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Head mechanic vs field mechanic

The differences between head mechanics and field mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a head mechanic, becoming a field mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a head mechanic has an average salary of $116,841, which is higher than the $46,395 average annual salary of a field mechanic.

The top three skills for a head mechanic include preventive maintenance, R and air compressors. The most important skills for a field mechanic are CDL, construction equipment, and cranes.

Head mechanic vs field mechanic overview

Head MechanicField Mechanic
Yearly salary$116,841$46,395
Hourly rate$56.17$22.31
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs42,612135,482
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 37%High School Diploma, 36%
Average age4942
Years of experience42

Head mechanic vs field mechanic salary

Head mechanics and field mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Head MechanicField Mechanic
Average salary$116,841$46,395
Salary rangeBetween $86,000 And $158,000Between $33,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between head mechanic and field mechanic education

There are a few differences between a head mechanic and a field mechanic in terms of educational background:

Head MechanicField Mechanic
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 37%High School Diploma, 36%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common collegeSUNY College of Technology at Alfred-

Head mechanic vs field mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between head mechanics' and field mechanics' demographics:

Head MechanicField Mechanic
Average age4942
Gender ratioMale, 97.2% Female, 2.8%Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.1% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage4%2%

Differences between head mechanic and field mechanic duties and responsibilities

Head mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
  • Weld (Mig, arc, Oxy/Acet . )
  • Assist lead mechanics with diagnosis and repair of all units and systems.
  • Involve in all aspects of center maintenance from roof repairs and HVAC to lanes and pinspotters.
  • Perform plan maintenance and repairs on HVAC equipment to include boilers, large air handlers, and roof top units.
  • Perform any necessary repairs and diagnosis (electrical, hydraulics, engine, drivetrain, suspension, etc .).
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Field mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Have visited various locations and have accomplished field preventive maintenance on compressors.
  • Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and handtools.
  • Supervise mechanics in the diagnosis and repair of technical difficulties, installation and in mechanical failures of military equipment.
  • Construct and assemble sub- assemblies and assemble components including shafts, pulley, bearings, gearboxes and conveyor components.
  • Repair and maintain the tar kettles and up keep of all compressors, and push behind blowers.
  • Perform all levels of repair and maintenance for school buses, vans, pickups, trailers, mowers and snow blowers.
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Head mechanic vs field mechanic skills

Common head mechanic skills
  • Preventive Maintenance, 6%
  • R, 6%
  • Air Compressors, 5%
  • Diesel Engines, 5%
  • Brake Systems, 5%
  • DOT, 5%
Common field mechanic skills
  • CDL, 13%
  • Construction Equipment, 10%
  • Cranes, 7%
  • Hydraulic Systems, 6%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Asphalt, 4%

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