what is a maintenance mechanic?

As a maintenance mechanic, you keep everything running by maintaining and repairing various mechanical systems. In this role, you take care of different pieces of equipment and machinery. Your duties revolve around diagnosing issues, replacing machine parts, and ensuring the proper functioning of electrical systems. While many of your tasks involve maintenance, it is crucial to know how to install systems.

The specific types of systems you work on depend on which industry you work in. If you work in the manufacturing industry, for example, you keep computer numerical control (CNC) machines, industrial robots and other systems in good working order. When a machine abruptly malfunctions, your responsibility is to troubleshoot the problem and perform emergency repairs. Some maintenance mechanics work in building maintenance, ensuring the proper functioning of heating and cooling systems or maintaining electrical systems in buildings.

Whether running diagnostic tests or repairing a complex piece of machinery, you use a combination of hand and power tools. It's important that all the work you do adheres to safety regulations and procedures recommended by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).

Would working as a maintenance mechanic suit your troubleshooting and problem-solving skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a maintenance mechanic role.

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average maintenance mechanic salary

According to Job Bank, the average salary of a maintenance mechanic in Canada is $57,000 per year or an hourly rate of $29. Your earnings fluctuate based on experience. For instance, with entry-level experience, you start with a salary of $48,500 annually. The most experienced maintenance mechanics take home a salary of $72,000 yearly.

what factors affect the salary of a maintenance mechanic?

As a maintenance mechanic, your earnings fluctuate based on various factors. As such, educational qualifications and experience influence your earnings. In an entry-level role, you perform simple, routine duties. However, as you improve your experience, you handle complex tasks, such as replacing machine parts and installing heavy industrial machinery. Most maintenance mechanics have apprenticeship qualifications, but you can negotiate higher wages if you have professional trade certification.

The industry you work in also influences your earnings. When you work for a manufacturing company, you handle complex industrial machinery, which requires additional expertise. The complexity of your role improves your earning potential. Companies that operate 24/7 may also pay more, as you'll be expected to be on call to handle any issues that arise.

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types of maintenance mechanics

The industry you work in determines the duties you perform and your area of specialization. Some of the industries that hire maintenance mechanics include:

  • automotive industry: as a maintenance mechanic, you work on vehicles to ensure they are roadworthy. You diagnose issues in vehicles and replace parts.
  • aerospace: in aerospace, you evaluate and maintain machines used for building planes. You also work with aircraft mechanics to ensure the aircraft meets the required safety standards.
  • manufacturing: as a maintenance mechanic, you perform routine maintenance duties and assemble manufacturing machines and equipment. You ensure repairs are done on time to minimize downtime while ensuring all machines meet strict health and safety standards.
man looking at phone in an industrial environment
man looking at phone in an industrial environment
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working as a maintenance mechanic

Working as a maintenance mechanic is a promising career, especially if you enjoy fixing machines and diagnosing equipment issues. Let's take a look at the specific duties, work environments and career opportunities.

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maintenance mechanic skills and education

Some of the educational requirements for maintenance mechanics in Canada include:

  • apprenticeship: after completing secondary school, you can join a training course or vocational program that equips you with mechanical knowledge. Pursue the industrial machinery repair or millwrighting apprenticeship, which usually takes three to four years and combines on-the-job training with coursework.
  • work experience and trade certification: the apprenticeship program makes you eligible for trade certification. You can get an industrial mechanic trade certification. Alternatively, get the Red Seal endorsement by completing an interprovincial examination. Maintenance mechanic is a regulated career in some provinces and territories. For instance, if you work as an industrial mechanic in Alberta, you should register with Alberta's Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT). In Manitoba, maintenance mechanics are regulated by the Apprenticeship Manitoba organization.

competencies and characteristics of maintenance mechanics

Some of the skills for maintenance mechanics include:

  • technical and problem-solving skills: as a maintenance mechanic, you require extensive technical knowledge in machine operation to install and fix issues. You should also know how to navigate complex issues and tackle them efficiently. With your diagnostic and problem-solving skills, you can identify the source of mechanical breakdowns and malfunctions.
  • physical skills: working as a maintenance mechanic is physically demanding. Along with spending long hours on your feet, you often get in uncomfortable positions and move heavy pieces of equipment. Even the tools maintenance mechanics use are typically heavy. Having steady hands is essential to avoid causing additional damage to sensitive components and machines.
  • computer skills: as a maintenance mechanic, you use technology to diagnose issues in mechanical systems. You rely on computers to calibrate equipment and ensure they work as expected. Having computer skills is also essential in performing your administrative duties and preparing maintenance schedules.
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FAQs

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a maintenance mechanic.

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meet a recruiter

Make sure your resume is up-to-date, including information about your technical skills and certifications. Then share it with us to connect with a recruiter and be matched with job opportunities.

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