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The differences between heavy equipment mechanics and field 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 heavy equipment mechanic, becoming a field mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a heavy equipment mechanic has an average salary of $49,018, which is higher than the $46,395 average annual salary of a field mechanic.
The top three skills for a heavy equipment mechanic include CDL, hand tools and loaders. The most important skills for a field mechanic are CDL, construction equipment, and cranes.
| Heavy Equipment Mechanic | Field Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $49,018 | $46,395 |
| Hourly rate | $23.57 | $22.31 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 98,464 | 135,482 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A heavy equipment mechanic is responsible for operating the heavy machinery used in the production of various industries, inspecting inconsistencies, running diagnostic tests, and replacing defective components to ensure its operational safety and efficiency. Heavy equipment mechanics also upgrade engine systems to boost optimal performance, analyze damage costs, and repair equipment parts with the assistance of other mechanical staff. They work closely with the management, create maintenance reports, and suggesting resolutions to avoid delays in production and customer service.
The primary job of a field mechanic is to manage on-site installation, maintenance, test, and repair tasks. Field mechanics diagnose technical problems or errors and identify the appropriate solutions. They deliver heavy equipment, facility maintenance, and load and unload equipment. They work on transmissions, electrical systems, hydraulics, engines, and welding repairs. Their duties involve service truck maintenance to keep service truck inventory. Also, they maintain enough materials and supplies on a service truck for common repairs.
Heavy equipment mechanics and field mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Heavy Equipment Mechanic | Field Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $49,018 | $46,395 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $65,000 | Between $33,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | - |
| Best paying company | BNSF Railway | - |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | - |
There are a few differences between a heavy equipment mechanic and a field mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Heavy Equipment Mechanic | Field Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between heavy equipment mechanics' and field mechanics' demographics:
| Heavy Equipment Mechanic | Field Mechanic | |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.6% Female, 3.4% | Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.2% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 1.7% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 1% | 2% |