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The differences between line mechanics and lead mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a line mechanic, becoming a lead mechanic takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a lead mechanic has an average salary of $54,471, which is higher than the $46,851 average annual salary of a line mechanic.
The top three skills for a line mechanic include preventative maintenance, ladders and safety regulations. The most important skills for a lead mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.
| Line Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $46,851 | $54,471 |
| Hourly rate | $22.52 | $26.19 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 81,088 | 86,668 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 35% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 48 | 49 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A line mechanic specializes in installing and maintaining a variety of mechanical and electrical equipment. Their responsibilities typically include conducting inspections, troubleshooting problems, replacing parts, and performing necessary repairs. There are instances where they must install and repair cables, climb poles, and fix control lines. They may also perform regular maintenance checks to ensure the quality of equipment. Furthermore, a line mechanic must maintain an active communication line with staff, coordinating for a safe and efficient workflow.
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.
Line mechanics and lead mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Line Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $46,851 | $54,471 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $59,000 | Between $40,000 And $73,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fall River, MA | Anchorage, AK |
| Highest paying state | Maine | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Novartis | California Resources |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a line mechanic and a lead mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Line Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 35% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred |
Here are the differences between line mechanics' and lead mechanics' demographics:
| Line Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Average age | 48 | 49 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9% | Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 3.3% White, 66.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | 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 | 2% | 4% |