What does a Service Mechanic do?
A service mechanic, or often known as a service technician, is an individual who inspects, maintains, and repairs cars and light trucks. Service mechanics must identify the vehicle's problems by using computerized diagnostic equipment and test parts and systems to ensure that they work properly. They must perform basic vehicular care and maintenance such as changing oil, checking fluid levels, and rotating tires. Service mechanics should also explain automotive problems to customers and perform repairs according to the manufacturer ad customer specifications.
Service mechanic responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real service mechanic resumes:
- Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
- Redesign and modify existing heavy machine shop equipment to meet or exceed strict OSHA requirements.
- DOT inspect various types of vehicles and do the repairs or adjustments on them.
- Perform troubleshooting and diagnosis, provide suggestions to superiors for a cost effective and safe repair.
- Implement new safety procedures for both transportation and material handling equipment IAW OSHA and local laws.
- Perform service on 25 ton to 500 ton chillers , 5-30 package rooftop equipment, split HVAC equipment.
- Skil in setting up and operating machine tools; small lathes, milling machines, drill presses, grinders.
- Authorize Cummins diesel engine mechanic.
- Install and troubleshoot electrical and computer components.
- Operate and troubleshoot production line machinery and computers.
- Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
- Repair and replace line switches, relays, fuse blocks, lighting, ect.
- Disassemble, inspect, and provide a parts list and estimate of repairs on oilfield service rig carrier and derrick.
- Replace wiring harnesses on all vehicles including solenoid switches, wiper switches, brake lights, etc.
- Adhere to MSHA regulations as well as mine safety rules.
Service mechanic skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Service Mechanics are proficient in Customer Service, Preventative Maintenance, and Hydraulic Systems. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Dexterity, and Organizational skills.
We break down the percentage of Service Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 9%
Demonstrated initiative by setting, and meeting personal goals to improve customer service, maximize productivity and increase departmental revenues.
- Preventative Maintenance, 8%
Field Mechanic Field Welder Fabricator Heavy equipment operator Diesel mechanic Preventative maintenance Performed oil changes and maintenance on heavy equipment
- Hydraulic Systems, 5%
Ensured hydraulic systems were operational and replaced defected parts when needed.
- Mechanical Equipment, 5%
Test mechanical equipment after repairs to verify and ensure proper performance with manufacturers specifications.
- HVAC, 5%
Install, troubleshoot & maintain major manufacturers HVAC systems * Perform routine maintenance on DX and Package Units, chillers, boilers
- Diagnosis, 5%
Repaired engines, brakes, clutches, A/C components, electrical systems repair and diagnosis, interior and external body parts.
"customer service," "preventative maintenance," and "hydraulic systems" are among the most common skills that service mechanics use at work. You can find even more service mechanic responsibilities below, including:
Customer-service skills. One of the key soft skills for a service mechanic to have is customer-service skills. You can see how this relates to what service mechanics do because "diesel technicians frequently discuss automotive problems and necessary repairs with their customers." Additionally, a service mechanic resume shows how service mechanics use customer-service skills: "job description: working directly with customers to repair equipment in the field. "
Dexterity. Many service mechanic duties rely on dexterity. "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.," so a service mechanic will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways service mechanic responsibilities rely on dexterity: "service and repair equipment including but not limited to scissor lift, fork lifts, skid steers and backhoes. "
Organizational skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of service mechanics is organizational skills. This skill is critical to many everyday service mechanic duties, as "diesel technicians must keep workspaces clean and organized in order to maintain safety and accountability for parts." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "researched and implemented organizational maintenance practices/techniques, repair/replace components of the engine, cooling system, brake system, hydraulic system. "
Physical strength. service mechanic responsibilities often require "physical strength." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "diesel technicians often lift heavy parts and tools, such as exhaust system components and pneumatic wrenches." This resume example shows what service mechanics do with physical strength on a typical day: "provide excellent customer service by establishing and strengthening relationships with clientele. "
Troubleshooting skills. A commonly-found skill in service mechanic job descriptions, "troubleshooting skills" is essential to what service mechanics do. Service mechanic responsibilities rely on this skill because "diesel technicians use diagnostic equipment on engine systems and components in order to identify and fix problems in mechanical and electronic systems." You can also see how service mechanic duties rely on troubleshooting skills in this resume example: "worked with networking, plumbing, troubleshooting electrical and performing mechanical repairs. "
