Become A Heavy Equipment Mechanic

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Working As A Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Getting Information
Performing General Physical Activities

Unpleasant/Hazardous Environment
Repetitive
$53,760
Average Salary

What Does A Heavy Equipment Mechanic Do

A Heavy Equipment Mechanic works with vehicles and machines used in farming, construction, and railway transport. They are responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining them.

How To Become A Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Most heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians have a high school diploma or equivalent. Because vehicle and equipment technology is increasingly sophisticated and computerized, some employers prefer to hire service technicians who have completed a formal training program at a postsecondary institution.

Education

Most heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians have a high school diploma or equivalent. High school courses in automotive repair, electronics, physics, and welding provide a strong foundation for a service technician’s career. However, high school graduates often need further training to become fully qualified.

Completing a vocational or other postsecondary training program in diesel technology or heavy equipment mechanics is increasingly considered the best preparation for some entry-level positions. Offered by vocational schools and community colleges, these programs cover the basics of diagnostic techniques, electronics, and other related subjects. Most programs last 1 to 2 years and lead to certificates of completion. Other programs, which lead to associate’s degrees, generally take 2 years to complete.

Training

Entry-level workers with no formal background in heavy vehicle repair often receive a few months of on-the-job training before they begin performing routine service tasks and making minor repairs. Trainees advance to more complex work as they show competence, and usually become fully qualified after 3 to 4 years of work.

Service technicians who have completed a postsecondary training program in diesel technology or heavy equipment mechanics require less training.

Many employers send new service technicians to training sessions conducted by equipment manufacturers. Training sessions may focus on particular components and technologies or types of equipment.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Some manufacturers offer certification in specific repair methods or equipment. Although not required, certification can demonstrate a service technician’s competence and usually commands higher pay.

Important Qualities

Dexterity. Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians must perform many tasks, such as disassembling engine parts, connecting or attaching components, and using hand tools, with a steady hand and good hand-eye coordination.

Mechanical skills. Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other. They must often disassemble major parts for repairs and be able to reassemble them.

Organizational skills. Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians must maintain accurate service records and parts inventories.

Physical strength. Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians must be able to lift and move heavy equipment, tools, and parts without risking injury.

Troubleshooting skills. Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians must be familiar with diagnostic equipment, which can help find the source of malfunctions when they are difficult to identify.

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Heavy Equipment Mechanic jobs

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Heavy Equipment Mechanic Career Paths

Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Maintenance Supervisor Maintenance Director

Airport Maintenance Chief

5 Yearsyrs

Floor Hand Motorman Rig Mechanic

Chief Mechanical Officer

9 Yearsyrs

Heavy Repairer

Heavy Equipment Supervisor

5 Yearsyrs

Field Service Technician General Manager Maintenance Technician

Lead Mechanic

7 Yearsyrs

Lead Mechanic Technician Maintenance Technician

Maintenance Lead Person

6 Yearsyrs

Lead Mechanic Service Technician Maintenance Technician

Maintenance Lead Technician

8 Yearsyrs

Shop Foreman Maintenance Technician

Maintenance Technician Supervisor

5 Yearsyrs

Field Service Technician Lead Technician Senior Technologist

Master Technician

6 Yearsyrs

Truck Mechanic Diesel Mechanic Mechanical Technician

Mechanics Supervisor

6 Yearsyrs

Shop Foreman Shop Manager Maintenance Technician

Senior Maintenance Technician

8 Yearsyrs

Average Length of Employment

Journeyman/Mechanic 6.1 years
Master Mechanic 5.6 years
Construction Equipment Mechanic 4.9 years
Heavy Repairer 4.7 years
Head Mechanic 4.7 years
Senior Mechanic 4.4 years
Equipment Mechanic 4.4 years
Lead Mechanic 4.3 years
Heavy Equipment Operator 4.3 years
Heavy Equipment Mechanic 4.0 years
Diesel Engine Mechanic 3.8 years
Mobile Equipment Mechanic 3.8 years
Fleet Mechanic 3.7 years
Generator Mechanic 3.7 years
Heavy Truck Mechanic 3.5 years
Automotive Mechanic 3.5 years
Mechanic 3.5 years
Diesel Mechanic 3.5 years
Field Mechanic 3.5 years
Heavy Vehicle Technician 3.4 years
Service Mechanic 3.3 years
Heavy Equipment Technician 3.3 years
Heavy Duty Mechanic 3.2 years
Truck Mechanic 3.1 years
Mobile Home Mechanic 3.0 years
Shop Mechanic 2.9 years
Mechanic Helper 2.0 years

Top Careers Before Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Top Careers After Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Heavy Equipment Mechanic Demographics

Gender

Male
94.9%
Female
4.2%
Unknown
0.9%

Ethnicity

White
80.9%
Hispanic or Latino
11.8%
Asian
5.6%
Unknown
1.2%
Black or African American
0.5%

Languages Spoken

Spanish
56.9%
Carrier
13.9%
German
5.6%
Dakota
4.2%
Filipino
2.8%
Tagalog
2.8%
Korean
2.8%
Swedish
1.4%
Portuguese
1.4%
Hawaiian
1.4%
French
1.4%
Lakota
1.4%
Russian
1.4%
Dari
1.4%
Serbian
1.4%

Heavy Equipment Mechanic

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Heavy Equipment Mechanic Education

