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The differences between line mechanics and machines technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a line mechanic and a machines technician. Additionally, a line mechanic has an average salary of $46,851, which is higher than the $39,754 average annual salary of a machines technician.
The top three skills for a line mechanic include preventative maintenance, ladders and safety regulations. The most important skills for a machines technician are CNC, hand tools, and calipers.
| Line Mechanic | Machines Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $46,851 | $39,754 |
| Hourly rate | $22.52 | $19.11 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 14% |
| Number of jobs | 81,088 | 106,175 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 35% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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 machine technician can often be seen in a manufacturing company, factories, processing centers, and machine shops. They typically work as the apprentice of machine engineers that are responsible for ensuring that all machinery and machine tools are working properly. A technician operates, installs, maintains, inspects, and repairs equipment depending on what industry they are working in, whether it may be an industrial or automotive setup. They must be keen on detail and keep the machines or equipment to the highest quality standard at all times.
Line mechanics and machines technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Line Mechanic | Machines Technician | |
| Average salary | $46,851 | $39,754 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $59,000 | Between $30,000 And $52,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fall River, MA | Los Angeles, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maine | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Novartis | ABB |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a line mechanic and a machines technician in terms of educational background:
| Line Mechanic | Machines Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 35% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between line mechanics' and machines technicians' demographics:
| Line Mechanic | Machines Technician | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9% | Male, 85.1% Female, 14.9% |
| 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, 8.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 3.4% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |