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What does a shop mechanic do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
What does a shop mechanic do

A shop mechanic is responsible for maintaining and repairing defective machinery and vehicles. Shop mechanics identify the disrupted components by inspecting and running diagnostic tests and informing the owner of the necessary procedures they need to take. They discuss the costs and expenses, the materials to be used, and the duration to fix the machine upon analyzing its complexity. A shop mechanic monitors the shop inventory, assemble parts, and upgrade engines and machinery for optimal performance.

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Shop mechanic responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real shop mechanic resumes:

  • Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
  • Assemble coils, weld with mig welder and leak test finished products.
  • Install HVAC systems including repair, replacement and plumbing in residential homes.
  • Maintain, troubleshoot, & repair HVAC, chill water systems & support equipment.
  • Chain and unchain various types and sizes of air chain hoists ranging from 1 ton to 100 tons.
  • Machined/Construct various model appendages using manual and CNC machining.
  • Provide advance instruction and guidance using woodworking and metal working equipment including CNC plasma cutting equipment.
  • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
  • Repair and fabricate equipment parts using acetylene and mig welding tools.
  • Make adjustments and alignments to bearing loads, valve mechanisms, oil systems, clutches and traction units.
  • Make judgments concerning the seriousness of defects and damages (crack engine blocks, truck frames, and traction motors).
  • Repair and restore shattered windows.
  • Mull and assemble commercial/ residential windows.

Shop mechanic skills and personality traits

We calculated that 7% of Shop Mechanics are proficient in Hand Tools, Preventative Maintenance, and Hydraulic Systems. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Detail oriented, and Dexterity.

We break down the percentage of Shop Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Hand Tools, 7%

    Dismantled vehicles and removed parts for repair, using hand tools, chain falls, jacks, cranes, or hoists.

  • Preventative Maintenance, 6%

    Perform preventative maintenance, equipment configuration, electrical troubleshooting, and equipment repair on heavy equipment.

  • Hydraulic Systems, 6%

    Performed preventative and unscheduled maintenance on diesel and gas engines along with hydraulic systems and electrical systems.

  • Work Ethic, 5%

    Received Navy Marine Corp Achievement Medal for exemplary work ethic and professionalism

  • Cleanliness, 5%

    Worked to repair tractor trailers and maintained shop cleanliness.

  • CDL, 5%

    Inspected, maintained, repaired various trucks & trailers Inspected, maintained, repaired various rental equipment Forklift Customer service CDL license

"hand tools," "preventative maintenance," and "hydraulic systems" are among the most common skills that shop mechanics use at work. You can find even more shop mechanic responsibilities below, including:

Customer-service skills. The most essential soft skill for a shop mechanic to carry out their responsibilities is customer-service skills. This skill is important for the role because "diesel technicians frequently discuss automotive problems and necessary repairs with their customers." Additionally, a shop mechanic resume shows how their duties depend on customer-service skills: "worked in the shop repairing and maintaining rental equipment and customers' outdoor power equipment. "

Detail oriented. Another essential skill to perform shop mechanic duties is detail oriented. Shop mechanics responsibilities require that "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." Shop mechanics also use detail oriented in their role according to a real resume snippet: "delivered information about auto repair, detailing, and provides customer service. "

Dexterity. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of shop mechanics is dexterity. This skill is critical to many everyday shop mechanic duties, as "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." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "repair and p.m. of diesel truck eet, forklifts, skid loaders and a variety of other equipment. "

Mechanical skills. For certain shop mechanic responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "mechanical skills." The day-to-day duties of a shop mechanic rely on this skill, as "diesel technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what shop mechanics do: "performed mechanical and electrical troubleshooting and repairs. "

Organizational skills. Another common skill required for shop mechanic responsibilities is "organizational skills." This skill comes up in the duties of shop mechanics all the time, as "diesel technicians must keep workspaces clean and organized in order to maintain safety and accountability for parts." An excerpt from a real shop mechanic resume shows how this skill is central to what a shop mechanic does: "performed organizational maintenance services on wheeled vehicles, trailers, generators, and pumping units. "

