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Generator mechanic vs building engineer

The differences between generator mechanics and building engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a generator mechanic and a building engineer. Additionally, a building engineer has an average salary of $76,446, which is higher than the $41,670 average annual salary of a generator mechanic.

The top three skills for a generator mechanic include plumbing, ladders and hand tools. The most important skills for a building engineer are HVAC, ladders, and plumbing.

Generator mechanic vs building engineer overview

Generator MechanicBuilding Engineer
Yearly salary$41,670$76,446
Hourly rate$20.03$36.75
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs85,82213,440
Job satisfaction55
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age4747
Years of experience44

What does a generator mechanic do?

Generator Mechanics are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repair generators for an organization's facility. Their duties include troubleshooting issues relating to the generator's electrical and mechanical systems through diagnostic tests, performing site testings and engine servicings, conduct preventative maintenance, and ensures all work complies with health and safety protocols. They perform housekeeping on company vehicles and customer sites, compile accurate work documentation, assist in supplies procurement, and contribute to cost and material budgeting. Generator Mechanics write a progress report and maintain activity logs.

What does a building engineer do?

The job of building engineers is to provide advice on design, installation, and maintenance of energy-efficient and cost-effective systems for all building services, including lighting, water, and air conditioning. These professionals are responsible for the distribution of water supply and electricity and resolving tenants' maintenance problems such as plumbing and electrical systems. Additional duties of the building engineers include conducting tests on systems, ensuring compliance with health and safety requirements, and liaising with construction professionals like surveyors and electricians.

Generator mechanic vs building engineer salary

Generator mechanics and building engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Generator MechanicBuilding Engineer
Average salary$41,670$76,446
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $59,000Between $49,000 And $116,000
Highest paying CityBuffalo, NYSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaCalifornia
Best paying companySandia National LabsApple
Best paying industryManufacturingTechnology

Differences between generator mechanic and building engineer education

There are a few differences between a generator mechanic and a building engineer in terms of educational background:

Generator MechanicBuilding Engineer
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyHeating And Air Conditioning
Most common college--

Generator mechanic vs building engineer demographics

Here are the differences between generator mechanics' and building engineers' demographics:

Generator MechanicBuilding Engineer
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 92.9% Female, 7.1%Male, 94.6% Female, 5.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.2% Asian, 4.4% White, 59.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.2% Asian, 4.5% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between generator mechanic and building engineer duties and responsibilities

Generator mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Trouble-shoot electrical components to include, ignition points, alternators, regulators, and solenoids.
  • General mechanics shop consists of troubleshooting and repairs of plumbing, electrical, carpentry, HVAC, paint and plastering.
  • Perform preventive maintenance, troubleshoot breakdowns and repair malfunctioning HVAC systems and components; utilize measuring and testing instruments.
  • Involve in confine space entry with compliance to OSHA regulations and guidelines.
  • Follow all rules and safety guidelines according to union, plant, and OSHA regulations.
  • Request assistance from plumbers, painters, HVAC technicians, carpenters, and electricians when necessary.
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Building engineer example responsibilities.

  • Coordinate with team leads to determine needs and how best to implement JIRA within department.
  • Create python script to automate the deployment process which deploys the application and restarts the servers.
  • Manage service MEP vendor contracts (elevators, fire life support, annual test and inspections).
  • Manage and sustain manufacturing processes via monitoring, SPC, and data analysis to maintain overall process health and stability.
  • Contribute PowerShell functions to a PowerShell module used to automate software upgrades.
  • Provide property preventive maintenance, electrical repair, HVAC maintenance/troubleshooting, construction, plumbing, custom carpentry and renovations.
  • Show more

Generator mechanic vs building engineer skills

Common generator mechanic skills
  • Plumbing, 8%
  • Ladders, 6%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • General Maintenance, 6%
  • HVAC, 6%
  • Routine Maintenance, 5%
Common building engineer skills
  • HVAC, 13%
  • Ladders, 12%
  • Plumbing, 12%
  • Preventive Maintenance, 10%
  • Emergency Situations, 9%
  • Roofing, 8%

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