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The differences between automotive mechanics and mobile equipment mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an automotive mechanic, becoming a mobile equipment mechanic takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a mobile equipment mechanic has an average salary of $72,190, 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 mobile equipment mechanic are hand tools, cranes, and electrical systems.
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.
Mobile equipment mechanics are skilled employees who are responsible for conducting repairs and maintenance of construction and surface mining equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators. These mechanics must inspect machines and heavy equipment while evaluating operating manuals to perform diagnosis and resolve any defects. They are required to use hand and power tools to perform repairs on the defective equipment parts. Mobile equipment mechanics must also check any open circuits on the electrical systems of heavy equipment.
Automotive mechanics and mobile equipment mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automotive Mechanic | Mobile Equipment Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $42,864 | $72,190 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $59,000 | Between $45,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | Greeley, CO | Hayward, CA |
| Highest paying state | Colorado | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Eversource Energy | Koch Industries |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Government |
There are a few differences between an automotive mechanic and a mobile equipment mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Automotive Mechanic | Mobile Equipment Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 38% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between automotive mechanics' and mobile equipment mechanics' demographics:
| Automotive Mechanic | Mobile Equipment Mechanic | |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.4% Female, 3.6% | Male, 94.6% Female, 5.4% |
| 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, 5.1% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 1.7% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 1% |