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How to hire a pump mechanic

Pump mechanic hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring pump mechanics 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 pump mechanic is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend an average of $1,105 per pump mechanic on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • There are currently 9,784 pump mechanics in the US and 34,694 job openings.
  • Houston, TX, has the highest demand for pump mechanics, with 8 job openings.
  • Odessa, TX has the highest concentration of pump mechanics.

How to hire a pump mechanic, step by step

To hire a pump mechanic, you should create an ideal candidate profile, determine a budget, and post and promote your job. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a pump mechanic:

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

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

What does a pump mechanic do?

A pump mechanic is someone who inspects, diagnoses, and does minor and major repair work on pumps. Pump mechanics perform mechanical works on hydraulic equipment, valves, compressors, motors, controls, and associated equipment. The mechanics repair wastewater lift stations, water transfer pumps, and storm drain stations. They examine the pumps for possible malfunctioning and find the wear or damage, such as blowout packing. Among the tools they use during their mechanical tasks are high torque drills, basic hand tools, sandblasters, torches, and precision measurement tools.

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

    Before you start hiring a pump mechanic, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

    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 pump mechanic 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 pump mechanic that fits the bill.

    Here's a comparison of pump mechanic salaries for various roles:

    Type of Pump MechanicDescriptionHourly rate
    Pump MechanicIndustrial 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.$17-32
    Generation TechnicianA generation technician specializes in performing systems installations and maintenance, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities include providing support to clients and fellow company employees, troubleshooting errors, performing repairs and replacements, and referring clients to other services when necessary... Show more$13-26
    Automotive Service TechnicianAutomotive service technicians, often called service technicians, have a duty to inspect, maintain, and repair cars and even light trucks. It is their job as automotive service technicians to find problems, often by computerized diagnostic equipment... Show more$12-35
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Hand Tools
    • DOT
    • Mechanical Problems
    • Electric Motors
    • CDL
    • Mechanical Equipment
    • Hydrostatic Testing
    • Plungers
    • Diesel Engines
    • Centrifugal Pumps
    • Safety Procedures
    • Gear Boxes
    • Repair Pumps
    • Electrical Systems
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Accomplish final operational checkout for conformance to customer specifications of prototype and new electronic systems including system installation on new airframes.
    • Used welder, torches, band see, drill press, etc.
    • Disassemble, inspect, repair, and reassemble various different pumps, gearboxes, and blowers.
    • Weld lock plates onto the material with a gas mig welder.
    • Rebuild high speed Sundyne gearboxes and low speed Amarillo and Lufkin gearboxes.
    • Operate cutting torches or welding equipment to cut or join metal parts, fabricate anything.
    More pump mechanic duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in the pump mechanic job description is a good way to get more applicants. A pump mechanic 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 pump mechanic in Tennessee may be lower than in California, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level pump mechanic. Additionally, a pump mechanic with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

    Average pump mechanic salary

    $50,382yearly

    $24.22 hourly rate

    Entry-level pump mechanic salary
    $36,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 14, 2025

    Average pump mechanic salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$69,045$33
    2Colorado$65,741$32
    3Arizona$58,060$28
    4Alaska$56,910$27
    5New Mexico$52,516$25
    6Louisiana$52,152$25
    7Texas$51,976$25
    8Oklahoma$48,577$23
    9Connecticut$47,704$23
    10Massachusetts$46,941$23
    11Virginia$46,501$22
    12Wisconsin$43,615$21
    13Michigan$43,216$21
    14Tennessee$42,553$20
    15South Carolina$41,735$20
    16Alabama$39,702$19
    17Florida$39,511$19

    Average pump mechanic salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1United Rentals$58,424$28.09262
    2Caterpillar$58,022$27.905
    3Pierce Manufacturing$57,481$27.64
    4Freeport-McMoRan$56,222$27.0331
    5CyberCoders$54,985$26.441
    6Flowserve$52,973$25.472
    7Suncor Energy$51,068$24.551
    8Danfoss$50,977$24.51
    9Industrial Service Solutions$50,696$24.372
    10Electric Motor & Contracting Co.$50,523$24.29
    11cornellcraneandsteel$50,473$24.27
    12HKA Enterprises$50,225$24.158
    13Thompson Ehle$50,024$24.05
    14JMAC RESOURCES INC$50,021$24.054
    15DXP Enterprises$49,894$23.9925
    16ABM Industries$49,868$23.9818
    17Bradley-Morris$49,657$23.87
    18Randstad North America, Inc.$49,447$23.771
    19Select Energy Services$49,345$23.72
    20TPI$49,194$23.651
  4. Writing a pump mechanic job description

    A good pump mechanic job description should include a few things:

    • Summary of the role
    • List of responsibilities
    • Required skills and experience

    Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a pump mechanic job description:

    Pump mechanic job description example

    Do you want to grow with us? At DXP we are passionate about what we do and driven to be the best solution for our industrial customers. Since 1908 DXP has been dedicated to the highest quality of customer service through our expertise of the products we distribute and the technical services we perform with a sense of individual pride and company spirit. Throughout your career with DXP, we will encourage and empower you to take an active role in identifying and driving your development, so you feel total confidence in your ability to achieve ongoing success. We aspire to be the best solution for the Industrial customers' needs for MROP products and services through our Innovative Pumping Solutions, Metal Working, Supply Chain Services and Service Centers.

    Responsibilities of the Pump Mechanic include, but are not limited to:

    • Repair, fabricate, install and remove a variety of centrifugal pumps as well as other related rotating equipment.

    #DXPE #LI-JA1

    Qualifications of the Pump Mechanic include, but are not limited to:

    • Must have five years experience working with rotating equipment, pumps, motors, centrifugal pumps, fabrication and machinery.

    • Oil and Gas and or Manufacturing Industry preferred.

    • Background check, physical, and drug test required

    Additional Information:

    Physical Demand: Able to lift 50lbs

    Working Conditions: AC and Heated Shop

    Training/Certifications: N/A

    Shift Time/Overtime: 6:00am-6:00pm

    Travel: N/A

    Education: High School Diploma or GED

    DXP is always looking for individuals who want to join a team of employees who have the desire to achieve remarkable accomplishments together. The culture of the organization is supportive and goal oriented with high expectations, yet it is an environment where the team spirit inspires everyone to do their best. All DXP employees play a vital part in the organization and are treated with respect. By applying to DXP, you will have the opportunity to speak with some of the most respected professionals in the industry.

    DXP offers a comprehensive benefits package including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending, 401(k), paid holidays, Life and Disability Insurance, and additional supplemental products. EOE/M/F/D/V

    Company DescriptionFounded as Southern Engine and Pump Company in 1908, DXP was re-chartered in 1979 as Sepco Industries and renamed DXP Enterprises, Inc. in 1996. Over the years, we have strengthened our ability to support our customers by acquiring a diverse group of companies with a powerful corporate focus on product expertise, technical services and Industrial MRO supply chain management.

    Today, DXP is a publicly traded professional distribution management company that provides products and services to a variety of industries through its Innovative Pumping Solutions (IPS), Supply Chain Services and MROP Products and Services.

    DXP continues to stay on the leading edge of technology, training and products while attracting and retaining the best employees. Our corporate strategy is simply to be the best solution for the industrial customer.
  5. Post your job

    To find pump mechanics for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any pump mechanics they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level pump mechanics with the right educational background.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your pump mechanic job on Zippia to find and recruit pump mechanic 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 pump mechanics, 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.

    You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete 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 pump mechanic

    Once you've selected the best pump mechanic 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.

    To prepare for the new pump mechanic first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

  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 pump mechanic?

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

You can expect to pay around $50,382 per year for a pump mechanic, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for pump mechanics in the US typically range between $17 and $32 an hour.

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