Schools

Universal Technical Institute
23.0%
Central Texas College
14.3%
Nashville Auto Diesel College Inc
7.8%
University of Phoenix
7.8%
Arizona Automotive Institute
4.2%
Community College of the Air Force
3.9%
The Academy
3.6%
Fayetteville Technical Community College
3.4%
Texarkana College
3.4%
Ferris State University
3.1%
University of Northwestern Ohio
3.1%
Albany Technical College
3.1%
A-Technical College
2.8%
University of Alaska Anchorage
2.8%
Kaplan University
2.5%
Great Basin College
2.2%
Ashford University
2.2%
Victor Valley College
2.2%
Bates Technical College
2.2%
Ohio Technical College
2.2%

Majors

Automotive Technology 34.9%
Business 10.9%
General Studies 5.5%
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies 5.0%
Criminal Justice 4.4%
Precision Metal Working 4.3%
Electrical Engineering 4.0%
Industrial Technology 3.4%
Electrical Engineering Technology 3.3%
Mechanical Engineering 3.3%
Management 2.8%
Agricultural Mechanization 2.7%
Education 2.4%
Mechanical Engineering Technology 2.4%
Aviation 2.3%
Heating And Air Conditioning 2.3%
Engineering 1.8%
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians 1.6%
Information Technology 1.6%
Computer Science 1.2%

Degrees

Other
47.0%
Associate
19.3%
Certificate
13.5%
Bachelors
11.7%
Diploma
5.6%
Masters
2.1%
License
0.6%
Doctorate
0.2%

Heavy Equipment Mechanic

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Real Heavy Equipment Mechanic Salaries

Job Title	Company	Location	Start Date	Salary
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines	Holcomb Engineering Contractors, Inc.	Baldwin Park, CA	Feb 26, 2013	$62,150
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines	Millens Metal Recycling of Kingston, LLC	Kingston, NY	Apr 09, 2014	$56,410
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics	D'ARCY & Harty Construction, Inc.	San Francisco, CA	Mar 16, 2009	$55,300
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines	Ormat Technologies, Inc.	Brawley, CA	Nov 30, 2012	$54,088
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines	Ormat Technologies, Inc.	Brawley, CA	Sep 18, 2012	$54,088
Heavy Equipment Mechanic	Scot Heller Trucking	Kansas City, MO	Jun 16, 2015	$50,088
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines	Target Contracting, LLC.	Islandia, NY	Jul 13, 2011	$48,001
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics	Aidyl Corp. DBA Sinclair Drilling Fluids	CA	Apr 15, 2011	$45,000
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines	Wirtgen America Inc.	TN	May 22, 2014	$44,000 - $50,000
Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic	Warriors Equipment Repair Inc.	Rancho Cucamonga, CA	Sep 08, 2008	$43,827
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic	Environmental Contractors, Inc.	West Orange, NJ	Feb 07, 2008	$41,970
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines	Prestige Interior Clean Up Inc.	New York, NY	Sep 04, 2009	$39,528
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines	Green Gold Development Corp.	NY	Oct 16, 2009	$39,528
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines	Gazebo Contracting Inc.	Islandia, NY	Mar 26, 2010	$39,528
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines	Glebe Auto Service, Inc.	Arlington, VA	Dec 03, 2010	$39,215
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines	Asbestos Abatement Services, Corp.	NY	Apr 15, 2009	$38,630
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines	Tri-State Equipment Rebuilding Ltd	Hawthorne, NY	Jun 06, 2008	$38,630
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics	Shirlington Service Center	Arlington, VA	Mar 04, 2008	$38,213
Heavy Equipment Mechanic	Tarrytown R & T Corp	Cortlandt, NY	Dec 11, 2007	$37,629
Mobile Heavy Equipment	Frazier Industrial Company	Long Valley, NJ	Nov 14, 2007	$35,667
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic	AVF Development Corp.	Garden City Park, NY	Apr 09, 2010	$33,851
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic	AVF Development Corp.	Garden City Park, NY	Apr 01, 2010	$33,851
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics	Morrow Equipment Company, L.L.C.	Manassas, VA	Oct 11, 2007	$33,684
Heavy Equipment Mechanic	World Electric & Construction Company, Inc.		Dec 22, 2011	$32,432
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engineers	Shank Logging, LLC	VA	Sep 03, 2010	$32,265
Heavy Equipment Mechanic	GEO-Engineering & Testing, Inc.		Aug 18, 2010	$31,618
Heavy Equipment Mechanic	Harsco Infrastructure	Carolina, PR	Nov 13, 2010	$30,000
Heavy Equipment Mechanic	Esco Equipment Rental, Inc.	Carolina, PR	Nov 30, 2009	$30,000

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Top Skills for A Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Top Heavy Equipment Mechanic Skills

Vehicles
Diesel Engines
Wheel Loaders

You can check out examples of real life uses of top skills on resumes here:

Test drove vehicles to verify repairs and or complaints by the soldiers in the units supported by the shop.
Specialized in repairing and maintaining diesel engines/transmissions.
Operate and maintain fleet of Caterpillar and John Deere wheel loaders.
Risk Assessment, Maintaining and Driving Heavy Vehicles, Material Handling and Environmental Health and Safety.
Maintained wheeled and tracked vehicles, their associated trailers and material handling equipment systems.