemble equipment by analyzing mechanical schematics and blueprints accurately. A general maintenance mechanic creates a comprehensive schedule of inspection, repairs, and quality control checks to preserve the safe standards of the premises.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, mechanics are more likely to have skills like "preventive maintenance," "customer vehicles," "diagnosis," and "routine maintenance." But a general maintenance mechanic is more likely to have skills like "plumbing," "electrical equipment," "mechanical equipment," and "caulking."
General maintenance mechanics make a very good living in the manufacturing industry with an average annual salary of $41,234. On the other hand, mechanics are paid the highest salary in the manufacturing industry, with average annual pay of $51,758.general maintenance mechanics typically earn similar educational levels compared to mechanics. Specifically, they're 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.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.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between mechanics and mobile equipment mechanics, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a mechanic might have more use for skills like "customer service," "customer vehicles," "diagnosis," and "routine maintenance." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of mobile equipment mechanics require skills like "cranes," "loaders," "mechanical systems," and "asphalt. "
The government industry tends to pay the highest salaries for mobile equipment mechanics, with average annual pay of $84,306. Comparatively, the highest mechanic annual salary comes from the manufacturing industry.mobile equipment mechanics reach similar levels of education compared to mechanics, in general. The difference is that they're 0.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of mechanic
Updated January 8, 2025
