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How to hire a mechanic's assistant

Mechanic's assistant hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring mechanic's assistants in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a mechanic's assistant is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new mechanic's assistant to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a mechanic's assistant, step by step

To hire a mechanic's assistant, consider the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Follow these steps to hire a mechanic's assistant:

Here's a step-by-step mechanic's assistant 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's assistant job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new mechanic's assistant
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a mechanic's assistant do?

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.

Learn more about the specifics of what a mechanic's assistant does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the mechanic's assistant you need to hire. Certain mechanic's assistant roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a mechanic's assistant to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a mechanic's assistant that fits the bill.

    The following list breaks down different types of mechanic's assistants and their corresponding salaries.

    Type of Mechanic's AssistantDescriptionHourly rate
    Mechanic's AssistantDiesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair, and overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engine.$12-30
    Mobile Equipment MechanicMobile 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... Show more$21-55
    Instrument Technician ApprenticeAn instrument technician apprentice is responsible for performing installation and repairs on various electrical equipment and instruments such as control panels and motors, all while under the supervision and directives of a senior or master technician. Typically, their tasks revolve around conducting regular maintenance checks, coordinating with other technicians, organizing supplies, operating electrical tools, and understanding various electronic principles... Show more$12-27
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Preventative Maintenance
    • Hand Tools
    • OSHA
    • Safety Equipment
    • Oil Changes
    • Routine Maintenance
    • Maintenance Services
    • Service Calls
    • Mechanical Equipment
    • Hoists
    • Vehicle Maintenance
    • Mechanical Troubleshooting
    • Diesel Engines
    • HVAC
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Manage paperwork associate with HVAC procedures and invoices
    • Remove defective parts by dismantling devices; using hoists, cranes, and hand and power tools.
    • Light duty power equipment, chainsaws, string trimmers, leaf blowers, snow blowers, etc.
    • Work extensively with HVAC in automotive capacity.
    • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
    • Pick up and deliver a/c units, parts and materials to jobsite.
    More mechanic's assistant duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in the mechanic's assistant job description is a good way to get more applicants. A mechanic's assistant salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

    For example, the average salary for a mechanic's assistant in Idaho may be lower than in New York, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level mechanic's assistant. Additionally, a mechanic's assistant with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

    Average mechanic's assistant salary

    $41,533yearly

    $19.97 hourly rate

    Entry-level mechanic's assistant salary
    $27,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 14, 2025

    Average mechanic's assistant salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$56,938$27
    2New Jersey$55,755$27
    3New York$52,697$25
    4Delaware$50,997$25
    5New Hampshire$50,729$24
    6Washington$48,765$23
    7Ohio$47,338$23
    8Michigan$46,864$23
    9Minnesota$45,425$22
    10Nevada$45,215$22
    11Rhode Island$44,913$22
    12Colorado$44,774$22
    13Illinois$44,622$21
    14Florida$42,058$20
    15Wisconsin$41,759$20
    16Utah$39,373$19
    17Missouri$39,316$19
    18Oklahoma$39,195$19
    19Virginia$39,070$19
    20Texas$37,376$18

    Average mechanic's assistant salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1ASRC Federal$96,060$46.186
    2GPAC$90,897$43.70
    3Cummins$79,185$38.076
    4Granite Construction$77,412$37.222
    5General Electric$68,575$32.97
    6Washington County$65,181$31.34
    7Columbia University in the City of New York$64,775$31.141
    8Village of Lincolnwood$61,464$29.55
    9Ashland MA Police$54,296$26.10
    10Mark-It$50,072$24.07
    11Integrated Resources$49,542$23.82
    12City of Lakewood$47,607$22.89
    13US Foods$46,849$22.52154
    14San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance$44,860$21.571
    15Penske Truck Leasing$44,384$21.34
    16Lehigh Hanson$43,944$21.13
    17UT Health San Antonio$42,081$20.23
    18Supermix Concrete$40,263$19.36
    19TEAM$40,256$19.3510
    20Goodwill of South Central WI$39,797$19.13
  4. Writing a mechanic's assistant job description

    A mechanic's assistant job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a mechanic's assistant job description:

    Mechanic's assistant job description example

      • Repairs and maintains machinery and mechanical equipment such as diesel engines, hydraulic systems, electric motors, pneumatic tools, conveyor systems, and production machines and equipment.
      • Observes mechanical devices in operation to assess proper usage
      • Reviews Daily Equipment Inspection reports on a daily basis
      • Inspects equipment randomly with operators
      • Follows Preventive Maintenance Work Order procedures
      • Administers Preventive Maintenance program from computer system
      • Ensures proper equipment lubrication in compliance with OEMs lubrication schedule
      • Pulls oil samples in accordance with OEM maintenance schedule
      • Diagnoses equipment failures and provide recommendations for proper repair course of action
      • Dismantles devices to remove and replace defective parts
      • Initiates purchase order for parts and machines
      • Repairs electrical equipment
      • Ensure that all equipment complies with OEMs and Regulatory Agencies operating standards
      • 2 - 5 years minimum mechanical repair related experience in a heavy industrial setting or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with heavy diesel & hydraulic equipment required.

    Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to climb or balance and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

    Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; outside weather conditions and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; risk of electrical shock and risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

    Sims Metals is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We value the diversity of all our employees. We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone can contribute, advance on merit, and realize their fullest potential. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, citizenship status, marital or familial status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics by Federal, State, or Local laws. Sims Metals is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, you may request such without fear of reprisal or discrimination.

    To find out more about Sims Metals, please visit www.simsltd.com

    Company DescriptionAt Sims Metals, we value our employees as much as we value our Planet. A career with Sims provides you with the opportunity to work with an organization whose goal is to be the world’s safest and most responsible recycling company. To accomplish this, we’re assembling a team of highly skilled diverse individuals. If you’re looking to join a company with a great mission of helping to save and sustain the environment, look no further than Sims Metals! We offer competitive pay, great benefits and unlimited opportunities for growth in a challenging yet rewarding career.
  5. Post your job

    There are a few common ways to find mechanic's assistants 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's assistant job on Zippia to find and recruit mechanic's assistant candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    During your first interview to recruit mechanic's assistants, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

    Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates 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's assistant

    Once you've decided on a perfect mechanic's assistant 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 also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new mechanic's assistant. 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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How much does it cost to hire a mechanic's assistant?

Before you start to hire mechanic's assistants, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire mechanic's assistants pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

Mechanic's assistants earn a median yearly salary is $41,533 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find mechanic's assistants for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $12 and $30.

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