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How to hire a mechanical maintenance worker

Mechanical maintenance worker hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring mechanical maintenance workers in the United States:

  • HR departments typically spend 15% of their expenses on recruitment.
  • It usually takes about 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • It typically takes 36-42 days to fill a job opening.
  • The median cost to hire a mechanical maintenance worker is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend an average of $1,105 per mechanical maintenance worker on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • There are currently 6,330 mechanical maintenance workers in the US and 110,262 job openings.
  • Pahala, HI, has the highest demand for mechanical maintenance workers, with 2 job openings.
  • Fort Stewart, GA has the highest concentration of mechanical maintenance workers.

How to hire a mechanical maintenance worker, step by step

To hire a mechanical maintenance worker, 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 mechanical maintenance worker:

Here's a step-by-step mechanical maintenance worker hiring guide:

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

    First, determine the employments status of the mechanical maintenance worker you need to hire. Certain mechanical maintenance worker 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?

    A mechanical maintenance worker's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, mechanical maintenance workers 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.

    The following list breaks down different types of mechanical maintenance workers and their corresponding salaries.

    Type of Mechanical Maintenance WorkerDescriptionHourly rate
    Mechanical Maintenance WorkerIndustrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workers maintain and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery, such as conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging equipment. Millwrights install, dismantle, repair, reassemble, and move machinery in factories, power plants, and construction sites.$16-30
    OilerAn Oiler applies or puts lubricants, oil, or fuel on vehicles, motors, or machines. Besides monitoring and recording gage readings, an Oiler also helps professional engineers to start and operate machinery... Show more$11-34
    MechanicMechanics 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... Show more$16-30
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • CDL
    • Mechanical Equipment
    • Motor Vehicle
    • Technical Manuals
    • Diesel Engines
    • Plumbing
    • HVAC
    • Mechanical Maintenance
    • Routine Maintenance
    • Blowers
    • Oil Changes
    • Equipment Maintenance
    • General Maintenance
    • Water Pumps
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Coordinate all aspects of preventive maintenance, repair, and installation of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
    • Perform electrical repairs such as checking and replace fuses, ballasts, lamps, HVAC fan motors.
    • Dismantle devices to gain proper access and remove defective parts, using hoists, cranes, handtools and power tools.
    • Complete demolition and replacement of existing deteriorate plumbing.
    • Test electro-mechanical subsystems for circuit integrity and operational reliability.
    • Maintain and develop positive business relationships with a customer's key personnel involve in or directly relevant to a logistics activity.
    More mechanical maintenance worker duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your mechanical maintenance worker job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A mechanical maintenance worker salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

    For example, the average salary for a mechanical maintenance worker in Montana may be lower than in California, and an entry-level mechanical maintenance worker usually earns less than a senior-level mechanical maintenance worker. Additionally, a mechanical maintenance worker with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

    Average mechanical maintenance worker salary

    $47,850yearly

    $23.00 hourly rate

    Entry-level mechanical maintenance worker salary
    $35,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 15, 2025

    Average mechanical maintenance worker salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$62,859$30
    2New York$53,862$26
    3District of Columbia$51,191$25
    4Wisconsin$50,883$24
    5Texas$45,190$22
    6Indiana$43,912$21
    7Missouri$43,713$21

    Average mechanical maintenance worker salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1EMCOR Group$56,744$27.2899
    2Weirton Medical Center$53,664$25.80
    3Calavo Growers$49,065$23.591
    4Gonzalez$48,962$23.54
    5Marquette University$48,720$23.42
    6Minnesota Limited$48,405$23.272
    7National Railroad Passenger Corporation$46,994$22.591
    8Jackson Services Inc$46,005$22.12
    9Bertelsmann$45,679$21.961
    10Nueces County$44,460$21.386
    11Indianapolis Public Schools$43,945$21.13
    12Penguin Random House$43,369$20.852
    13ManpowerGroup$43,228$20.78113
    14Berkshire$42,944$20.65
    15Outagamie County$40,092$19.27
    16City of St. Louis$36,538$17.571
    17Architect of the Capitol$33,983$16.34
  4. Writing a mechanical maintenance worker job description

    A mechanical maintenance worker 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. Below, you can find an example of a mechanical maintenance worker job description:

    Mechanical maintenance worker job description example

    The position you are applying for is with Vertex Technology & Training Solutions which was formerly Raytheon Global Training & Logistics. The Vertex Company acquired Raytheon Global Training & Logistics in December 2021.

    The Vertex Company is a services solutions provider that operates as a federal government prime contractor. With over 7,000 employees in 200 locations worldwide, the Mississippi-based company offers vertically integrated solutions for defense and commercial customers.

    Delivering integrated turnkey lifecycle support from concept definition, to engineering and manufacturing, through end-of-life support of complex systems and platforms, Vertex offerings include all levels of aviation maintenance, worldwide contractor logistics support, systems engineering and integration, specialized onsite mission execution, high consequence training programs for defense and commercial customers, and integrated supply-chain solutions. Over our 50-year history, we have perfected the balance of cost, schedule, and performance to offer high-quality solutions that consistently exceed customer requirements.

    The Vertex Company is a Federal Contractor and must comply with Federal mandates. All employees may be required to obtain a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of continued employment. A medical or religious accommodation may be granted on a case-by-case basis. In order for an accommodation to be considered, you must submit the COVID-19 Vaccination Accommodation Request form.

    Vertex is a portfolio company of American Industrial Partner (AIP), an operationally orientated private investment firm with a 30-year track record of working with management teams to build scaled world class businesses (www.americanindustrial.com).
    Job duties and other related activities as assigned:

    + Must demonstrate competencies necessary to meet business requirements. May perform as a member of a functional and/or cross- functional team.

    + Assembly, disassembly of complex electrical and mechanical systems in accordance with common military, commercial, and aerospace specifications.

    + Must possess practical knowledge of basic electrical and mechanical assembly processes.

    + Must be able to perform duties using pneumatic tools, electric tools, hand tools, and measuring equipment.

    + Electrical duties include, but are not limited to, assembly/disassembly of parts/components/hardware, connectors, and wiring into cabinets, chassis, and console type assemblies.

    + Mechanical duties include, but are not limited to, assembly/disassembly/adjustment of parts/components/hardware in complex mechanical systems.

    + May perform informal, in-process checks on manufactured or processed items to assist authorized formal inspection and/or test personnel in determining product validation or assist other related job classifications when directed.

    + Requires bending, reaching and lifting of objects within Raytheon EHSS guidelines.

    + Must be able to read, interpret and analyze engineering drawings, production planning and other technical documents.

    + Ability to obtain a security clearance may be required.

    Required Education:

    High School Diploma or GED

    Vertex is committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment in which we recognize and value each other's differences as well as fostering a culture that promotes its core values: Professionalism, Integrity, and Respect. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

    Raytheon Technologies is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

    Raytheon Technologies is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.
  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right mechanical maintenance worker for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your mechanical maintenance worker job on Zippia to find and recruit mechanical maintenance worker candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    To successfully recruit mechanical maintenance workers, 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. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

    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 mechanical maintenance worker

    Once you've selected the best mechanical maintenance worker candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the 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.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new mechanical maintenance worker. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  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 mechanical maintenance worker?

Before you start to hire mechanical maintenance workers, 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 mechanical maintenance workers pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

The median annual salary for mechanical maintenance workers is $47,850 in the US. However, the cost of mechanical maintenance worker hiring can vary a lot depending on location. Additionally, hiring a mechanical maintenance worker for contract work or on a per-project basis typically costs between $16 and $30 an hour.

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