Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between heavy equipment mechanics and lead 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 heavy equipment mechanic and a lead mechanic. Additionally, a lead mechanic has an average salary of $54,471, which is higher than the $49,018 average annual salary of a heavy equipment mechanic.
The top three skills for a heavy equipment mechanic include CDL, hand tools and loaders. The most important skills for a lead mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.
| Heavy Equipment Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $49,018 | $54,471 |
| Hourly rate | $23.57 | $26.19 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 98,464 | 86,668 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 44 | 49 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
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 equipment mechanics and lead mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Heavy Equipment Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $49,018 | $54,471 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $65,000 | Between $40,000 And $73,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | Anchorage, AK |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Alaska |
| Best paying company | BNSF Railway | California Resources |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a heavy equipment mechanic and a lead mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Heavy Equipment 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 equipment mechanics' and lead mechanics' demographics:
| Heavy Equipment Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Average age | 44 | 49 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.6% Female, 3.4% | Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2% |
| 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, 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 | 1% | 4% |