What is a line mechanic and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
introduction image

A line mechanic is an individual who maintains and repairs machinery used in production lines, such as conveyor systems and packaging machines. They ensure that the equipment is functioning properly and safely, preventing breakdowns and minimizing downtime. They must have strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment. A line mechanic is an integral part of a production team, ensuring that the machinery runs smoothly and efficiently.

ScoreLine MechanicUS Average
Salary
3.7

Avg. Salary $46,851

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
7.3

Growth Rate 14%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.87%

Asian 3.29%

Black or African American 7.74%

Hispanic or Latino 17.10%

Unknown 4.19%

White 66.81%

Gender

female 5.94%

male 94.06%

Age - 50
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 50
Stress Level
7.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.3

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
4.6

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Line Mechanic?

Pros

  • Opportunity to work on a variety of aircraft

  • High demand for skilled technicians

  • Potential for overtime pay and bonuses

  • Ability to troubleshoot and solve complex problems

  • Hands-on work with tools and equipment

Cons

  • Exposure to hazardous materials and chemicals

  • Risk of injury from machinery or tools

  • Working in extreme weather conditions

  • Long hours with irregular schedules, including weekends and holidays

  • High stress due to time constraints and pressure to meet deadlines

Line Mechanic career paths

Key steps to become a line mechanic

  1. Explore line mechanic education requirements

    Most common line mechanic degrees

    Associate

    35.4 %

    High School Diploma

    30.0 %

    Bachelor's

    16.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific line mechanic skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Preventative Maintenance13.54%
    Ladders10.06%
    Safety Regulations7.74%
    Switches6.36%
    Production Equipment6.09%
  3. Complete relevant line mechanic training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New line mechanics learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a line mechanic based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real line mechanic resumes.
  4. Research line mechanic duties and responsibilities

    • Organize a procedure for rapid plumbing repairs by proactively devising a solid inventory system for effectively managing spare parts and tools.
    • Practice good OSHA and company safety standards.
    • Complete production line assignments, maintaining strict OSHA sanitary standards.
    • Maintain and repair PLC automate, electronic, pneumatic and mechanical machinery.
  5. Prepare your line mechanic resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your line mechanic resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a line mechanic resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Line Mechanic Resume templates

    Build a professional Line Mechanic resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Line Mechanic resume.
    Line Mechanic Resume
    Line Mechanic Resume
    Line Mechanic Resume
    Line Mechanic Resume
    Line Mechanic Resume
    Line Mechanic Resume
    Line Mechanic Resume
    Line Mechanic Resume
    Line Mechanic Resume
  6. Apply for line mechanic jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a line mechanic job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Line Mechanic Job

Zippi

Are you a Line Mechanic?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average line mechanic salary

The average Line Mechanic salary in the United States is $46,851 per year or $23 per hour. Line mechanic salaries range between $36,000 and $59,000 per year.

Average Line Mechanic Salary
$46,851 Yearly
$22.52 hourly

What Am I Worth?

Loading...
salary-calculator

How do line mechanics rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Line Mechanic reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2022
Pros

Hands on /weld/electric/mech/plumbing……

Cons

People looking over me when they can’t do the jobs


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2022
Pros

Satisfaction of fixing, repairing broken vehicles and challenge of finding problems and correcting them properly.

Cons

Electrical problems are my least favorite.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Pros

just seeing myself fixing something making it work as new.

Cons

pretty much loved everything I do


Working as a Line Mechanic? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall Rating*
Career Growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

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.

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs