Mobile Machine Maintenance Technician

Small and mid-sized factories, machine shops, packaging and food processors, and workshops with no full-time maintenance staff.

Hourly or day rate for call-outs, plus monthly or quarterly maintenance contracts that cover set inspections. Parts are billed with a modest mark-up.

• Mechanical and basic electrical know-how
• Reading machine manuals and diagrams
• Careful record keeping
• Reliable and safety-minded

• Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether clients ask for proof of it before letting you on site
• Many trades such as industrial mechanic or millwright are regulated or certified by province, so check which work you may legally do
• WCB/WSIB coverage rules by province, particularly if you take on a helper
• Site safety training such as lockout/tagout and WHMIS, which many plants require
• Winter driving and the cost of running a loaded vehicle

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on the tools you need and how you set up your vehicle. Running a loaded vehicle, including winter driving, is an ongoing cost to plan for.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how many regular clients and scheduled visits you build up. The estimates assume at least about 15 hours a week.

Many trades such as industrial mechanic or millwright are regulated or certified by province, so check which work you may legally do. Also check insurance requirements, WCB/WSIB rules if you take on a helper, and site safety training like lockout/tagout and WHMIS.