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Car mechanic vs lube technician

The differences between car mechanics and lube technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a car mechanic and a lube technician. Additionally, a car mechanic has an average salary of $37,369, which is higher than the $29,959 average annual salary of a lube technician.

The top three skills for a car mechanic include diagnostic tools, ASE and engine repair. The most important skills for a lube technician are work ethic, customer service, and hand tools.

Car mechanic vs lube technician overview

Car MechanicLube Technician
Yearly salary$37,369$29,959
Hourly rate$17.97$14.40
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs89,782131,008
Job satisfaction24.5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 53%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

Car mechanic vs lube technician salary

Car mechanics and lube technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Car MechanicLube Technician
Average salary$37,369$29,959
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $49,000Between $23,000 And $37,000
Highest paying City-Denver, CO
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-Martin Marietta
Best paying industry-Retail

Differences between car mechanic and lube technician education

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

Car MechanicLube Technician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 53%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Car mechanic vs lube technician demographics

Here are the differences between car mechanics' and lube technicians' demographics:

Car MechanicLube Technician
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 97.5% Female, 2.5%Male, 93.7% Female, 6.3%
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, 9.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 5.4% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between car mechanic and lube technician 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

Lube technician example responsibilities.

  • Operate multiple types of forklifts and cranes.
  • Perform maintenance and trouble shooting of HVAC systems.
  • Work with ASE certify, world class technician as apprentice.
  • Reset TPMS systems, and perform alignments on most cars.
  • Study and learned with ASE technicians to perform quality service in a timely manner.
  • Consult with customers to troubleshoot vehicle problems and discuss potential work to be perform.
  • Show more

Car mechanic vs lube technician skills

Common car mechanic skills
  • Diagnostic Tools, 18%
  • ASE, 9%
  • Engine Repair, 9%
  • Brake Pads, 7%
  • Customer Vehicles, 6%
  • Oil Changes, 6%
Common lube technician skills
  • Work Ethic, 15%
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Hand Tools, 11%
  • Oil Changes, 6%
  • Air Pressure, 6%
  • Air Filters, 6%

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