Junior mechanic vs mechanic

The differences between junior mechanics and mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a junior mechanic and a mechanic. Additionally, a mechanic has an average salary of $47,149, which is higher than the $39,809 average annual salary of a junior mechanic.

The top three skills for a junior mechanic include hand tools, electrical systems and OSHA. The most important skills for a mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.

Junior mechanic vs mechanic overview

	Junior Mechanic	Mechanic
Yearly salary	$39,809	$47,149
Hourly rate	$19.14	$22.67
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	44,920	100,534
Job satisfaction	-	4.25
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Junior mechanic vs mechanic salary

Junior mechanics and mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Junior Mechanic	Mechanic
Average salary	$39,809	$47,149
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $55,000	Between $35,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	Fremont, CA	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Connecticut
Best paying company	WestRock	Anheuser-Busch
Best paying industry	Construction	Manufacturing

Differences between junior mechanic and mechanic education

There are a few differences between a junior mechanic and a mechanic in terms of educational background:

	Junior Mechanic	Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Electrical Engineering Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Junior mechanic vs mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between junior mechanics' and mechanics' demographics:

	Junior Mechanic	Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 96.6% Female, 3.4%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 2.3% White, 64.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between junior mechanic and mechanic duties and responsibilities

Junior mechanic example responsibilities.

Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
Assist technicians in the installation and repair HVAC system units, including electronic and mechanical components.
Measure, cut, thread and bond pipes and tubing to feeding water, gas or refrigerant to various HVAC equipment.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.

Mechanic example responsibilities.

Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and hand tools, such as transfer cases, hydraulic cylinders, bell housings.
Identify issues with wire feeder and power source, break press, overhead cranes , 2 ton to 25 ton hoists.
chain saws, trimmers, tractors, push mowers, blowers, generators, cut saws, power washers, etc.
Work with networking, plumbing, troubleshooting electrical and performing mechanical repairs.
Monitor HVAC systems and operations, and ensure that routine preventive maintenance are performed according to establish schedules.
Complete repair of low-boy style trailers, and tractors with wet line PTO systems.

Junior mechanic vs mechanic skills

Common junior mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 20%
Electrical Systems, 11%
OSHA, 10%
Ladders, 7%
Light Fixtures, 6%
Preventive Maintenance, 5%

Common mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
Customer Service, 7%
Customer Vehicles, 7%
Diagnosis, 6%
Electrical Systems, 5%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Junior Mechanic
Junior Mechanic vs Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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