Brake mechanic vs shovel mechanic

The differences between brake mechanics and shovel mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a brake mechanic and a shovel mechanic. Additionally, a shovel mechanic has an average salary of $47,081, which is higher than the $43,738 average annual salary of a brake mechanic.

The top three skills for a brake mechanic include CNC, punch press and amada. The most important skills for a shovel mechanic are shovels, cranes, and MSHA.

Brake mechanic vs shovel mechanic overview

	Brake Mechanic	Shovel Mechanic
Yearly salary	$43,738	$47,081
Hourly rate	$21.03	$22.64
Growth rate	8%	8%
Number of jobs	34,658	33,785
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 43%	High School Diploma, 45%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	4	4

Brake mechanic vs shovel mechanic salary

Brake mechanics and shovel mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Brake Mechanic	Shovel Mechanic
Average salary	$43,738	$47,081
Salary range	Between $33,000 And $57,000	Between $27,000 And $79,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between brake mechanic and shovel mechanic education

There are a few differences between a brake mechanic and a shovel mechanic in terms of educational background:

	Brake Mechanic	Shovel Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 43%	High School Diploma, 45%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	General Studies
Most common college	-	-

Brake mechanic vs shovel mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between brake mechanics' and shovel mechanics' demographics:

	Brake Mechanic	Shovel Mechanic
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6%	Male, 100.0% Female, 0.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 1.7% White, 72.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 3.8% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.5% Asian, 1.6% White, 78.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	1%	1%

Differences between brake mechanic and shovel mechanic duties and responsibilities

Brake mechanic example responsibilities.

Check parts using protractors and calipers.
Adhere to detail instructions in accordance with FAA regulations and guidelines.
Conduct extensive testing and inspection of all components to meet FAA specifications.
Check parts for accuracy of dimensions and angles using calipers, protractors, and squares.
Perform and inspect aircraft wheel assemblies using nondestructive testing (NDT) methods of magna flux and dye penetrant processes.
Work in there fleet department repairing and diagnosis on all emergency apparatuses and ambulances and police vehicles also include maintenance schedules.

Shovel mechanic example responsibilities.

Begin teardown to determine problems with operation or places showing abnormal wear and tear.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Plan and schedule preventive maintenance for mine equipment.
Perform preventive daily maintenance following a schedule maintenance schedule.

Brake mechanic vs shovel mechanic skills

Common brake mechanic skills

CNC, 41%
Punch Press, 14%
Amada, 14%
RAN, 12%
Stainless Steel, 10%
Oil Changes, 9%

Common shovel mechanic skills

Shovels, 33%
Cranes, 26%
MSHA, 16%
Lube, 15%
Electrical Systems, 5%
DML, 4%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Brake Mechanic
Brake Mechanic vs Shovel Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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