What does a transportation mechanic do?
Transportation mechanic responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real transportation mechanic resumes:
- Operate heavy machinery, hydraulic lifts, hoists and jacks, brake lathes.
- Ensure all equipment are combat operational during operations mostly in hostile territory.
- Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
- Perform initial and in-process inspections; perform mechanical diagnostics and troubleshoot to localize defects and determine cause of malfunction.
Transportation mechanic skills and personality traits
We calculated that 23% of Transportation Mechanics are proficient in Combat, USMC, and Hand Tools. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Mechanical skills, and Organizational skills.
We break down the percentage of Transportation Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Combat, 23%
Ensured that Alpha Company was adequately supported with motor transportation equipment, which drastically affected the combat effectiveness of the company.
- USMC, 19%
Direct supervision over 12 USMC Mechanics and duties performed.
- Hand Tools, 10%
Dismantled and reassembled heavy equipment using hoists, power tools, and hand tools.
- Preventative Maintenance, 10%
Performed operation checks and preventative maintenance on Oshkosh motor transport assets.
- Electrical Systems, 7%
Repair and service airconditioning, heating, engine cooling, and electrical systems.
- Diagnosis, 5%
Worked in there fleet department repairing and diagnosis on all emergency apparatuses and ambulances and police vehicles also included maintenance schedules.
Common skills that a transportation mechanic uses to do their job include "combat," "usmc," and "hand tools." You can find details on the most important transportation mechanic responsibilities below.
Detail oriented. One of the key soft skills for a transportation mechanic to have is detail oriented. You can see how this relates to what transportation mechanics do 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." Additionally, a transportation mechanic resume shows how transportation mechanics use detail oriented: "oil changes tire changes a/c repair fuel pump changes intake gaskets car detailer"
Mechanical skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling transportation mechanic duties is mechanical skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "diesel technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other." According to a transportation mechanic resume, here's how transportation mechanics can utilize mechanical skills in their job responsibilities: "repair and overhaul of all major mechanical systems to include engine, transmission, axles and, a/c equipment. "
Organizational skills. transportation mechanics are also known for organizational skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to transportation mechanic responsibilities, because "diesel technicians must keep workspaces clean and organized in order to maintain safety and accountability for parts." A transportation mechanic resume example shows how organizational skills is used in the workplace: "performed preventative maintenance checks and services (pmcs) and organizational level repairs on generator sets and light sets. "
Physical strength. A big part of what transportation mechanics do relies on "physical strength." You can see how essential it is to transportation mechanic responsibilities because "diesel technicians often lift heavy parts and tools, such as exhaust system components and pneumatic wrenches." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical transportation mechanic tasks: "passed the osha regulations exam as well as physical fitness exam"
Customer-service skills. A commonly-found skill in transportation mechanic job descriptions, "customer-service skills" is essential to what transportation mechanics do. Transportation mechanic responsibilities rely on this skill because "diesel technicians frequently discuss automotive problems and necessary repairs with their customers." You can also see how transportation mechanic duties rely on customer-service skills in this resume example: "inspect, service, and repair customers diesel trucks. "
Dexterity. While "dexterity" is last on this skills list, don't underestimate its importance to transportation mechanic responsibilities. Much of what a transportation mechanic does relies on this skill, seeing 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." Here is a resume example of how this skill is used in the everyday duties of transportation mechanics: "operated heavy machinery, hydraulic lifts, hoists and jacks, brake lathes. "
The three companies that hire the most transportation mechanics are:
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Compare different transportation mechanics
Transportation 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.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between transportation mechanics and diesel technician. For instance, transportation mechanic responsibilities require skills such as "automotive vehicles," "combat," "usmc," and "safety inspections." Whereas a diesel technician is skilled in "cdl," "customer service," "perform routine maintenance," and "defective equipment." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Diesel technicians tend to make the most money working in the utilities industry, where they earn an average salary of $49,875. In contrast, transportation mechanics make the biggest average salary, $44,485, in the transportation industry.On average, diesel technicians reach similar levels of education than transportation mechanics. Diesel technicians are 1.4% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Transportation 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.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that transportation mechanic responsibilities requires skills like "automotive vehicles," "combat," "usmc," and "maintenance services." But a shop technician might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "cranes," "customer service," "perform routine maintenance," and "hvac."
Shop technicians earn a lower average salary than transportation mechanics. But shop technicians earn the highest pay in the energy industry, with an average salary of $45,857. Additionally, transportation mechanics earn the highest salaries in the transportation with average pay of $44,485 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Shop technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than transportation mechanics. In fact, they're 2.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Transportation mechanic vs. Mechanic's assistant
A mechanics assistant job involves assisting mechanics in operating, repairing, and refurbishing vehicles. Primarily, mechanics assistants work on the installation, repair, and replacement of an automobile's mechanical parts. They need to be knowledgeable of the processes and composition of automobiles. Also, they execute the opening and closing tasks in stores. The skillset for this position includes a strong work ethic, diagnostic skills, problem-solving, prior experience, customer service skills, and resourcefulness.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, transportation mechanics are more likely to have skills like "automotive vehicles," "combat," "usmc," and "diagnosis." But a mechanic's assistant is more likely to have skills like "osha," "safety equipment," "service calls," and "mechanical equipment."
Mechanic's assistants make a very good living in the energy industry with an average annual salary of $53,930. On the other hand, transportation mechanics are paid the highest salary in the transportation industry, with average annual pay of $44,485.When it comes to education, mechanic's assistants tend to earn similar degree levels compared to transportation mechanics. In fact, they're 1.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Transportation 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.
Types of transportation mechanic
Updated January 8, 2025
