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What is a mechanical technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Expert
John Irwin EdD
introduction image

A mechanical technician maintains and installs mechanical equipment and machinery. They work in a variety of industries including manufacturing, transportation, and construction. Mechanical technicians use hand and power tools to troubleshoot mechanical problems. They also perform routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning and replacing parts. Additionally, they may be involved in the development of new mechanical systems. Strong technical skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities are essential for success in this profession.

What general advice would you give to a Mechanical Technician?

John Irwin EdDJohn Irwin EdD LinkedIn Profile

Chair, Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology, Professor, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Michigan Technological University

Engineering technology graduates are masters of technology, gaining a broad and deep understanding of the processes, systems, tools, and techniques necessary to construct, modify, operate, and maintain an engineering design. They act as technological integrators, bridging the gap between the skilled trades and engineering fundamentals. This is a great career path for those who enjoy engineering concepts but would rather spend time working with their hands solving specific technical issues than tackling broader, more complex design challenges.
ScoreMechanical TechnicianUS Average
Salary
4.0

Avg. Salary $51,367

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
6.0

Growth Rate 2%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.69%

Asian 7.81%

Black or African American 9.57%

Hispanic or Latino 16.88%

Unknown 4.89%

White 60.17%

Gender

female 5.63%

male 94.37%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress Level
6.0

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
6.3

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
5.5

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Mechanical Technician?

Pros

  • Good job security

  • Hands-on work with machinery

  • Strong demand for skilled technicians

  • Opportunity to work in a variety of industries

  • Continuous learning and skill development

Cons

  • Exposure to hazardous materials and chemicals

  • Work may require prolonged periods of standing or bending

  • May require travel or working in remote locations

  • Risk of injury if proper safety procedures are not followed

  • Requires continuous education and training to keep up with changes in technology.

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Mechanical Technician career paths

Key steps to become a mechanical technician

  1. Explore mechanical technician education requirements

    Most common mechanical technician degrees

    Associate

    37.9 %

    High School Diploma

    23.3 %

    Bachelor's

    20.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific mechanical technician skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Preventive Maintenance14.19%
    Hand Tools9.70%
    Electro-mechanical5.23%
    Mechanical Equipment3.89%
    PLC3.49%
  3. Complete relevant mechanical technician training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New mechanical technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a mechanical technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real mechanical technician resumes.
  4. Gain additional mechanical technician certifications

    Mechanical technician certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific mechanical technician certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for mechanical technicians include EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) and OSHA Safety Certificate .

    More About Certifications
  5. Research mechanical technician duties and responsibilities

    • Dispatch work accordingly, manage and assist team members with more complex repairs and diagnosis.
    • Operate heavy equipment including cranes, heavy loaders, bulldozers, backhoes, and tractors.
    • Service motor relate equipment such as AC/DC drives, motor starters, power distribution equipment, and cranes and hoists.
    • Wire DC breaker/AC breaker panels.
  6. Prepare your mechanical technician resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your mechanical technician resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a mechanical technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Mechanical Technician Resume templates

    Build a professional Mechanical Technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Mechanical Technician resume.
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    Mechanical Technician Resume
  7. Apply for mechanical technician jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a mechanical technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Mechanical Technician Job

Zippi

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Average mechanical technician salary

The average Mechanical Technician salary in the United States is $51,367 per year or $25 per hour. Mechanical technician salaries range between $38,000 and $68,000 per year.

Average Mechanical Technician Salary
$51,367 Yearly
$24.70 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do mechanical technicians rate their job?

-/5

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3 Stars

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1 Star

Mechanical Technician reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2020
Pros

Flexibility

Cons

I have more to offer than n various task. My resume spells out my duties.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020
Pros

Challenging, technical, always something new, part of a team.

Cons

The hours, the low pay, high expectations to perform and exceed, expectation to always be on call, low budget for repairs.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Pros

just seeing myself fixing something making it work as new.


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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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