Mechanic Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

This post provides detailed information on the mechanic job description, including the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.

It also highlights the major requirements that you may be expected to meet to be hired for the mechanic role by most employers/recruiters.  

What Does a Mechanic Do?

A mechanic, otherwise known as an auto mechanic or an automotive service technician, is a person who diagnoses, repairs, and maintains all kinds of vehicles.

These can range from mere car and truck care to even motorcycle servicing, not to mention larger heavy-duty vehicles like buses or heavy construction equipment.

Some of the core duties that usually make up the job description of a mechanic include diagnosing problems mechanically, either by a computerized diagnostic device or visual inspection.

They also involve repairing or replacing faulty parts and systems, performing routine maintenance, like oil changes, tire rotation, and brake service.

Mechanics are also responsible for advising on repairs and maintenance procedures to customers, besides keeping them abreast with new technologies in automobiles and new techniques of repair.

Most of the time, mechanics in automotive repair shops, dealerships, and fleet maintenance facilities report to a service manager or shop owner.

However, experienced mechanics usually work as independent technicians or even own their shops.

The automobile industry is the principal employer of most mechanics, although some are employed by related industries such as transit agencies, car rental firms, construction companies, government agencies, and trucking and logistics companies.

To become a mechanic generally requires a high school diploma or its equivalent.

A graduate from high school will then need specific training, usually much of which comes through vocational programs or associate degrees in automotive technology.

In-house training is also provided by dealerships.

A certification from a highly regarded organization such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence seems to be a requirement at most employers’.

Some mechanics specialize in work on the engines of cars or trucks, others in the transmission of work, and another group in the electrical system.

Mechanics work on emission testing and repair, hybrid and electric vehicles, and assist with inventory control over parts and supplies; they also train and mentor other junior mechanics or apprentices.

It can certainly be said without doubt that the role of a mechanic comes into play across borders, for the simple reason that worldwide, vehicles play a very important role in modern life.

Their role is very significant in countries where either the automobile industry is huge or the density of car ownership is very high.

Employers typically look for technicians that combine technical skill with problem-solving and good customer service abilities.

They appreciate technicians who diagnose problems quickly and correctly, work efficiently, and have the ability to take complex repairs and explain them in simple terms to customers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has the mandate to regulate automotive repair in the United States.

It has set down standards on vehicle safety and standards regarding emissions.

In fact, most states have more licensing requirements than are stipulated by the federal government.

The most widely accepted organization in the U.S. for certification and licensing for mechanics is the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, better known as ASE.

It offers several certifications that indicate a mechanic has attained a certain level of expertise in the various aspects of automotive repairs and maintenance.

Mechanic Job Description Sample/Example/Template

The mechanic job description consists of the following tasks, duties, and responsibilities:

• Regular vehicle servicing with preventative maintenance
• Identify mechanical faults through computerized diagnostic equipment or manually pinpointing sources of trouble that could not be found by the diagnostic mechanism
• Replace or repair of any part of the engine
• Repair and servicing vehicle transmission systems
• Maintain and repair the brake system, such as disc and drum brakes
• Carry out diagnosis and repair of problems in the electrical system, including the battery, starter, and alternator
• Perform wheel alignments and tire services
• Replace or repair suspension and steering components
• Test for emissions and work towards getting the emissions within the proper limits
• Replace exhaust systems
• Change oil, along with any needed fluid services
• Replace or repair fuel system components
• Service or repair hybrid and electric vehicle systems
• Maintain and repair hydraulic systems in applicable vehicles
• Record all repairs or maintenance in the appropriate occupational reports
• Communicate to clients, in non-technical language, reviewed repairs and maintenance that the technician has identified
• Provide repair estimates and repair timelines and seek customer approval for work order
• Work to maintain awareness and working knowledge of new automotive technologies and to attend professional development on technical practices
• Follow proper safety protocols and maintain an organized, clean work area.
• Carry out engine tune-ups to make the vehicle perform the best it possibly can.

Mechanics Job Description for Resume

If you have worked before in the position of a mechanic or are presently working in that role and are making a new resume or CV, then you can apply the sample mechanic job description example above in making the Professional Experience section of the resume.

You can utilize the mechanic duties and responsibilities highlighted in the above job description example in crafting the Professional Experience part of your resume.

This will show to the recruiter/employer that you have been successful performing the duties of a mechanic, which can greatly boost your chances of being invited to an interview and getting the job, especially if the role requires someone with some mechanic work experience.

Mechanic Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Career Success

The following are major requirements that you may be expected to fulfill to be hired for a mechanic position by most recruiters/employers, which are also important qualities to have to be successful on the job:

• Effective problem-solving abilities with good diagnosing capabilities
• Knowledge about all the systems and components installed in an automobile
• Computer diagnostic competence
• Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
• Fitness and physical stamina to be standing all day, lift those heavy parts, and position the body correctly while working
• Basic computer skills used for keeping records and research purposes
• Have good communication skills to explain repairs to customers and others in the repair team
• Can read and understand technical manuals and schematics
• Understand the safety procedures required in automotive repairs
• Knowledge of the various hand and power instruments, including air tools, jacks, and welding equipment
• Basic mathematics skills for measurements and calculations of cost
• Patience in handling complex issues and perseverance for finding possible solutions
• Ability to adapt to working with new technologies and newly arriving vehicle models
• Customer service skills to make connection and rapport with clients and build a trust factor with them
• Knowledge of vehicle electrical systems and how to troubleshoot them
• Excellent time management skills to finish job on time
• Knowledge of automotive electronics and computerized systems.
• Good attention to detail and accuracy in making repairs
• Knowledge of emission standards and testing procedures
• Ability to work in a self-managed environment and as part of a team.

Mechanic Employment

The reports published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May, 2023 indicates that the number of automotive technician and mechanic in employment in the United States was 782,200.

Zippia gives the current number of employed auto  mechanics in the U.S. as 176,022.

Employment by Industry

The industries that pay the highest salaries to auto mechanics, according to data on Zippia’s website include:

• Automotive: 33,444
• Retail: 26,403
• Professional: 15,842
• Fortune 500: 15,842
• Manufacturing: 12,322.    

Employment by State

According to Zippia, the States where mechanics are mostly employed include Texas and California, with 2,402 and 2,343 employments respectively.

Mechanic Salary

According to the BLS, the salary of automotive service technicians and mechanics in the United States is on the average $47,770 per year.

However, Zippia gives the salary of mechanics as $41,683 per year on the average.

The States with the highest salaries for mechanics in the U.S. according to Zippia, include Connecticut and California, with salaries of $59,010 and $58,210 per year respectively.

Conclusion

This in-depth mechanic job description guide aims to equip the would-be mechanic or employer with information on the key duties, required skills, employment outlook, salary info, and a number of factors that impact job satisfaction.

It will help people understand the demands and rewards of the profession better, so they make informed decisions about their careers, guiding education and training efforts, and employers use such guides in the crafting of accurate job descriptions that turn out candidates with the right skills and expectations.

The ability to keep up with new trends and developments in the autopilot world, one of the ever-changing industries, determines long-term success and job satisfaction.