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Equipment mechanic vs mechanic

The differences between 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 an 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 $45,435 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 mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.

Equipment mechanic vs mechanic overview

Equipment MechanicMechanic
Yearly salary$45,435$47,149
Hourly rate$21.84$22.67
Growth rate8%4%
Number of jobs50,409100,534
Job satisfaction-4.25
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 34%High School Diploma, 42%
Average age4442
Years of experience42

What does an equipment mechanic do?

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.

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.

Equipment mechanic vs mechanic salary

Equipment mechanics and mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Equipment MechanicMechanic
Average salary$45,435$47,149
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $62,000Between $35,000 And $63,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Jose, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaConnecticut
Best paying companyHologicAnheuser-Busch
Best paying industryTransportationManufacturing

Differences between equipment mechanic and mechanic education

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

Equipment MechanicMechanic
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 34%High School Diploma, 42%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Equipment mechanic vs mechanic demographics

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

Equipment MechanicMechanic
Average age4442
Gender ratioMale, 96.5% Female, 3.5%Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratioBlack 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, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage1%2%

Differences between equipment mechanic and mechanic duties and responsibilities

Equipment mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
  • Repair electrical equipment, hydraulic systems and mobile maintenance cranes.
  • Complete all paperwork in conformance with state, federal, and OSHA guidelines.
  • Work on various vehicles from bulldozers to container handlers to generators to to small trailers.
  • Work with hoisting and jacking equipment, power tools, measuring instruments, gauges and meters.
  • Possess highly technical expertise of hoisting and jacking equipment, power tools, instruments, gauges and meters.
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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.
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Equipment mechanic vs mechanic skills

Common equipment mechanic skills
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Preventive Maintenance, 6%
  • CDL, 6%
  • Electrical Systems, 6%
  • Ladders, 5%
  • Cranes, 4%
Common mechanic skills
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Preventive Maintenance, 8%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Customer Vehicles, 7%
  • Diagnosis, 6%
  • Electrical Systems, 5%

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