Post job

Car mechanic vs instrument technician apprentice

The differences between car mechanics and instrument technician apprentices can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a car mechanic, becoming an instrument technician apprentice takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, an instrument technician apprentice has an average salary of $39,849, which is higher than the $37,369 average annual salary of a car mechanic.

The top three skills for a car mechanic include diagnostic tools, ASE and engine repair. The most important skills for an instrument technician apprentice are hand tools, customer satisfaction, and diagnosis.

Car mechanic vs instrument technician apprentice overview

Car MechanicInstrument Technician Apprentice
Yearly salary$37,369$39,849
Hourly rate$17.97$19.16
Growth rate1%-
Number of jobs89,782130,235
Job satisfaction2-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 28%
Average age4050
Years of experience212

Car mechanic vs instrument technician apprentice salary

Car mechanics and instrument technician apprentices have different pay scales, as shown below.

Car MechanicInstrument Technician Apprentice
Average salary$37,369$39,849
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $49,000Between $27,000 And $57,000
Highest paying City-Hayward, CA
Highest paying state-Hawaii
Best paying company-Accenture
Best paying industry-Automotive

Differences between car mechanic and instrument technician apprentice education

There are a few differences between a car mechanic and an instrument technician apprentice in terms of educational background:

Car MechanicInstrument Technician Apprentice
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 28%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Car mechanic vs instrument technician apprentice demographics

Here are the differences between car mechanics' and instrument technician apprentices' demographics:

Car MechanicInstrument Technician Apprentice
Average age4050
Gender ratioMale, 97.5% Female, 2.5%Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.8% Asian, 5.0% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 8.0% White, 70.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage2%8%

Differences between car mechanic and instrument technician apprentice duties and responsibilities

Car mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Adjust and set mowing heights for all mowers per the superintendant.
  • Sharpen all mowing blades for greens mowers, rough mowers and fairway mowers.
  • Perform diagnostics on vehicle ECUs in addition to vehicle services such as oil, brakes, and filter changes.
  • Weld broken frames and battery boxes.
  • Preform tune-ups and A/C, and electrical repairs.
  • Fabricate new parts using gas torches, welder and various measuring tools.
  • Show more

Instrument technician apprentice example responsibilities.

  • Achieve multiple ASE certifications within first year of employment.
  • Maintain the cleanliness of the shop.
  • Train, working under ASE certification standards.
  • Wire low volt and high volt generators for caterpillar.
  • Unload vehicles by driving and by the use of cranes.
  • Install HD brand and aftermarket, chrome and billet, parts and accessories.
  • Show more

Car mechanic vs instrument technician apprentice skills

Common car mechanic skills
  • Diagnostic Tools, 18%
  • ASE, 9%
  • Engine Repair, 9%
  • Brake Pads, 7%
  • Customer Vehicles, 6%
  • Oil Changes, 6%
Common instrument technician apprentice skills
  • Hand Tools, 8%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 8%
  • Diagnosis, 7%
  • OSHA, 7%
  • Cleanliness, 7%
  • Customer Vehicles, 6%

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs