Post job

Head mechanic vs fleet mechanic

The differences between head mechanics and fleet 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 fleet mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a head mechanic has an average salary of $116,841, which is higher than the $50,065 average annual salary of a fleet mechanic.

The top three skills for a head mechanic include preventive maintenance, R and air compressors. The most important skills for a fleet mechanic are CDL, DOT, and diagnosis.

Head mechanic vs fleet mechanic overview

Head MechanicFleet Mechanic
Yearly salary$116,841$50,065
Hourly rate$56.17$24.07
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs42,61290,785
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 37%Associate Degree, 35%
Average age4942
Years of experience42

Head mechanic vs fleet mechanic salary

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

Head MechanicFleet Mechanic
Average salary$116,841$50,065
Salary rangeBetween $86,000 And $158,000Between $37,000 And $66,000
Highest paying City-Sacramento, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-OGE Energy
Best paying industry-Construction

Differences between head mechanic and fleet mechanic education

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

Head MechanicFleet Mechanic
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 37%Associate Degree, 35%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common collegeSUNY College of Technology at Alfred-

Head mechanic vs fleet mechanic demographics

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

Head MechanicFleet Mechanic
Average age4942
Gender ratioMale, 97.2% Female, 2.8%Male, 97.9% Female, 2.1%
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, 8.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage4%2%

Differences between head mechanic and fleet 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 .).
  • Show more

Fleet mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Obtain CDL while employ here.
  • DOT Hazmat certify for shipping waste.
  • Perform MIG and stick welding when need.
  • Maintain cleanliness and safety of the shop.
  • Repair and identify facility issues per OSHA standards.
  • truck ladders, small equipment stands, misc shop items.
  • Show more

Head mechanic vs fleet mechanic skills

Common head mechanic skills
  • Preventive Maintenance, 6%
  • R, 6%
  • Air Compressors, 5%
  • Diesel Engines, 5%
  • Brake Systems, 5%
  • DOT, 5%
Common fleet mechanic skills
  • CDL, 13%
  • DOT, 9%
  • Diagnosis, 7%
  • Hand Tools, 7%
  • MIG, 7%
  • OSHA, 6%

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs