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The differences between heavy duty mechanics and lead mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a heavy duty mechanic, becoming a lead mechanic takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a lead mechanic has an average salary of $54,471, which is higher than the $49,563 average annual salary of a heavy duty mechanic.
The top three skills for a heavy duty mechanic include CDL, hand tools and preventive maintenance. The most important skills for a lead mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.
| Heavy Duty Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $49,563 | $54,471 |
| Hourly rate | $23.83 | $26.19 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 51,609 | 86,668 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 42 | 49 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
Heavy-duty mechanics are skilled employees who are responsible for providing repairs and maintenance of mobile heavy-duty construction equipment. These mechanics must perform inspections on equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, and other heavy construction equipment to detect faults and malfunctions to ensure proper performance. They must test the repaired equipment to ensure that the repair works meet the specifications of the manufacturers. Heavy-duty mechanics must also provide a safe working environment and take special precautions to protect themselves against work-related injuries.
A lead mechanic coordinates the teams of mechanics and ensures the timely completion of repairs. Lead mechanics supervise their subordinates, order mechanical parts, and inspect their work making sure that the standards are met. They are responsible for repairing, overhauling, and maintaining vehicles or farm equipment. It is their job to provide support and give advice on matters associated with repairs. They also conduct road tests and maintain the repair of equipment. They should also have leadership and strong communication skills.
Heavy duty mechanics and lead mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Heavy Duty Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $49,563 | $54,471 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $66,000 | Between $40,000 And $73,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Anchorage, AK |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Granite Construction | California Resources |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a heavy duty mechanic and a lead mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Heavy Duty Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred |
Here are the differences between heavy duty mechanics' and lead mechanics' demographics:
| Heavy Duty Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 49 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2% | Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | 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 | 2% | 4% |