Physical strength. While "physical strength" is last on this skills list, don't underestimate its importance to shop mechanic responsibilities. Much of what a shop mechanic does relies on this skill, seeing as "diesel technicians often lift heavy parts and tools, such as exhaust system components and pneumatic wrenches." Here is a resume example of how this skill is used in the everyday duties of shop mechanics: "passed the osha regulations exam as well as physical fitness exam"

All shop mechanic skills

The three companies that hire the most shop mechanics are:

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Compare different shop mechanics

Shop mechanic vs. Automotive service technician

Automotive 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. They do test parts and systems to guarantee that they work properly and follow checklists to ensure that every critical part is examined. Performing basic care and maintenance is also part of their main tasks, including changing oil, rotating tires, and checking fluid levels.

We looked at the average shop mechanic salary and compared it with the wages of an automotive service technician. Generally speaking, automotive service technicians are paid $4,300 lower than shop mechanics per year.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between shop mechanics and automotive service technicians are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like hand tools, work ethic, and cleanliness.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, shop mechanic responsibilities require skills like "preventative maintenance," "hydraulic systems," "cdl," and "electrical systems." Meanwhile a typical automotive service technician has skills in areas such as "manual dexterity," "customer satisfaction," "ase," and "automotive repair." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Automotive service technicians really shine in the health care industry with an average salary of $38,929. Comparatively, shop mechanics tend to make the most money in the government industry with an average salary of $43,954.On average, automotive service technicians reach similar levels of education than shop mechanics. Automotive service technicians are 0.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Shop 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.

On average, diesel technicians earn a $509 lower salary than shop mechanics a year.A few skills overlap for shop mechanics and diesel technicians. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "hand tools," "preventative maintenance," and "hydraulic systems. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, shop mechanic responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "air brakes," "rental equipment," "ladders," and "mig." Meanwhile, a diesel technician has duties that require skills in areas such as "diagnosis," "defective equipment," "pto," and "maintenance services." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Diesel technicians may earn a lower salary than shop mechanics, but diesel technicians earn the most pay in the utilities industry with an average salary of $49,875. On the other hand, shop mechanics receive higher pay in the government industry, where they earn an average salary of $43,954.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Diesel technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than shop mechanics. In fact, they're 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Shop mechanic vs. Heavy equipment mechanic

A heavy equipment mechanic is responsible for operating the heavy machinery used in the production of various industries, inspecting inconsistencies, running diagnostic tests, and replacing defective components to ensure its operational safety and efficiency. Heavy equipment mechanics also upgrade engine systems to boost optimal performance, analyze damage costs, and repair equipment parts with the assistance of other mechanical staff. They work closely with the management, create maintenance reports, and suggesting resolutions to avoid delays in production and customer service.

On average, heavy equipment mechanics earn higher salaries than shop mechanics, with a $1,641 difference per year.Using the responsibilities included on shop mechanics and heavy equipment mechanics resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "hand tools," "hydraulic systems," and "cdl.rdquo;

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, shop mechanics are more likely to have skills like "preventative maintenance," "work ethic," "cleanliness," and "customer service." But a heavy equipment mechanic is more likely to have skills like "forklifts," "dozer," "preventive maintenance," and "backhoe."

Heavy equipment mechanics earn the best pay in the transportation industry, where they command an average salary of $60,682. Shop mechanics earn the highest pay from the government industry, with an average salary of $43,954.heavy equipment mechanics typically earn similar educational levels compared to shop mechanics. Specifically, they're 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Shop 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.

Mechanic helpers tend to earn a lower pay than shop mechanics by an average of $15,485 per year.While both shop mechanics and mechanic helpers complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like hand tools, hydraulic systems, and work ethic, the two careers vary in some skills.Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A shop mechanic uses "preventative maintenance," "cleanliness," "cdl," and "customer service." Mechanic helpers are more likely to have duties that require skills in "strong work ethic," "preventive maintenance," "safety equipment," and "safety procedures. "mechanic helpers enjoy the best pay in the professional industry, with an average salary of $36,229. For comparison, shop mechanics earn the highest salary in the government industry.mechanic helpers reach similar levels of education compared to shop mechanics, in general. The difference is that they're 0.2% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of shop mechanic

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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