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The differences between equipment mechanics and heavy equipment mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an equipment mechanic and a heavy equipment mechanic. Additionally, a heavy equipment mechanic has an average salary of $49,018, 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 heavy equipment mechanic are CDL, hand tools, and loaders.
| Equipment Mechanic | Heavy Equipment Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $45,435 | $49,018 |
| Hourly rate | $21.84 | $23.57 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 50,409 | 98,464 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 39% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
A heavy equipment mechanic is responsible for operating the heavy machinery used in the production of various industries, inspecting inconsistencies, running diagnostic tests, and replacing defective components to ensure its operational safety and efficiency. Heavy equipment mechanics also upgrade engine systems to boost optimal performance, analyze damage costs, and repair equipment parts with the assistance of other mechanical staff. They work closely with the management, create maintenance reports, and suggesting resolutions to avoid delays in production and customer service.
Equipment mechanics and heavy equipment mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Equipment Mechanic | Heavy Equipment Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $45,435 | $49,018 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $62,000 | Between $36,000 And $65,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Oakland, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Vermont |
| Best paying company | Hologic | BNSF Railway |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Transportation |
There are a few differences between an equipment mechanic and a heavy equipment mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Equipment Mechanic | Heavy Equipment Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 39% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between equipment mechanics' and heavy equipment mechanics' demographics:
| Equipment Mechanic | Heavy Equipment Mechanic | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.5% Female, 3.5% | Male, 96.6% Female, 3.4% |
| 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, 5.2% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 1.7% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 1% | 1% |