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The differences between heavy equipment mechanics and mobile equipment 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 mobile equipment mechanic. Additionally, a mobile equipment mechanic has an average salary of $72,190, 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 mobile equipment mechanic are hand tools, cranes, and electrical systems.
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.
Mobile equipment mechanics are skilled employees who are responsible for conducting repairs and maintenance of construction and surface mining equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators. These mechanics must inspect machines and heavy equipment while evaluating operating manuals to perform diagnosis and resolve any defects. They are required to use hand and power tools to perform repairs on the defective equipment parts. Mobile equipment mechanics must also check any open circuits on the electrical systems of heavy equipment.
Heavy equipment mechanics and mobile equipment mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Heavy Equipment Mechanic | Mobile Equipment Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $49,018 | $72,190 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $65,000 | Between $45,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | Hayward, CA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | BNSF Railway | Koch Industries |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Government |
There are a few differences between a heavy equipment mechanic and a mobile equipment mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Heavy Equipment Mechanic | Mobile Equipment Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between heavy equipment mechanics' and mobile equipment mechanics' demographics:
| Heavy Equipment Mechanic | Mobile Equipment Mechanic | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.6% Female, 3.4% | Male, 94.6% Female, 5.4% |
| 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, 5.1% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 1.7% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 1% | 1% |