Detail oriented. Lastly, "detail oriented" is an important element of what a service mechanic does. Service mechanic responsibilities require 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." This resume example highlights how service mechanic duties rely on this skill: "perform 90 day truck inspections service all tractor semis preventative maintenance detailing of company trucks as needed"
The three companies that hire the most service mechanics are:
- Crown Equipment48 service mechanics jobs
- New York State Restaurant Association47 service mechanics jobs
- Herc Rentals28 service mechanics jobs
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Compare different service mechanics
Service mechanic vs. Mechanic helper
The job of a mechanic helper is to support lead mechanics and perform a variety of duties and responsibilities. You will be assisting in the maintenance of cars, such as changing tires and oils, replacing brakes, and diagnosing vehicle issues. In addition, you will be responsible for logging labor costs and inventory use and take vehicles for test drives. Other duties include replacing belts and hoses, assisting the lead mechanic in major projects, and repairing and maintaining cars.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, service mechanic responsibilities require skills like "customer service," "preventative maintenance," "diagnosis," and "cdl." Meanwhile a typical mechanic helper has skills in areas such as "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "preventive maintenance," and "safety equipment." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Mechanic helpers earn the highest salaries when working in the professional industry, with an average yearly salary of $36,229. On the other hand, service mechanics are paid more in the energy industry with an average salary of $51,086.mechanic helpers tend to reach similar levels of education than service mechanics. In fact, mechanic helpers are 2.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Service mechanic vs. Shop technician
Shop Technicians are skilled workers assigned to a retail store. Their main activities depend on the nature of the business their company is in. Usually, Shop Technicians work with machines in the shop. They conduct repair and maintenance work for machines that have long been in the shop. They are also in charge of installing and building new machines as well. Shop Technicians are assigned to manage records of such machines or s other mechanical items in the store. This is part of the administrative activities they may do for the shop.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, service mechanic responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "mechanical equipment," "cdl," "propane," and "mechanical troubleshooting." Meanwhile, a shop technician has duties that require skills in areas such as "dot," "equipment maintenance," "safety inspections," and "safety procedures." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Shop technicians may earn a lower salary than service mechanics, but shop technicians earn the most pay in the energy industry with an average salary of $45,857. On the other hand, service mechanics receive higher pay in the energy industry, where they earn an average salary of $51,086.In general, shop technicians achieve similar levels of education than service mechanics. They're 0.8% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Service mechanic vs. Diesel technician
Diesel technicians specialize in repairing and handling the maintenance of vehicles powered by diesel. They are primarily responsible for inspecting cars, conducting tests, and identifying its problems to determine what course of action to take. Aside from repairing engines, diesel technicians may also fix other systems such as brakes, steering, and even lighting. It is essential to discuss the extent of repairs to clients and make them understand the costs involved. Furthermore, it is vital to maintain an accurate record of data at all times.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, service mechanics are more likely to have skills like "mechanical equipment," "test equipment," "propane," and "mechanical troubleshooting." But a diesel technician is more likely to have skills like "dot," "defective equipment," "pto," and "ase."
Diesel technicians earn the best pay in the utilities industry, where they command an average salary of $49,875. Service mechanics earn the highest pay from the energy industry, with an average salary of $51,086.diesel technicians typically earn similar educational levels compared to service mechanics. Specifically, they're 1.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Service mechanic vs. Equipment mechanic
An equipment mechanic specializes in inspecting and repairing mechanical systems, ensuring quality and efficiency. They typically respond to issues and concerns, identify client needs, conduct inspections, and perform corrective measures and repairs as needed. An equipment mechanic may also liaise with clients, explaining to them the extent of repairs and provide cost-estimates. Furthermore, it is essential to perform regular maintenance checks to ensure its efficiency and safety of operators, all while building positive relationships with customers to strengthen the client base.
Types of service mechanic
Updated January 8, 2025
