Construction equipment mechanic vs mechanic

The differences between construction equipment mechanics and mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a construction equipment mechanic, becoming a mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a mechanic has an average salary of $47,149, which is higher than the $45,161 average annual salary of a construction equipment mechanic.

The top three skills for a construction equipment mechanic include hand tools, diesel engines and loaders. The most important skills for a mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.

Construction equipment mechanic vs mechanic overview

	Construction Equipment Mechanic	Mechanic
Yearly salary	$45,161	$47,149
Hourly rate	$21.71	$22.67
Growth rate	8%	4%
Number of jobs	74,365	100,534
Job satisfaction	-	4.25
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	44	42
Years of experience	4	2

What does a construction equipment mechanic do?

Construction equipment mechanics repair and service various construction machines like tractors, paving machines, bulldozers, etc. Most construction machines run on engines using diesel fuel instead of gasoline and require special repair training. These mechanics work by testing the machines to identify the source of these mechanical issues and start repairing or replacing the parts. They conduct routine inspections on machines and maintenance by oiling hinges, tightening bolts, and replacing worn-out parts to prevent accidents from happening while in use.

What does a mechanic do?

Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.

Construction equipment mechanic vs mechanic salary

Construction equipment mechanics and mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Construction Equipment Mechanic	Mechanic
Average salary	$45,161	$47,149
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $63,000	Between $35,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	Connecticut
Best paying company	City of Los Angeles	Anheuser-Busch
Best paying industry	Transportation	Manufacturing

Differences between construction equipment mechanic and mechanic education

There are a few differences between a construction equipment mechanic and a mechanic in terms of educational background:

	Construction Equipment Mechanic	Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Construction equipment mechanic vs mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between construction equipment mechanics' and mechanics' demographics:

	Construction Equipment Mechanic	Mechanic
Average age	44	42
Gender ratio	Male, 92.7% Female, 7.3%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 5.4% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.9% Asian, 1.7% White, 73.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	1%	2%

Differences between construction equipment mechanic and mechanic duties and responsibilities

Construction equipment mechanic example responsibilities.

Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
Work with cranes, scrapers, trench-digging machines, forklifts, bucket loaders, and bulldozers.
Perform preventive maintenance on heavy construction equipment, heavy lift fork loaders and power generation equipment for the DOL installation.
Work on construction equipment such as D9 bulldozers, seven and a half and twenty ton cranes, and earth scrapers.
Pave and maintain concrete and asphalt roads, runways, etc.
Perform asphalt and concrete cement street work, and electrical conduit construction.

Mechanic example responsibilities.

Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and hand tools, such as transfer cases, hydraulic cylinders, bell housings.
Identify issues with wire feeder and power source, break press, overhead cranes , 2 ton to 25 ton hoists.
chain saws, trimmers, tractors, push mowers, blowers, generators, cut saws, power washers, etc.
Work with networking, plumbing, troubleshooting electrical and performing mechanical repairs.
Monitor HVAC systems and operations, and ensure that routine preventive maintenance are performed according to establish schedules.
Complete repair of low-boy style trailers, and tractors with wet line PTO systems.

Construction equipment mechanic vs mechanic skills

Common construction equipment mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 14%
Diesel Engines, 7%
Loaders, 7%
Cranes, 7%
End Loaders, 7%
Graders, 5%

Common mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
Customer Service, 7%
Customer Vehicles, 7%
Diagnosis, 6%
Electrical Systems, 5%

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Construction Equipment Mechanic
Construction Equipment Mechanic vs Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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