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The differences between equipment mechanics and senior 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 senior mechanic. Additionally, a senior mechanic has an average salary of $51,569, 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 senior mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.
| Equipment Mechanic | Senior Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $45,435 | $51,569 |
| Hourly rate | $21.84 | $24.79 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 50,409 | 85,706 |
| 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 senior mechanic builds machines or mechanical components based on client specifications and requirements. As a senior mechanic, you will perform a variety of duties that include performing technical inspections on corrective maintenance, vehicle armor and services, monitoring and supporting day-to-day facility and production operations, and troubleshooting problems. Additionally, you will perform preventative maintenance on equipment, generators, and vehicles, and conducting research on parts repair. You will also perform various custodial and maintenance duties as requested.
Equipment mechanics and senior mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Equipment Mechanic | Senior Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $45,435 | $51,569 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $62,000 | Between $37,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Roseville, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Hologic | Orange County Sanitation District |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Energy |
There are a few differences between an equipment mechanic and a senior mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Equipment Mechanic | Senior 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 senior mechanics' demographics:
| Equipment Mechanic | Senior Mechanic | |
| Average age | 44 | 49 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.5% Female, 3.5% | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% |
| 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, 8.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.6% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 1% | 4% |