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Chief maintenance engineer vs lead mechanic

The differences between chief maintenance engineers 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 a chief maintenance engineer and a lead mechanic. Additionally, a chief maintenance engineer has an average salary of $61,998, which is higher than the $54,471 average annual salary of a lead mechanic.

The top three skills for a chief maintenance engineer include HVAC, plumbing and life safety. The most important skills for a lead mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.

Chief maintenance engineer vs lead mechanic overview

Chief Maintenance EngineerLead Mechanic
Yearly salary$61,998$54,471
Hourly rate$29.81$26.19
Growth rate2%4%
Number of jobs70,71786,668
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%Associate Degree, 31%
Average age4949
Years of experience44

Chief maintenance engineer vs lead mechanic salary

Chief maintenance engineers and lead mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Chief Maintenance EngineerLead Mechanic
Average salary$61,998$54,471
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $97,000Between $40,000 And $73,000
Highest paying City-Anchorage, AK
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-California Resources
Best paying industry-Manufacturing

Differences between chief maintenance engineer and lead mechanic education

There are a few differences between a chief maintenance engineer and a lead mechanic in terms of educational background:

Chief Maintenance EngineerLead Mechanic
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%Associate Degree, 31%
Most common majorBusinessAutomotive Technology
Most common collegeSUNY College of Technology at AlfredSUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Chief maintenance engineer vs lead mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between chief maintenance engineers' and lead mechanics' demographics:

Chief Maintenance EngineerLead Mechanic
Average age4949
Gender ratioMale, 96.4% Female, 3.6%Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.3% 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 Percentage4%4%

Differences between chief maintenance engineer and lead mechanic duties and responsibilities

Chief maintenance engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage department and maintain property by repairing electrical, plumbing, water systems, cable/phone systems, drywall installation and repair.
  • Initiate and manage several CMMS programs for productivity and inventory control programs.
  • Provide services in plumbing, carpentry, electrical, unit punch-out, flooring and HVAC as needed.
  • Install A/C units and repair as needed.
  • Maintain a maintenance shop in accordance with OSHA and California Hazmat regulations.
  • Carry out preventative maintenance on A/C units, electronic door locks, washers and giant dryers.
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Lead mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Manage the repairs of electrical and mechanical components, such as power assemblies and traction motors.
  • Manage routine maintenance and modifications for locomotives as well as preventative maintenance for freight cars.
  • Complete restoration of antique motorcycles, extensive engine repair, payroll, quarterly reports, parts sales and database inventory.
  • Assemble and repair motor scooters.
  • Perform conventional welding, MIG, TIG, OxyAcet.
  • Ensure quality repairs are made while meeting stringent FRA guidelines.
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Chief maintenance engineer vs lead mechanic skills

Common chief maintenance engineer skills
  • HVAC, 12%
  • Plumbing, 11%
  • Life Safety, 10%
  • Preventive Maintenance, 8%
  • Kitchen Equipment, 4%
  • Building Maintenance, 4%
Common lead mechanic skills
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Preventive Maintenance, 8%
  • HVAC, 6%
  • Electrical Systems, 4%
  • Mechanical Equipment, 4%
  • Hydraulic Systems, 4%

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