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Generator mechanic vs maintenance assistant

The differences between generator mechanics and maintenance assistants 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 maintenance assistant. Additionally, a generator mechanic has an average salary of $41,670, which is higher than the $31,915 average annual salary of a maintenance assistant.

The top three skills for a generator mechanic include plumbing, ladders and hand tools. The most important skills for a maintenance assistant are plumbing, HVAC, and customer service.

Generator mechanic vs maintenance assistant overview

Generator MechanicMaintenance Assistant
Yearly salary$41,670$31,915
Hourly rate$20.03$15.34
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs85,82295,815
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%High School Diploma, 35%
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 maintenance assistant do?

A maintenance assistant is responsible for maintaining the company's facilities' cleanliness, ensuring that all the equipment and machinery are in working condition, and escalating high defective items for repair. Maintenance assistants should adhere to the organization's safety standards at all times to prevent hazards in operations. They also assist with monitoring inventories and requesting office supplies, inspect electrical wirings and systems for inconsistencies, respond to cleaning and repair requests, and assist guests to the correct departments.

Generator mechanic vs maintenance assistant salary

Generator mechanics and maintenance assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Generator MechanicMaintenance Assistant
Average salary$41,670$31,915
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $59,000Between $24,000 And $41,000
Highest paying CityBuffalo, NYLas Vegas, NV
Highest paying stateAlaskaHawaii
Best paying companySandia National LabsBrigham and Women's Hospital
Best paying industryManufacturingGovernment

Differences between generator mechanic and maintenance assistant education

There are a few differences between a generator mechanic and a maintenance assistant in terms of educational background:

Generator MechanicMaintenance Assistant
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%High School Diploma, 35%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyBusiness
Most common college--

Generator mechanic vs maintenance assistant demographics

Here are the differences between generator mechanics' and maintenance assistants' demographics:

Generator MechanicMaintenance Assistant
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 92.9% Female, 7.1%Male, 86.6% Female, 13.4%
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, 10.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 4.4% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between generator mechanic and maintenance assistant 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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Maintenance assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage long-term working relationships with many local service providers including professional septic, plumbing, electrical and HVAC providers.
  • Program and adjust PLC systems and associate communications.
  • Coordinate inspection and verify work of roofing vendors.
  • Conduce control testing on PLC's for crane trolleys.
  • Change grease for fryers and occasionally cook on the grill.
  • Maintain the integrity and dexterity of the hospital's appearance.
  • Show more

Generator mechanic vs maintenance assistant skills

Common generator mechanic skills
  • Plumbing, 8%
  • Ladders, 6%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • General Maintenance, 6%
  • HVAC, 6%
  • Routine Maintenance, 5%
Common maintenance assistant skills
  • Plumbing, 15%
  • HVAC, 10%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Patients, 5%
  • Electrical Equipment, 5%
  • Maintenance Tasks, 4%

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