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The differences between equipment mechanics 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 an equipment mechanic and a lead mechanic. Additionally, a lead mechanic has an average salary of $54,471, 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 lead mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.
| Equipment Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $45,435 | $54,471 |
| Hourly rate | $21.84 | $26.19 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 50,409 | 86,668 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 44 | 49 |
| 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 lead mechanic coordinates the teams of mechanics and ensures the timely completion of repairs. Lead mechanics supervise their subordinates, order mechanical parts, and inspect their work making sure that the standards are met. They are responsible for repairing, overhauling, and maintaining vehicles or farm equipment. It is their job to provide support and give advice on matters associated with repairs. They also conduct road tests and maintain the repair of equipment. They should also have leadership and strong communication skills.
Equipment mechanics and lead mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Equipment Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $45,435 | $54,471 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $62,000 | Between $40,000 And $73,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Anchorage, AK |
| Highest paying state | California | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Hologic | California Resources |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an equipment mechanic and a lead mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Equipment Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred |
Here are the differences between equipment mechanics' and lead mechanics' demographics:
| Equipment Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Average age | 44 | 49 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.5% Female, 3.5% | Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2% |
| 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, 8.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 1% | 4% |