Maintenance Mechanic is a skilled professional who inspects, maintains, and repairs various types of equipment, machinery, and systems in a facility. These professionals ensure the proper equipment efficiency and functioning for preventing downtime or production delays. They collaborate with other professionals and contribute to improving equipment reliability and safety. The maintenance profession requires certain qualifications such as education, experience, skills, certification, etc. Maintenance mechanics work in a wide range of industrial settings and ensure the smooth operation of the company’s machinery and equipment. In this article, read all about the maintenance mechanic job description in detail.
Post Highlights:
- Position Levels
- Educational Qualifications
- Course Types
- Certification/License
- Work Experience
- Duties/Responsibilities
- Equipment Types
- Abilities/Skills
- Work Environment
- Physical Requirements
- Top Industries
- Job Types
- Salary Information
- Benefits/Perks
Position Levels
Some common job levels include-
- Maintenance Mechanic I (Entry-Level)
- Maintenance Mechanic II (Intermediate Level)
- Maintenance Mechanic III (Senior Level)
- Lead Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Supervisor)
- Maintenance Manager (Maintenance Superintendent)
- Maintenance Engineer (Reliability Engineer)
Educational Qualifications
Typical education levels include-
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Technical or Vocational Training Certificate/Diploma
- Associate’s Degree (Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Technology)
- Industry-recognized Certifications by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the International Maintenance Institute (IMI), or the International Society of Automation (ISA)
Course Types
Some common course types include-
- Basic Maintenance Course
- Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) Course
- Electrical Maintenance Course
- Hydraulic/Pneumatic Maintenance Course
- Industrial Automation Course
- Instrumentation/Calibration Course
- Mechanical Maintenance Course
- Predictive Maintenance Course
- Safety/Compliance Course
- Welding/Fabrication Course
Certification/License
Some common certification types include-
- American Welding Society (AWS) Welder Certifications
- Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) Certifications
- Electrical Safety Certifications (NFPA 70E)
- Industry-Specific Certifications
- International Maintenance Institute (IMI) Certifications
- International Society of Automation (ISA) Certifications
- Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) Certifications
- National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification
- Predictive Maintenance Certifications
- Society for Maintenance/Reliability Professionals (SMRP) Certifications
Work Experience
Some common experiences include-
- Apprenticeships
- Industry-Specific Experience
- Leadership/Supervisory Experience
- On-the-Job Experience
- Preventive Maintenance Experience
- Problem-Solving/Troubleshooting Experience
- Repair/Overhaul Project Experience
- Teamwork/Collaboration Experience
- Training Programs
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common list of duties include-
- Assist in machine installation/commissioning
- Conduct repairs on faulty parts, machinery, or systems
- Conduct welding/fabrication tasks
- Contribute to environmental sustainability efforts
- Diagnose electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic issues
- Follow safety regulations and company policies
- Identify opportunities for process/maintenance improvements
- Inspect equipment, machinery, and systems
- Keep detailed records of maintenance activities
- Manage inventory levels of supplies/spare parts
- Perform basic electrical tasks
- Perform equipment modifications/upgrades
- Perform maintenance tasks with high-quality standards
- Perform scheduled preventive maintenance tasks
- Prepare/submit reports on maintenance activities
- Respond to emergency maintenance situations
- Stay up-to-date with industry standards
- Support team members/train junior technicians
Equipment Types
Some common equipment types include-
- Automotive/Fleet Equipment
- Conveyors/Material Handling Equipment
- Electrical Equipment
- Facility Infrastructure Tools
- Generators/Power Systems
- Industrial Machinery
- Laboratory Equipment
- Medical Equipment
- Pneumatic/Hydraulic Systems
- Production Line Equipment
- Pumps/Compressors
- Robotics/Automation Systems
Abilities/Skills
Some essential skills include-
- Attention to Detail
- Compatibility with Safety Practices
- Computer Technical Skills
- Continuous Learning Temperament
- Effective Communication Skills
- Equipment Operation Proficiency
- Equipment Performance Analyzing Skills
