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The differences between line mechanics and pump 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 line mechanic and a pump mechanic. Additionally, a pump mechanic has an average salary of $50,382, 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 pump mechanic are hand tools, DOT, and mechanical problems.
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 pump mechanic is someone who inspects, diagnoses, and does minor and major repair work on pumps. Pump mechanics perform mechanical works on hydraulic equipment, valves, compressors, motors, controls, and associated equipment. The mechanics repair wastewater lift stations, water transfer pumps, and storm drain stations. They examine the pumps for possible malfunctioning and find the wear or damage, such as blowout packing. Among the tools they use during their mechanical tasks are high torque drills, basic hand tools, sandblasters, torches, and precision measurement tools.
Line mechanics and pump mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Line Mechanic | Pump Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $46,851 | $50,382 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $59,000 | Between $36,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fall River, MA | Richmond, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maine | California |
| Best paying company | Novartis | United Rentals |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Construction |
There are a few differences between a line mechanic and a pump mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Line Mechanic | Pump Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 35% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between line mechanics' and pump mechanics' demographics:
| Line Mechanic | Pump Mechanic | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9% | Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7% |
| 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, 7.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 3.3% White, 66.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |