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The differences between automotive services managers and lead mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an automotive services manager and a lead mechanic. Additionally, a lead mechanic has an average salary of $54,471, which is higher than the $50,282 average annual salary of an automotive services manager.
The top three skills for an automotive services manager include customer complaints, strong customer service and repeat business. The most important skills for a lead mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.
| Automotive Services Manager | Lead Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $50,282 | $54,471 |
| Hourly rate | $24.17 | $26.19 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 115,108 | 86,668 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 34% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 49 | 49 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Automotive service manager duties include greeting customers and interacting with them to understand their vehicular problems. They drive the vehicle with the customer and the technician to gain firsthand knowledge of the possible vehicular problems. They estimate all costs, including the services and repair costs, also spare parts if needed, and educate customers on vehicle maintenance to avoid troubles and problems. It is part of their job to maintain a record of repairs and services of vehicles accepted and completed on a daily basis to ensure the delivery of vehicles to customers at the agreed time. Moreover, ensuring customer satisfaction is achieved through effective services and repairs.
A lead mechanic coordinates the teams of mechanics and ensures the timely completion of repairs. Lead mechanics supervise their subordinates, order mechanical parts, and inspect their work making sure that the standards are met. They are responsible for repairing, overhauling, and maintaining vehicles or farm equipment. It is their job to provide support and give advice on matters associated with repairs. They also conduct road tests and maintain the repair of equipment. They should also have leadership and strong communication skills.
Automotive services managers and lead mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automotive Services Manager | Lead Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $50,282 | $54,471 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $72,000 | Between $40,000 And $73,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | Anchorage, AK |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Belle Tire | California Resources |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an automotive services manager and a lead mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Automotive Services Manager | Lead Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 34% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Business | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred |
Here are the differences between automotive services managers' and lead mechanics' demographics:
| Automotive Services Manager | Lead Mechanic | |
| Average age | 49 | 49 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.4% Female, 8.6% | Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% | Black or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |