Line mechanic vs rig mechanic

The differences between line mechanics and rig 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 rig mechanic. Additionally, a line mechanic has an average salary of $46,851, which is higher than the $44,088 average annual salary of a rig mechanic.

The top three skills for a line mechanic include preventative maintenance, ladders and safety regulations. The most important skills for a rig mechanic are hand tools, troubleshoot, and mechanical equipment.

Line mechanic vs rig mechanic overview

	Line Mechanic	Rig Mechanic
Yearly salary	$46,851	$44,088
Hourly rate	$22.52	$21.20
Growth rate	14%	14%
Number of jobs	81,088	89,556
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 35%	High School Diploma, 28%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	2	2

Line mechanic vs rig mechanic salary

Line mechanics and rig mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Line Mechanic	Rig Mechanic
Average salary	$46,851	$44,088
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $59,000	Between $29,000 And $66,000
Highest paying City	Fall River, MA	-
Highest paying state	Maine	-
Best paying company	Novartis	-
Best paying industry	Utilities	-

Differences between line mechanic and rig mechanic education

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

	Line Mechanic	Rig Mechanic
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 35%	High School Diploma, 28%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Line mechanic vs rig mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between line mechanics' and rig mechanics' demographics:

	Line Mechanic	Rig 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, 8.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 3.4% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between line mechanic and rig mechanic duties and responsibilities

Line mechanic example responsibilities.

Organize a procedure for rapid plumbing repairs by proactively devising a solid inventory system for effectively managing spare parts and tools.
Practice good OSHA and company safety standards.
Complete production line assignments, maintaining strict OSHA sanitary standards.
Maintain and repair PLC automate, electronic, pneumatic and mechanical machinery.
Install and repair electrical equipment such as switches, motors, and relays.
Fabricate defective sections or parts, using metal fabricating machines, saws, brakes, shears, and grinders.

Rig mechanic example responsibilities.

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.

Line mechanic vs rig mechanic skills

Common line mechanic skills

Preventative Maintenance, 14%
Ladders, 10%
Safety Regulations, 8%
Switches, 6%
Production Equipment, 6%
Hand Tools, 5%

Common rig mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 13%
Troubleshoot, 12%
Mechanical Equipment, 10%
Cranes, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 7%
Mud Pumps, 6%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Line Mechanic
Line Mechanic vs Rig Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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