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The differences between automotive 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 automotive mechanic and a mechanic. Additionally, a mechanic has an average salary of $47,149, 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 mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.
| Automotive Mechanic | Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $42,864 | $47,149 |
| Hourly rate | $20.61 | $22.67 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 95,703 | 100,534 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | 4.25 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 38% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| 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.
Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.
Automotive mechanics and mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automotive Mechanic | Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $42,864 | $47,149 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $59,000 | Between $35,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | Greeley, CO | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Colorado | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Eversource Energy | Anheuser-Busch |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an automotive mechanic and a mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Automotive Mechanic | Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 38% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between automotive mechanics' and mechanics' demographics:
| Automotive Mechanic | Mechanic | |
| Average age | 40 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.4% Female, 3.6% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| 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, 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% |