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The differences between automotive mechanics and field 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 automotive mechanic and a field mechanic. Additionally, a field mechanic has an average salary of $46,395, which is higher than the $42,864 average annual salary of an automotive mechanic.
The top three skills for an automotive mechanic include customer service, work ethic and hand tools. The most important skills for a field mechanic are CDL, construction equipment, and cranes.
| Automotive Mechanic | Field Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $42,864 | $46,395 |
| Hourly rate | $20.61 | $22.31 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 95,703 | 135,482 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 38% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Average age | 40 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
An automotive mechanic is responsible for inspecting the vehicle's engine, identifying defects and inconsistencies, and repairing malfunctioning components through diagnostic tests. Automotive mechanics diagnose problems and inform the customers of troubleshooting procedures and provide cost estimates for maintenance. They may also offer additional services to boost the engine's optimal performance and efficiency, at the same time, to generate more revenues for the business. An automotive mechanic must have excellent knowledge of the automotive industry, especially in responding to the inquiries and concerns of the customers regarding their vehicles and schedule regular repairs as necessary.
The primary job of a field mechanic is to manage on-site installation, maintenance, test, and repair tasks. Field mechanics diagnose technical problems or errors and identify the appropriate solutions. They deliver heavy equipment, facility maintenance, and load and unload equipment. They work on transmissions, electrical systems, hydraulics, engines, and welding repairs. Their duties involve service truck maintenance to keep service truck inventory. Also, they maintain enough materials and supplies on a service truck for common repairs.
Automotive mechanics and field mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automotive Mechanic | Field Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $42,864 | $46,395 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $59,000 | Between $33,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | Greeley, CO | - |
| Highest paying state | Colorado | - |
| Best paying company | Eversource Energy | - |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | - |
There are a few differences between an automotive mechanic and a field mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Automotive Mechanic | Field Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 38% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between automotive mechanics' and field mechanics' demographics:
| Automotive Mechanic | Field Mechanic | |
| Average age | 40 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.4% Female, 3.6% | Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 5.0% White, 60.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |