Head mechanic vs section chief

The differences between head mechanics and section chiefs 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 section chief. Additionally, a head mechanic has an average salary of $116,841, which is higher than the $78,816 average annual salary of a section chief.

The top three skills for a head mechanic include preventive maintenance, R and air compressors. The most important skills for a section chief are safety procedures, training programs, and professional development.

Head mechanic vs section chief overview

	Head Mechanic	Section Chief
Yearly salary	$116,841	$78,816
Hourly rate	$56.17	$37.89
Growth rate	4%	6%
Number of jobs	42,612	13,655
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Average age	49	49
Years of experience	4	4

Head mechanic vs section chief salary

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

	Head Mechanic	Section Chief
Average salary	$116,841	$78,816
Salary range	Between $86,000 And $158,000	Between $37,000 And $163,000
Highest paying City	-	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	-	New York
Best paying company	-	Learjet
Best paying industry	-	Government

Differences between head mechanic and section chief education

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

	Head Mechanic	Section Chief
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Business
Most common college	SUNY College of Technology at Alfred	SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Head mechanic vs section chief demographics

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

	Head Mechanic	Section Chief
Average age	49	49
Gender ratio	Male, 97.2% Female, 2.8%	Male, 88.4% Female, 11.6%
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, 8.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 2.1% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between head mechanic and section chief 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 .).

Section chief example responsibilities.

Manage sortie production on 17 USAF E-8C aircraft worth $6.2 billion.
Manage HAZMAT accumulation storage points and documentation.
Manage training time effectively ensuring employees have every opportunity to learn necessary skills to succeed in a combat environment.
Assist in planning, implementing and administering educational training that enhance performance in combat operations for soldiers to accomplish every mission.
Provide leadership and knowledge of federal shipping and logistics regulations by managing adherence to all policies and procedures from higher headquarters.
Complete HAZMAT transport course and establish on-site certifying capability.

Head mechanic vs section chief skills

Common head mechanic skills

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

Common section chief skills

Safety Procedures, 22%
Training Programs, 9%
Professional Development, 7%
Logistical Support, 6%
Combat, 6%
Corrective Action, 5%

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Head Mechanic
Head Mechanic vs Section Chief

Updated January 8, 2025

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