Head mechanic vs lead mechanic

The differences between head mechanics and lead mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a head mechanic and a lead mechanic. Additionally, a head mechanic has an average salary of $116,841, which is higher than the $54,471 average annual salary of a lead mechanic.

The top three skills for a head mechanic include preventive maintenance, R and air compressors. The most important skills for a lead mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.

Head mechanic vs lead mechanic overview

	Head Mechanic	Lead Mechanic
Yearly salary	$116,841	$54,471
Hourly rate	$56.17	$26.19
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	42,612	86,668
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	Associate Degree, 31%
Average age	49	49
Years of experience	4	4

Head mechanic vs lead mechanic salary

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

	Head Mechanic	Lead Mechanic
Average salary	$116,841	$54,471
Salary range	Between $86,000 And $158,000	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 head mechanic and lead mechanic education

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

	Head Mechanic	Lead Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	Associate Degree, 31%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	SUNY College of Technology at Alfred	SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Head mechanic vs lead mechanic demographics

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

	Head Mechanic	Lead Mechanic
Average age	49	49
Gender ratio	Male, 97.2% Female, 2.8%	Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2%
Race ratio	Black 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, 8.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between head mechanic and lead 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 .).

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.

Head mechanic vs lead mechanic skills

Common head mechanic skills

Preventive Maintenance, 6%
R, 6%
Air Compressors, 5%
Diesel Engines, 5%
Brake Systems, 5%
DOT, 5%

Common lead mechanic skills

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

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Head Mechanic
Head Mechanic vs Lead Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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