Head mechanic vs mechanic

The differences between head mechanics and 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 mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a head mechanic has an average salary of $116,841, which is higher than the $47,149 average annual salary of a mechanic.

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

Head mechanic vs mechanic overview

	Head Mechanic	Mechanic
Yearly salary	$116,841	$47,149
Hourly rate	$56.17	$22.67
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	42,612	100,534
Job satisfaction	-	4.25
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	49	42
Years of experience	4	2

Head mechanic vs mechanic salary

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

	Head Mechanic	Mechanic
Average salary	$116,841	$47,149
Salary range	Between $86,000 And $158,000	Between $35,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	-	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	-	Connecticut
Best paying company	-	Anheuser-Busch
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between head mechanic and mechanic education

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

	Head Mechanic	Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	SUNY College of Technology at Alfred	-

Head mechanic vs mechanic demographics

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

	Head Mechanic	Mechanic
Average age	49	42
Gender ratio	Male, 97.2% Female, 2.8%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
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, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	4%	2%

Differences between head mechanic and 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 .).

Mechanic example responsibilities.

Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and hand tools, such as transfer cases, hydraulic cylinders, bell housings.
Identify issues with wire feeder and power source, break press, overhead cranes , 2 ton to 25 ton hoists.
chain saws, trimmers, tractors, push mowers, blowers, generators, cut saws, power washers, etc.
Work with networking, plumbing, troubleshooting electrical and performing mechanical repairs.
Monitor HVAC systems and operations, and ensure that routine preventive maintenance are performed according to establish schedules.
Complete repair of low-boy style trailers, and tractors with wet line PTO systems.

Head mechanic vs mechanic skills

Common head mechanic skills

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

Common mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
Customer Service, 7%
Customer Vehicles, 7%
Diagnosis, 6%
Electrical Systems, 5%

Head Mechanic vs. similar jobs

Head Mechanic related careers

Head Mechanic related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Head Mechanic
Head Mechanic vs Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs