What Does a Hydraulic/Pneumatic Mechanic Do?

Hydraulic/Pneumatic Mechanics install, maintain, repair, rebuild or modify existing hydraulic, pneumatic or fluid systems, controls and components.

Job -Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • Becoming knowledgeable about provincial regulations pertaining to  the Ontario Health & Safety Act, Bio/Chemical Hazards and Hazardous materials
  • Reading and interpreting job specifications, blueprints, engineering or design drawings and schematics
  • Preparing preliminary bills of materials to accurately estimate cost and completion of the job based on drawings, sketches, codes and company procedures
  • Maintaining and using hand and power tools 
  • Performing bench work including assembly and disassembly, modification, cleaning, measuring, inspection and testing of hydraulic and pneumatic equipment
  • Inspecting and examining components and parts including cylinders and pistons for rust, dirt, and wear
  • Installing, testing, repairing or rebuilding hydraulic equipment 
  • Installing, testing, repairing or rebuilding pneumatic equipment to job specifications
  • Mounting, installing and replacing tires, including Solid Industrial and Pneumatic, on single piece or multi piece rims using a variety of tools and equipment
  • Identifying and applying lubricants including oils, greases, graphite; installing lubrication equipment and components
  • Maintaining, setting up and operating arc and oxyacetylene welding equipment  to join, clamp, cut, fit, tack, weld and braze metal components and parts
  • Writing technical reports and maintaining repair records

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

Completion of Grade 12 with a secondary school diploma, with senior credits in Math, particularly geometry, trigonometry and logarithms, Drafting and English is recommended. Enrolment in OYAP, coop, or obtaining technical credits in Drafting, Welding or Hydraulics would be a definite asset. You can obtain a Certificate of  Apprenticeship after completing between 7,000-8,000 hours (a combination of on-the-job and in-school training).

Apprenticeship Subject Pathways provides additional information for students/parents/educators: www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/training/apprenticeship/skills/moreinfo.html

Click on the above link to view the Apprenticeship Subject Pathways pdf file.

What’s Your Future as a Hydraulic/Pneumatic Mechanic?

Hydraulic/Pneumatic Mechanics usually work indoors, with heavy tools, in oily or greasy work environments. A standard 40 hour work week is the norm, with shifts, evening, weekend or holiday work required. Career progression within the trade can include Supervisory/Management positions. Check out the Canadian Association of Equipment Distributors for additional information at their website www.caed.org   Employers that hire Hydraulic/Pneumatic Mechanics include:

  • Heavy Equipment Firms
  • Farming equipment companies
  • Transportation companies
  • Aerospace Industry

Wage Rate

  • Apprentices generally earn less than Journeypeople
  • As your skills and expertise increase, so does your wage
  • On average, fully qualified Hydraulic/Pneumatic Mechanics can earn $15.00-$22.00/hr and up.

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as a Hydraulic/Pneumatic Mechanic for You?

Do you have a mechanical aptitude and enjoy learning and applying different theories and techniques?

Yes      No

Do you work well in a team environment?

Yes      No

Do you have the physical stamina to work long hours and overtime if required?

Yes      No

Are you able to bend, lift, kneel, stoop, crouch?

Yes      No

Do you like to diagnose and find problems, then implement solutions?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy keeping up with and learning about new technology?

Yes      No

Do you take pride in persisting until the job is done safely and correctly?

Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a career as a Hydraulic/Pneumatic Mechanic may be for You!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as:

  • Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic
  • Farm Equipment Mechanic
  • Truck & Coach Mechanic
  • Machinist
  • Automotive Service Technician