How to hire a truck trailer mechanic

How to hire a truck trailer mechanic, step by step

Here's a step-by-step truck trailer 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 truck trailer mechanic job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new truck trailer mechanic
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a truck trailer mechanic do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the truck trailer mechanic you need to hire. Certain truck trailer mechanic roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a truck trailer 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 truck trailer mechanic that fits the bill.

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

   Type of Truck Trailer Mechanic	Description	Hourly rate
   Truck Trailer Mechanic	Diesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair, and overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engine.	$17-31
   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... Show more	$15-31
   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... Show more	$11-19

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CDL
   • Landing Gear
   • Hand Tools
   • Safety Devices
   • Diagnostics
   • Oil Changes
   • MIG
   • Engine Repair
   • Preventative Maintenance
   • Propane
   • Service Truck
   • Aluminum
   • OSHA
   • Trailer Repair

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
   • Perform PMs, A/C repair , 12 Volta electrical diagnosis and repairs.
   • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
   • Assign duties and examine work for cleanliness, presentation, neatness and conformance to store policies and procedures.
   • Apply advanced mechanical skills to rebuild/repair trailers: used TIG welder, air tools, scanning devices and monitoring instruments
   • Maintain cleanliness and safety of working environment.

   More truck trailer mechanic duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your truck trailer mechanic job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A truck trailer mechanic can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, truck trailer mechanics' average salary in arkansas is 38% less than in massachusetts.
   • Seniority. Entry-level truck trailer mechanics 45% less than senior-level truck trailer mechanics.
   • Certifications. A truck trailer mechanic with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a truck trailer mechanic's salary.

   Average truck trailer mechanic salary

   $48,768yearly

   $23.45 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level truck trailer mechanic salary

   $36,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 18, 2025

   Average truck trailer mechanic salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Massachusetts	$60,422	$29
   2	Nevada	$58,078	$28
   3	District of Columbia	$58,024	$28
   4	New York	$57,075	$27
   5	Colorado	$55,831	$27
   6	North Dakota	$53,474	$26
   7	Washington	$51,410	$25
   8	Oklahoma	$50,826	$24
   9	Kansas	$50,586	$24
   10	Pennsylvania	$49,993	$24
   11	New Jersey	$49,397	$24
   12	Arizona	$48,279	$23
   13	Utah	$47,723	$23
   14	Virginia	$47,499	$23
   15	Georgia	$47,326	$23
   16	North Carolina	$47,080	$23
   17	Maryland	$46,698	$22
   18	Indiana	$46,033	$22
   19	Minnesota	$44,513	$21
   20	Illinois	$44,018	$21

   Average truck trailer mechanic salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Dairy Farmers of America	$55,263	$26.57	21
   2	Oak Harbor Freight Lines	$55,131	$26.51	5
   3	Service Tire Truck Centers	$51,010	$24.52	2
   4	Walmart	$50,672	$24.36	1,252
   5	The General	$48,388	$23.26	4
   6	1st Staffing Group USA	$47,326	$22.75
   7	Tyson Foods	$46,961	$22.58	9
   8	CNY Outsourcing	$46,717	$22.46
   9	I Tech Solutions	$46,714	$22.46
   10	Core-Mark International	$46,563	$22.39
   11	APltd Branding	$46,169	$22.20
   12	CHS	$46,127	$22.18
   13	Martin Transportation Systems Inc	$45,390	$21.82	4
   14	Bennett Family of Companies	$45,269	$21.76
   15	Snider Fleet Solutions	$45,204	$21.73	70
   16	Climate Engineers	$45,080	$21.67
   17	Valet Living	$45,068	$21.67	5
   18	Red Rock Elementary	$45,068	$21.67
   19	Bungii	$45,059	$21.66
   20	MD Logistics	$45,031	$21.65

4. Writing a truck trailer mechanic job description

   A truck trailer mechanic job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a truck trailer mechanic job description:

   Truck trailer mechanic job description example

   TOP PAY!
   Up To $1500 Hiring Bonus!
   
   Are you looking for a place to learn and grow?
   We would like to talk with you!
   
   Immediate Openings for Experienced/Lead & Entry Level Truck Trailer Mechanics
   
   When you work with Clarke, you are working with an industry leader! We are looking for Truck Trailer Mechanics to keep up our level of commitment to safety and customer service. This is a great opportunity for ENTRY LEVEL & Experienced Trailer Mechanics to apply his or her skills in a company that offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, training, and career growth. First and Second Shift available.
   
   What are the Duties?
   ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
   Must be Mechanically Inclined
   Truck Trailer Experience Preferred
   Perform repairs and preventative maintenance on Truck Trailers
   Use of mobile technology to record and manage all repairs
   Diesel Technician experience or background helpful
   Ability to be a dependable team player
   Must be able to work independently and safely
   Major shop tools and diagnostic equipment is provided
   PHYSICAL and SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
   While performing the duties of this job, the associate will be required to move frequently, stand, walk, and sit. The associate is frequently required to use hands to touch, handle, and feel, and reach with hands and arms. The associate must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 50lbs and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100lbs.
   Implement and enforce Health and Safety rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and prescribed instructions.
   EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
   Mechanical background
   Truck Trailer experience Preferred
   Certifications/Licenses
   Valid Driver's License
   CDL is a Plus
   Why should you apply?
   
   Clarke Power, an industry leader, has branches across the country! Clarke is 55+ years strong and growing. We provide training, highly competitive salary, full benefits package, and an excellent opportunity for career growth. It's a great group of talented and caring people. Our Benefits include:
   HIRING BONUS!!
   Get Paid Weekly!
   Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance starts first day of the month after you start!
   Healthcare Savings Account Option with Annual Company Contribution!
   401K Savings Plan with Company Contribution Every Paycheck!
   Paid Holidays and Vacation!
   Life and Disability Insurance!
   Enjoy FREE Access Perks Discounts on Dining, Travel, Retail, and Other Services across the Country!
   Work with a GREAT Team of people!
   EO Employer-M/F/Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right truck trailer mechanic for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with truck trailer mechanics they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit truck trailer mechanics who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your truck trailer mechanic job on Zippia to find and recruit truck trailer mechanic candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with truck trailer mechanic candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to 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 truck trailer mechanic

   Once you've selected the best truck trailer 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 important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new truck trailer mechanic. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

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 truck trailer mechanic?