- Hand Tools/Equipment Efficiency
- Knowledge of Preventive Maintenance Strategies
- Maintenance Challenge Handling Adaptability
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Strong Technical Knowledge
- Team Oriented Mind
- Technical Manuals/Diagrams Reading Ability
- Time Management Skills
- Welding/Fabrication Proficiency
Work Environment
Some common work conditions include-
- Conduct regular inspections
- May expose to hazards
- May perform emergency repairs
- May work in commercial buildings
- May work in industrial environments
- May work in warehouses/distribution centers
- May work outdoors
- Often work as part of a maintenance team
- Work in healthcare facilities
- Work in manufacturing plants/factories
- Work in transportation
Physical Requirements
Some physical conditions include-
- Bending and stooping
- Climbing and working at heights
- Exposure to extreme temperatures
- Exposure to hazardous materials
- Lifting and carrying heavy objects
- Noisy and vibrating machinery
- Physical endurance
- PPE (personal protective equipment) requirements
- Repetitive work motions
- Respond to emergency situations
- Standing or kneeling for extended periods
- Working in confined spaces
Top Industries
Some common job areas include-
- Agriculture/Farming Sector
- Automotive Industry
- Aviation Industry
- Construction/Infrastructure Facilities
- Educational Institutions
- Energy/Utility Facilities
- Facilities/Building Maintenance Facilities
- Food Processing/Packaging Units
- Government/Municipal Facilities
- Healthcare Industry
- Industrial Facilities
- Manufacturing Industry
- Mining/Extraction Settings
- Transportation/Logistics Facilities
- Warehousing/Distribution Centers
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- Aircraft Maintenance Technician
- Automotive Maintenance Technician
- Construction Equipment Mechanic
- Electrical Maintenance Mechanic
- Elevator Maintenance Technician
- Facility Maintenance Mechanic
- Farm Equipment Mechanic
- General Maintenance Mechanic
- Healthcare Equipment Technician
- HVAC Maintenance Technician
- Hydraulic/Pneumatic Maintenance Mechanic
- Industrial Maintenance Mechanic
- Marine Maintenance Technician
- Mechanical Maintenance Mechanic
- Power Plant Maintenance Technician
- Railroad Maintenance Technician
- Robotics/Automation Technician
Salary Information
The average hourly wage of a maintenance mechanic in the United States is $26.24. But the salary figures are not the same in all places. They differ depending on various factors like education, experience, certification, skills, location, and company size. The highest hourly paying cities for Maintenance Mechanics are Hazleton ($29.33), Portland ($27.11), Canton ($27.09), and Casa Grande ($26.59).
However, approximate salary ranges for Maintenance Mechanics include-
Hourly Wage-
- Entry-level Maintenance Mechanic – $15 to $25
- Experienced Maintenance Mechanic – $25 to $35
- Highly Skilled Maintenance Mechanic – $35 or more
Monthly Salary-
- Entry-level Maintenance Mechanic – $2,500 to $4,500
- Experienced Maintenance Mechanic – $4,500 to $6,500
- Highly Skilled Maintenance Mechanic – $6,500 or more
Yearly Salary-
- Entry-level Maintenance Mechanic – $30,000 to $54,000
- Experienced Maintenance Mechanic – $54,000 to $78,000
- Highly Skilled Maintenance Mechanic – $78,000 or more
These salary ranges are just estimates, actual figures can vary from employer to employer. The unionized positions may also have negotiated salary scales and benefits.
Benefits/Perks
The most common benefits include-
| 401(k) Plan | Advancement Opportunities |
| 401(k) Matching | Paid Sick Time |
| AD&D Insurance | Paid Time Off |
| Dental Insurance | Paid Training |
| Disability Insurance | Parental Leave |
| Employee Assistance Program | Professional Development Assistance |
| Employee Discount | Profit Sharing |
| Employee Stock Purchase Plan | Referral Program |
| Flexible Schedule | Relocation Assistance |
| Flexible Spending Account | Retirement Plan |
| Health Insurance | Tuition Reimbursement |
| Health Savings Account | Vision Insurance |
| Life Insurance | Wellness Program |
Summary
Maintenance Mechanics play a crucial role in maintaining the life of machinery, equipment, and systems in various industries. These individuals work in a wide range of industries such as transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, and more. Maintenance mechanics may specialize in areas such as mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic maintenance depending on the nature of the work. They contribute to maintaining the efficiency of critical equipment. The job is physically demanding thoroughly. The salary range is nice but can vary from place to place. Overall, maintenance mechanics are essential for the smooth running of the modern mechanical world.
