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The differences between equipment mechanics and field mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an equipment mechanic, becoming a field mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a field mechanic has an average salary of $46,395, which is higher than the $45,435 average annual salary of an equipment mechanic.
The top three skills for an equipment mechanic include hand tools, preventive maintenance and CDL. The most important skills for a field mechanic are CDL, construction equipment, and cranes.
| Equipment Mechanic | Field Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $45,435 | $46,395 |
| Hourly rate | $21.84 | $22.31 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 50,409 | 135,482 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
An equipment mechanic specializes in inspecting and repairing mechanical systems, ensuring quality and efficiency. They typically respond to issues and concerns, identify client needs, conduct inspections, and perform corrective measures and repairs as needed. An equipment mechanic may also liaise with clients, explaining to them the extent of repairs and provide cost-estimates. Furthermore, it is essential to perform regular maintenance checks to ensure its efficiency and safety of operators, all while building positive relationships with customers to strengthen the client base.
The primary job of a field mechanic is to manage on-site installation, maintenance, test, and repair tasks. Field mechanics diagnose technical problems or errors and identify the appropriate solutions. They deliver heavy equipment, facility maintenance, and load and unload equipment. They work on transmissions, electrical systems, hydraulics, engines, and welding repairs. Their duties involve service truck maintenance to keep service truck inventory. Also, they maintain enough materials and supplies on a service truck for common repairs.
Equipment mechanics and field mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Equipment Mechanic | Field Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $45,435 | $46,395 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $62,000 | Between $33,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | California | - |
| Best paying company | Hologic | - |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | - |
There are a few differences between an equipment mechanic and a field mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Equipment Mechanic | Field Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between equipment mechanics' and field mechanics' demographics:
| Equipment Mechanic | Field Mechanic | |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.5% Female, 3.5% | Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 1.8% White, 72.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 1% | 2% |