What is a mechanic helper and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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From the name, mechanic Helper simply assists the mechanic. They're also referred to as mechanic assistants. These individuals help mechanics in duties like maintenance and repairs of vehicles and equipment. They also test-drive vehicles to ensure that repairs are properly completed. They are equally in charge of cleaning the shop and returning tools to the appropriate place. A mechanic helper inspects equipment and tools to ensure they are in good working condition. As a mechanic helper, you do not have any supervisory role or responsibility.

In terms of academic qualifications, a high school diploma is often required. You must also meet some physical requirements, such as the ability to be able to bend, kneel, squat, and stretch. This is required to be able to perform inspections and repairs. You must be physically strong and fit as you must be able to lift 50 pounds at a go. Annually, you will earn a salary of $30,025 on average.

ScoreMechanic HelperUS Average
Salary
2.5

Avg. Salary $31,892

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
6.3

Growth Rate 4%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
10.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.05%

Asian 2.32%

Black or African American 7.35%

Hispanic or Latino 20.20%

Unknown 4.96%

White 64.12%

Gender

female 5.61%

male 94.39%

Age - 42
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 - 42
Stress Level
6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
5.8

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.3

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Mechanic Helper career paths

Key steps to become a mechanic helper

  1. Explore mechanic helper education requirements

    Most common mechanic helper degrees

    High School Diploma

    52.5 %

    Diploma

    15.8 %

    Associate

    15.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific mechanic helper skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Hand Tools24.24%
    Work Ethic11.08%
    Preventive Maintenance7.60%
    Safety Equipment5.91%
    Oil Changes4.87%
  3. Complete relevant mechanic helper training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New mechanic helpers 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 mechanic helper based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real mechanic helper resumes.
  4. Research mechanic helper duties and responsibilities

    • Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
    • Change motors, diagnose problems and clean air conditioner units and maintain HVAC equipment.
    • Install or replace HVAC machinery, equipment and parts and using power tools or by hand.
    • Operate hoists, and pulleys when removing units such as large compressors, condensers and chillers.
  5. Prepare your mechanic helper resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your mechanic helper 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 mechanic helper resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Mechanic Helper Resume templates

    Build a professional Mechanic Helper 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 Mechanic Helper resume.
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    Mechanic Helper Resume
  6. Apply for mechanic helper jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a mechanic helper 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 Mechanic Helper Job

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Average mechanic helper salary

The average Mechanic Helper salary in the United States is $31,892 per year or $15 per hour. Mechanic helper salaries range between $24,000 and $41,000 per year.

Average Mechanic Helper Salary
$31,892 Yearly
$15.33 hourly

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How do mechanic helpers rate their job?

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Mechanic Helper 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


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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.


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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


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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.

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