Dragline mechanic vs shovel mechanic

The differences between dragline 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 dragline mechanic and a shovel mechanic. Additionally, a shovel mechanic has an average salary of $47,081, which is higher than the $44,870 average annual salary of a dragline mechanic.

The top three skills for a dragline mechanic include general maintenance, MIG and . The most important skills for a shovel mechanic are shovels, cranes, and MSHA.

Dragline mechanic vs shovel mechanic overview

	Dragline Mechanic	Shovel Mechanic
Yearly salary	$44,870	$47,081
Hourly rate	$21.57	$22.64
Growth rate	8%	8%
Number of jobs	33,931	33,785
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 45%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	4	4

Dragline mechanic vs shovel mechanic salary

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

	Dragline Mechanic	Shovel Mechanic
Average salary	$44,870	$47,081
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $69,000	Between $27,000 And $79,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between dragline mechanic and shovel mechanic education

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

	Dragline Mechanic	Shovel Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 45%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	General Studies
Most common college	-	-

Dragline mechanic vs shovel mechanic demographics

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

	Dragline Mechanic	Shovel Mechanic
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 100.0% Female, 0.0%	Male, 100.0% Female, 0.0%
Race ratio	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%	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 dragline mechanic and shovel mechanic duties and responsibilities

Dragline mechanic example responsibilities.

Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Authorize Cummins diesel engine mechanic.

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.

Dragline mechanic vs shovel mechanic skills

Common dragline mechanic skills

General Maintenance, 54%
MIG, 46%

Common shovel mechanic skills

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

Dragline Mechanic vs. similar jobs

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
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Dragline Mechanic vs Shovel Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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