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Industrial mechanic vs generation technician

The differences between industrial mechanics and generation technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an industrial mechanic, becoming a generation technician takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an industrial mechanic has an average salary of $53,333, which is higher than the $40,580 average annual salary of a generation technician.

The top three skills for an industrial mechanic include industrial maintenance, hand tools and PLC. The most important skills for a generation technician are preventive maintenance, customer service, and safety standards.

Industrial mechanic vs generation technician overview

Industrial MechanicGeneration Technician
Yearly salary$53,333$40,580
Hourly rate$25.64$19.51
Growth rate14%5%
Number of jobs158,560154,565
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 35%Associate Degree, 32%
Average age4847
Years of experience24

What does an industrial mechanic do?

An industrial mechanic maintains and repairs equipment and any other industrial types of machinery in a factory. Industrial mechanics manage the operation of machinery like production machinery, packaging equipment, and conveying systems. They need to use protective equipment like safety glasses and hardhats as well as follow safety precautions during operations. It is their responsibility to make sure that all industrial machines function well through preventive maintenance service and troubleshooting.

What does a generation technician do?

A generation technician specializes in performing systems installations and maintenance, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities include providing support to clients and fellow company employees, troubleshooting errors, performing repairs and replacements, and referring clients to other services when necessary. They may also perform regular maintenance checks, fixing or cleaning systems and components as needed. Furthermore, a generation technician typically works in a team setting, requiring an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.

Industrial mechanic vs generation technician salary

Industrial mechanics and generation technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Industrial MechanicGeneration Technician
Average salary$53,333$40,580
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $72,000Between $28,000 And $56,000
Highest paying CityFremont, CALos Angeles, CA
Highest paying stateWest VirginiaAlaska
Best paying companyCalifornia ResourcesWestinghouse Appliances Australia
Best paying industryTransportationAutomotive

Differences between industrial mechanic and generation technician education

There are a few differences between an industrial mechanic and a generation technician in terms of educational background:

Industrial MechanicGeneration Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 35%Associate Degree, 32%
Most common majorIndustrial TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Industrial mechanic vs generation technician demographics

Here are the differences between industrial mechanics' and generation technicians' demographics:

Industrial MechanicGeneration Technician
Average age4847
Gender ratioMale, 96.6% Female, 3.4%Male, 88.7% Female, 11.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 3.3% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 4.5% White, 60.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between industrial mechanic and generation technician duties and responsibilities

Industrial mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Organize a procedure for rapid plumbing repairs by proactively devising a solid inventory system for effectively managing spare parts and tools.
  • Work on airport baggage conveyor systems including troubleshooting PLC problems
  • Used lathes, welding equipment, hoists and lifts.
  • Monitor comfort controls, fire safety, lighting, and HVAC equipment.
  • Have training in the Herzig arc flash electrical safety and PPE standards.
  • Correct electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, welding, and PLC problems.
  • Show more

Generation technician example responsibilities.

  • Achieve multiple ASE certifications within first year of employment.
  • Refurbish, modify, and maintain living systems of recreational vehicles including plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration, and electrical systems.
  • Maintain a safe work environment and ensure compliance with OSHA regulations.
  • Climb up framework or ladders to position, fit or secure parts.
  • Maintain an accident-free safety record by ensuring all actions perform are in accordance with safety and OSHA standards.
  • Computerize electronic pneumatic devices relate to HVAC control.
  • Show more

Industrial mechanic vs generation technician skills

Common industrial mechanic skills
  • Industrial Maintenance, 12%
  • Hand Tools, 10%
  • PLC, 5%
  • Mechanical Equipment, 5%
  • HVAC, 3%
  • Mechanical Troubleshooting, 3%
Common generation technician skills
  • Preventive Maintenance, 10%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Safety Standards, 6%
  • Work Ethic, 5%
  • Diesel Engines, 4%
  • OSHA, 4%

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