Auto garage mechanic vs mechanic

The differences between auto garage mechanics and mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an auto garage mechanic and a mechanic. Additionally, a mechanic has an average salary of $47,149, which is higher than the $42,369 average annual salary of an auto garage mechanic.

The top three skills for an auto garage mechanic include CDL, hand tools and hoists. The most important skills for a mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.

Auto garage mechanic vs mechanic overview

	Auto Garage Mechanic	Mechanic
Yearly salary	$42,369	$47,149
Hourly rate	$20.37	$22.67
Growth rate	1%	4%
Number of jobs	38,612	100,534
Job satisfaction	-	4.25
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 38%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	40	42
Years of experience	2	2

Auto garage mechanic vs mechanic salary

Auto garage mechanics and mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Auto Garage Mechanic	Mechanic
Average salary	$42,369	$47,149
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $72,000	Between $35,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	San Antonio, TX	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	California	Connecticut
Best paying company	WEC Energy Group	Anheuser-Busch
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between auto garage mechanic and mechanic education

There are a few differences between an auto garage mechanic and a mechanic in terms of educational background:

	Auto Garage Mechanic	Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 38%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Auto garage mechanic vs mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between auto garage mechanics' and mechanics' demographics:

	Auto Garage Mechanic	Mechanic
Average age	40	42
Gender ratio	Male, 97.5% Female, 2.5%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 5.6% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between auto garage mechanic and mechanic duties and responsibilities

Auto garage mechanic example responsibilities.

Diagnose, repair and replace hydraulic controls, engine components, loader attachments, brakes and bearings using cranes and hoists.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Install, repair, and service many kinds of garage doors and door openers.

Mechanic example responsibilities.

Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and hand tools, such as transfer cases, hydraulic cylinders, bell housings.
Identify issues with wire feeder and power source, break press, overhead cranes , 2 ton to 25 ton hoists.
chain saws, trimmers, tractors, push mowers, blowers, generators, cut saws, power washers, etc.
Work with networking, plumbing, troubleshooting electrical and performing mechanical repairs.
Monitor HVAC systems and operations, and ensure that routine preventive maintenance are performed according to establish schedules.
Complete repair of low-boy style trailers, and tractors with wet line PTO systems.

Auto garage mechanic vs mechanic skills

Common auto garage mechanic skills

CDL, 35%
Hand Tools, 29%
Hoists, 12%
Diesel Engines, 6%
Diesel Trucks, 5%
Electrical Systems, 4%

Common mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
Customer Service, 7%
Customer Vehicles, 7%
Diagnosis, 6%
Electrical Systems, 5%

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Auto Garage Mechanic
Auto Garage Mechanic vs Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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