Head mechanic vs senior mechanic

The differences between head mechanics and senior 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 senior mechanic. Additionally, a head mechanic has an average salary of $116,841, which is higher than the $51,569 average annual salary of a senior mechanic.

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

Head mechanic vs senior mechanic overview

	Head Mechanic	Senior Mechanic
Yearly salary	$116,841	$51,569
Hourly rate	$56.17	$24.79
Growth rate	4%	5%
Number of jobs	42,612	85,706
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	Associate Degree, 31%
Average age	49	49
Years of experience	4	4

Head mechanic vs senior mechanic salary

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

	Head Mechanic	Senior Mechanic
Average salary	$116,841	$51,569
Salary range	Between $86,000 And $158,000	Between $37,000 And $70,000
Highest paying City	-	Roseville, CA
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	Orange County Sanitation District
Best paying industry	-	Energy

Differences between head mechanic and senior mechanic education

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

	Head Mechanic	Senior 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 senior mechanic demographics

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

	Head Mechanic	Senior Mechanic
Average age	49	49
Gender ratio	Male, 97.2% Female, 2.8%	Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0%
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, 8.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.6% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between head mechanic and senior 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 .).

Senior mechanic example responsibilities.

Create and manage preventive and predictive routes using Maximo CMMS database.
Perform technical inspections on vehicle armor, corrective maintenance, and services (PMCS )
Test coolant conditions, inspects wires and repair if damage, replace wire harness, troubleshoot faulty electrical components.
Support GMP manufacturing and team with QA.
Replace electrical switches, lights and outlets.
Use table top grinders and tools for assembly.

Head mechanic vs senior mechanic skills

Common head mechanic skills

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

Common senior mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 10%
Preventive Maintenance, 7%
HVAC, 6%
Plumbing, 5%
Diesel Engines, 5%
Shop Safety, 4%

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Head Mechanic
Head Mechanic vs Senior Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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