Mechanic and Repairer Helpers

At a Glance

Help skilled mechanics fix a variety of equipment
Are entry-level workers
Have a medium level of social interaction
Usually work indoors
Train on the job
May work evenings and weekends

Career summary

Mechanic and repairer helpers help experienced mechanics complete maintenance tasks.

Helpers assist mechanics to repair cars and industrial machinery. They also help mechanics who repair electrical and electronic equipment.

Helpers prepare work stations so that mechanics and repairers can do their work. They transfer tools, parts, and supplies to and from work stations. They position vehicles, machinery, and equipment that need to be repaired. For example, they might raise a car on a hydraulic lift.

Helpers also examine and test equipment and parts to find defects or to be sure they work properly.

Mechanic helpers take apart equipment that is not working properly. This may require that they disconnect wiring or tubing. Helpers sometimes hold or pass parts or tools to other workers.

After repairs are complete, mechanic helpers may put the equipment back together. In addition, they clean work areas and clean and lubricate tools.

Helpers sometimes perform simple repair or maintenance tasks. They may clean and oil equipment parts or components. They may apply protective coatings to prevent corrosion. They may prepare replacement parts and install them.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to mechanic and repairer helpers.

Set up vehicles, machinery, or equipment to be worked on.
Observe machines when they are running to make sure they are running correctly.
Hold materials or tools for other workers.
Assist skilled workers during adjustment and repair of machines, tools, and equipment.
Take apart broken or defective equipment, using hand and power tools.
Adjust, disconnect, or connect wiring, tubing, and other parts.
Clean and lubricate vehicles, machinery, or equipment. Apply protective coatings to parts.
Prepare replacement parts and install or replace them.
Transfer tools, parts, and supplies to and from work stations.
Examine, test, and observe machinery, equipment, or components.
Clean work area. Clean and lubricate tools.

Common work activities

Mechanic and repairer helpers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Get information needed to do the job
Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Perform activities that use the whole body
Handle and move objects
Update and use job-related knowledge
Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
Identify objects, actions, and events
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Repair and maintain electronic equipment
Coordinate the work and activities of others
Establish and maintain relationships
Make decisions and solve problems
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Coach others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, mechanic and repairer helpers:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a medium level of social contact. They often work closely with mechanics.
Communicate by telephone and in person on a daily basis.
Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others.
Are responsible for the work results of other workers.
Often work in a group or as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

Often work indoors, but may sometimes work outdoors. They may also travel to and from work sites in a car or van.
Are exposed to hazardous equipment, such as power tools, on a daily basis.
Wear protective gear, such as goggles and masks, on a daily basis.
Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations that could produce cuts or minor burns.
Are sometimes exposed to contaminants such as cleaning solvents.
Are occasionally exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable. Machinery can be quite loud.
May be subjected to extremely bright or dim lighting conditions.
May have to get into awkward positions to reach cramped work spaces.
May be exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures. Work spaces may not be temperature-controlled.
May on occasion be exposed to high places, such as scaffolds.
Work near others. They often share the same work space.

Work performance

Must be sure their work is exact. Errors could damage equipment or cause safety hazards.
Make decisions that affect other workers on a daily basis. They make most decisions without talking to a supervisor first.
Set some tasks and goals for the day without talking to a supervisor first. Most of the time, however, they receive directions before beginning a project.
Abide by strict weekly deadlines.
Repeat the same physical activities.

Hours/travel

Usually work a standard 40-hour week.
May work evenings and weekends if employed in a shop with extended hours.

Physical demands

Mechanic and repairer helpers frequently:

Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Stand for long periods of time.
Walk or run for long periods of time.
Bend or twist their body.

It is important for mechanic and repairer helpers to be able to:

Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
Understand the speech of another person.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for mechanic and repairer helpers to be able to:

Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Determine the distance between objects.
React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
Move arms and legs quickly.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
Determine from which direction a sound came.
Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
See objects in very bright or glaring light.
Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.

Skills and abilities

Mechanic and repairer helpers need to:

Communicate

Understand spoken information.
Listen to others and ask questions.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Reason and problem solve

Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
Repair machines or systems.
Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Operate and control equipment.

Perceive and visualize

Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a mechanic and repairer helper, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Many employers prefer applicants who have completed a certificate in a field related to the employer's industry. For example, if you want to be an auto mechanic helper, you should take automotive technology courses. Vocational and two-year schools often offer these programs.

On-the-job training

Most helpers learn their skills on the job from an experienced mechanic or repairer. While training, you first do simple tasks. As you gain experience, you work on more difficult tasks and take on more responsibility. Training may last up to one month.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Auto Repair Technology
Diesel Mechanics and Repair
Driver Education
Equipment Maintenance and Repair
Introduction to Mechanics
Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require helpers to be at least 18 years old and physically able to do the job. They may also require applicants who have completed some related course work. Some employers require applicants to pass drug tests or background checks. Employers look for helpers who are reliable and willing to work hard.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers (SOC 49-9098)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$12.08	$13.79	$16.85	$22.69	$28.18
	Monthly	$2,093	$2,390	$2,920	$3,932	$4,884
	Yearly	$25,120	$28,680	$35,050	$47,190	$58,610
Clarkston-Lewiston	Hourly	$9.37	$10.65	$12.23	$18.02	$22.04
	Monthly	$1,624	$1,846	$2,119	$3,123	$3,820
	Yearly	$19,479	$22,139	$25,437	$37,480	$45,842
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$11.79	$11.98	$12.35	$14.60	$28.37
	Monthly	$2,043	$2,076	$2,140	$2,530	$4,917
	Yearly	$24,522	$24,929	$25,677	$30,367	$59,022
Longview	Hourly	$12.19	$13.62	$24.52	$27.58	$29.41
	Monthly	$2,113	$2,360	$4,249	$4,780	$5,097
	Yearly	$25,337	$28,331	$51,014	$57,373	$61,188
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$11.79	$12.00	$12.34	$15.50	$17.93
	Monthly	$2,043	$2,080	$2,139	$2,686	$3,107
	Yearly	$24,533	$24,960	$25,665	$32,241	$37,300
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$12.55	$15.01	$17.90	$25.38	$29.22
	Monthly	$2,175	$2,601	$3,102	$4,398	$5,064
	Yearly	$26,112	$31,216	$37,229	$52,789	$60,782
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$11.83	$12.25	$13.85	$16.48	$19.62
	Monthly	$2,050	$2,123	$2,400	$2,856	$3,400
	Yearly	$24,605	$25,481	$28,809	$34,288	$40,808
Vancouver	Hourly	$11.34	$12.97	$15.21	$19.33	$25.18
	Monthly	$1,965	$2,248	$2,636	$3,350	$4,364
	Yearly	$23,596	$26,962	$31,655	$40,196	$52,379
Wenatchee	Hourly	$12.31	$13.71	$26.08	$35.66	$67.67
	Monthly	$2,133	$2,376	$4,520	$6,180	$11,727
	Yearly	$25,595	$28,517	$54,243	$74,192	$140,754
United States	Hourly	$9.59	$11.43	$14.16	$17.80	$22.42
	Monthly	$1,662	$1,981	$2,454	$3,085	$3,885
	Yearly	$19,940	$23,780	$29,450	$37,030	$46,630

Wages vary by employer and area of the country.

Benefits also vary by employer. Full-time mechanic and repairer helpers may receive typical benefits. These include vacation, sick leave, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers (SOC 49-9098)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	1,426	11.2%	16.1%	219
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	24	12.5%	13.4%	3
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	10	0.0%	8.6%	1
Benton and Franklin Counties	29	6.9%	15.0%	4
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	14	14.3%	11.9%	2
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	103	31.1%	15.2%	22
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	64	4.7%	14.1%	9
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	17	-5.9%	14.6%	2
King County	722	9.8%	19.6%	109
Pierce County	224	17.0%	15.2%	37
Snohomish County	89	5.6%	12.4%	12
Spokane County	107	16.8%	13.9%	18
United States	107,200	7.9%	5.2%	15,100

National employment

Major employers:

Auto dealerships
Plumbing, heating, and air conditioning contractors
Auto repair shops
Local government agencies

National outlook

Job growth will vary by industry but will be strong overall. The fastest growth will be at temporary worker agencies. This is because many companies no longer keep mechanics and helpers on staff. Instead they hire mechanics, repairers, and helpers when they have a specific need. The auto maintenance industry, however, will hire more helpers as the number of cars on the road increases.

Job openings occur as people leave the occupation. Job prospects will be good for entry-level workers.

Other resources

Association of Diesel Specialists
7250 Heritage Village Plaza, Suite 201
Gainesville, VA 20155
816.285.0810

Automotive Service Association
8209 Mid Cities Boulevard
North Richland Hills, TX 76182
817.514.2900

Automotive Service Association Northwest
7403 Lakewood Drive West, Suite 7
Lakewood, WA 98499
877.257.2100
253.473.6970

Automotive Technician Career Information

National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
1503 Edwards Ferry Rd., NE, Suite 401
Leesburg, VA 20176
703.669.6600

References

Career cluster

Architecture and Construction

Career path

Realistic (Technical)

O*Net occupation

Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers (49-9098.00)

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.