What Does a Mechanic Assistant Do?

Mechanics assistants are the hands-on workers in a garage or auto repair shop. They’re responsible for performing all of the tasks that keep the business running smoothly—from washing cars to changing oil, repairing vehicles, and more.

Mechanics assistants may also be tasked with helping their mechanic boss with larger projects. This might include anything from assisting with diagnosing problems with a vehicle to providing support during major repairs or overhauls.

Mechanic Assistant Job Duties

Mechanics assistants have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Preparing work orders, making repairs to equipment, and maintaining logs of all maintenance activities
• Performing routine oil changes, tire rotations, and other basic maintenance tasks on vehicles
• Maintaining inventory of parts and supplies by ordering replacements as needed
• Operating cranes, forklifts, and other equipment used for moving materials around a work site
• Performing routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning engines and changing oil
• Communicating with other team members regarding the status of projects
• Repairing small mechanical problems such as leaky hoses or faulty wiring
• Explaining technical information to other members of the team or clientele about repair processes
• Performing routine maintenance on machinery or vehicles, including oil changes and tire rotations

Mechanic Assistant Salary & Outlook

Mechanic assistants’ salaries vary depending on their level of education and experience, the company size and geographic location. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of overtime.

• Median Annual Salary: $36,000 ($17.31/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $66,500 ($31.97/hour)

The employment of mechanic assistants is expected to grow slower than average over the next decade.

Employment growth will be limited by the increasing automation of some types of automotive repair work, such as electronic diagnostics. However, mechanic assistants will still be needed to perform basic repairs and routine maintenance, which cannot yet be done automatically.

Related: 17 Mechanic Assistant Interview Questions and Answers

Mechanic Assistant Job Requirements

A mechanic assistant typically needs to have the following qualifications:

Education: A high school diploma or GED certificate is often the minimum requirement for a mechanic assistant position. Some employers may prefer an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in automotive technology or a related field.

Training & Experience: Mechanic assistants typically receive on-the-job training from their new employer. This training can last for a few weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the job and the company’s policies.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications are not usually a requirement to become a mechanic assistant, but they can make you a more competitive candidate when applying for jobs.

Mechanic Assistant Skills

Mechanics assistants need the following skills in order to be successful:

Technical skills: Mechanic assistants should have basic technical skills, such as computer skills, to perform their job duties. They should be able to use computers to complete tasks, such as entering data, creating documents and sending emails. They should also have basic computer skills, such as the ability to use a mouse and keyboard, to operate machinery and equipment.

Communication skills: Communication skills are another important skill for a mechanic assistant. You may be required to communicate with customers, suppliers and other team members. It’s important to be able to speak clearly and concisely to ensure everyone understands you.

Attention to detail: Having attention to detail means you can notice small changes in a system or process. This can be important when working on a car or other machinery because it can help you identify potential issues before they become larger problems. It can also help you complete tasks correctly the first time, which can save you time and help you work more efficiently.

Problem-solving skills: A mechanic assistant needs to be able to solve problems that arise during the repair process. This can include identifying the source of the problem, finding the right tools to fix it and repairing the issue in a timely manner.

Organizational skills: As a mechanic assistant, you may be responsible for keeping your work area tidy and organized. This can include keeping your toolbox organized and free of clutter. Being able to keep your work area clean and organized can help you complete your tasks more efficiently.

Mechanic Assistant Work Environment

Mechanic assistants work in auto or truck repair shops, assisting the mechanic in repairing and maintaining vehicles. They work on a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, and construction equipment. Mechanic assistants typically work full time, and many work overtime. They may work evenings and weekends, as well as some holidays. The work can be physically demanding, and mechanic assistants must be able to lift heavy parts and tools and work in uncomfortable positions. They also must be able to work in noisy environments and be exposed to fumes and grease.

Mechanic Assistant Trends

Here are three trends influencing how mechanic assistants work. Mechanic assistants will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Need for More Technical Skills

As technology advances, the need for more technical skills is becoming increasingly important. This is especially true in the field of mechanics, where an understanding of how machines work is essential to performing repairs and maintenance.

Mechanic assistants can capitalize on this trend by developing their own technical skills. This can include learning how to use computer-aided-design software or becoming certified in specific areas of automotive repair. In the future, these skills will be even more valuable as technology continues to play a larger role in the automotive industry.

The Importance of Customer Service

The importance of customer service is becoming increasingly evident in the automotive industry. As customers become more informed about cars and their features, they are looking for dealerships that can provide them with the best experience possible.

This trend is creating opportunities for mechanic assistants who have strong customer service skills. By providing excellent customer service, mechanic assistants can help dealerships attract new customers and keep current ones happy.

More Automation in the Workplace

As automation becomes more prevalent in the workplace, mechanic assistants will need to learn new skills in order to stay competitive.

One of the most important skills that mechanic assistants will need to learn is how to operate and maintain automated equipment. This includes everything from robots to computer systems, which are becoming more common in automotive shops every day.

How to Become a Mechanic Assistant

A career as a mechanic assistant can be a great way to get started in the automotive industry. As a mechanic assistant, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about all aspects of car repair and maintenance. You’ll also develop important skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.

The best way to become a mechanic assistant is to start at the bottom and work your way up. Start by volunteering at a local auto shop or dealership. This will give you the chance to see how things work behind the scenes and meet people who are involved in the automotive industry. You can also take online courses or attend workshops to learn more about car repair and maintenance.

Advancement Prospects

Mechanic assistants typically start out performing routine maintenance tasks under the supervision of a more experienced mechanic. As they learn the trade and develop their skills, they are given more responsibility and may eventually be promoted to lead mechanic or service manager.

Those who wish to advance their career may choose to become certified mechanics. Certification requires completing a training program and passing an exam, and it demonstrates to employers that the mechanic has the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the job. Certified mechanics typically earn higher wages than those who are not certified.

Mechanic Assistant Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we keep the wheels of industry turning with our team of highly skilled mechanics. We’re looking for a qualified assistant mechanic to join our team and support our mechanics in the repair and maintenance of a variety of vehicles. The ideal candidate will have experience with vehicle maintenance and repair, as well as a strong understanding of mechanics tools and equipment. He or she will be expected to assist the mechanics in diagnosing problems, disassembling and reassembling parts, and testing vehicles. The assistant mechanic will also be responsible for keeping the work area clean and organized, and ordering and stocking parts and supplies.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist the Mechanic in performing scheduled maintenance and repairs on a variety of vehicles
• Conduct diagnostic tests to identify mechanical problems
• Assist with troubleshooting issues and repairing broken parts
• Perform quality control checks on repaired vehicles
• Keep the work area clean and organized
• Adhere to all safety regulations
• Maintain accurate records of repair and maintenance work
• Order replacement parts as needed
• Coordinate with other team members to ensure timely completion of projects
• Train new employees on proper procedures
• Provide excellent customer service
• Upsell services and products when appropriate

Required Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1-2 years of experience in a mechanical or automotive environment
• Basic understanding of car engines and how they work
• Ability to use basic hand tools and power tools
• Good communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or technical certification in mechanics or automotive technology
• Experience with diagnosing and repairing cars
• Knowledge of computerized engine management systems
• Ability to lift heavy objects and to work in cramped spaces
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed