Ground operations supervisor vs lead mechanic

The differences between ground operations supervisors and lead mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a ground operations supervisor, becoming a lead mechanic takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a ground operations supervisor has an average salary of $54,777, which is higher than the $54,471 average annual salary of a lead mechanic.

The top three skills for a ground operations supervisor include safety procedures, customer service and baggage system. The most important skills for a lead mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.

Ground operations supervisor vs lead mechanic overview

	Ground Operations Supervisor	Lead Mechanic
Yearly salary	$54,777	$54,471
Hourly rate	$26.34	$26.19
Growth rate	6%	4%
Number of jobs	58,443	86,668
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 36%	Associate Degree, 31%
Average age	44	49
Years of experience	2	4

Ground operations supervisor vs lead mechanic salary

Ground operations supervisors and lead mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Ground Operations Supervisor	Lead Mechanic
Average salary	$54,777	$54,471
Salary range	Between $39,000 And $76,000	Between $40,000 And $73,000
Highest paying City	-	Anchorage, AK
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	California Resources
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between ground operations supervisor and lead mechanic education

There are a few differences between a ground operations supervisor and a lead mechanic in terms of educational background:

	Ground Operations Supervisor	Lead Mechanic
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 36%	Associate Degree, 31%
Most common major	Business	Automotive Technology
Most common college	SUNY College of Technology at Alfred	SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Ground operations supervisor vs lead mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between ground operations supervisors' and lead mechanics' demographics:

	Ground Operations Supervisor	Lead Mechanic
Average age	44	49
Gender ratio	Male, 85.9% Female, 14.1%	Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 25.4% Asian, 5.1% White, 52.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	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	8%	4%

Differences between ground operations supervisor and lead mechanic duties and responsibilities

Ground operations supervisor example responsibilities.

Design and manage the construction of the maintenance facility, septic, HVAC, and electrical.
Manage logistics operations relate to strategic military contingency maneuvers.
Direct contact with A/E's and sales managers.
Full operation of all analog and digital video equipment.
Supervise all grind personnel training as regulated by the FAA.
Attend monthly airport meetings with other airline management and TSA.

Lead mechanic example responsibilities.

Manage the repairs of electrical and mechanical components, such as power assemblies and traction motors.
Manage routine maintenance and modifications for locomotives as well as preventative maintenance for freight cars.
Complete restoration of antique motorcycles, extensive engine repair, payroll, quarterly reports, parts sales and database inventory.
Assemble and repair motor scooters.
Perform conventional welding, MIG, TIG, OxyAcet.
Ensure quality repairs are made while meeting stringent FRA guidelines.

Ground operations supervisor vs lead mechanic skills

Common ground operations supervisor skills

Safety Procedures, 27%
Customer Service, 17%
Baggage System, 10%
Aircraft Cargo, 6%
Aircraft Cabin, 5%
FAA, 4%

Common lead mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
HVAC, 6%
Electrical Systems, 4%
Mechanical Equipment, 4%
Hydraulic Systems, 4%

Ground Operations Supervisor vs. similar jobs

Ground Operations Supervisor related careers

Ground Operations Supervisor related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Transportation Industry
Ground Operations Supervisor
Ground Operations Supervisor vs Lead Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse transportation jobs