How To Become A Lead Mechanic: What It Is and Career Path

What is a lead mechanic and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Lead mechanics are in charge of overseeing the work of a team of mechanics. Their job entails many of the duties a mechanic is expected to carry out, while additionally making sure their subordinates' work meets quality standards and all tasks are completed on time.

Ordering material for repairs, diagnosing mechanical problems using appropriate equipment, resolving issues, and giving professional advice to the mechanics on the team is also the responsibility of lead mechanics. They test repaired machines on the road and see to it that all working equipment is well maintained and safe to use.

Although ample experience as a mechanic is a must for this position, lead mechanics need to know more than their way around an engine. The mechanic team will look to them in case any problem arises, so they have to have leadership skills, an aptitude toward resolving issues, and a vein for customer service.

ScoreLead MechanicUS Average

Salary

4.3

Avg. Salary $54,471

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

9.3

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.24%

Asian 2.11%

Black or African American 8.26%

Hispanic or Latino 15.78%

Unknown 4.50%

White 68.10%

Gender

female 3.21%

male 96.79%

Age - 50

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 50

Stress level

9.3

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.4

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

2.6

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a lead mechanic

Explore lead mechanic education requirements

Most common lead mechanic degrees

Associate

31.4 %

High School Diploma

30.1 %

Bachelor's

17.9 %

Start to develop specific lead mechanic skills

Skills	Percentages
Hand Tools	8.60%
Preventive Maintenance	7.55%
HVAC	5.95%
Electrical Systems	4.16%
Mechanical Equipment	3.88%

Complete relevant lead mechanic training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New lead mechanics learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a lead mechanic based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real lead mechanic resumes.

Research lead mechanic duties and responsibilities

Manage the repairs of electrical and mechanical components, such as power assemblies and traction motors.
Manage routine maintenance and modifications for locomotives as well as preventative maintenance for freight cars.
Complete restoration of antique motorcycles, extensive engine repair, payroll, quarterly reports, parts sales and database inventory.
Assemble and repair motor scooters.

Get lead mechanic experience

Generally, it takes 2-4 years to become a lead mechanic. The most common roles before becoming a lead mechanic include mechanic, maintenance technician team lead and diesel mechanic.

Prepare your lead mechanic resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your lead mechanic resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a lead mechanic resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable lead mechanic resume templates

Build a professional lead mechanic resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your lead mechanic resume.