Locomotive mechanic vs junior mechanic

The differences between locomotive mechanics and junior 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 locomotive mechanic and a junior mechanic. Additionally, a locomotive mechanic has an average salary of $41,991, which is higher than the $39,809 average annual salary of a junior mechanic.

The top three skills for a locomotive mechanic include locomotives, hand tools and FRA. The most important skills for a junior mechanic are hand tools, electrical systems, and OSHA.

Locomotive mechanic vs junior mechanic overview

	Locomotive Mechanic	Junior Mechanic
Yearly salary	$41,991	$39,809
Hourly rate	$20.19	$19.14
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	34,178	44,920
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 33%	High School Diploma, 40%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Locomotive mechanic vs junior mechanic salary

Locomotive mechanics and junior mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Locomotive Mechanic	Junior Mechanic
Average salary	$41,991	$39,809
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $55,000	Between $28,000 And $55,000
Highest paying City	-	Fremont, CA
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	WestRock
Best paying industry	-	Construction

Differences between locomotive mechanic and junior mechanic education

There are a few differences between a locomotive mechanic and a junior mechanic in terms of educational background:

	Locomotive Mechanic	Junior Mechanic
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 33%	High School Diploma, 40%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Electrical Engineering Technology
Most common college	-	-

Locomotive mechanic vs junior mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between locomotive mechanics' and junior mechanics' demographics:

	Locomotive Mechanic	Junior Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8%	Male, 96.6% Female, 3.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 2.5% White, 67.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	Black or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 2.3% White, 64.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between locomotive mechanic and junior mechanic duties and responsibilities

Locomotive mechanic example responsibilities.

Provide routine maintenance, troubleshooting and repair to EMD and G.E.
Repair running gears: wheels, springs, hangers, and brake rigging traction motors.
weld with arc and mig welding.
Preform overhauls on EMD 12V645E diesel electric engines.
Work closely with contractors, FRA, OSHA and safety officers
Operate cutting torches or welding equipment to cut or join metal parts

Junior mechanic example responsibilities.

Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
Assist technicians in the installation and repair HVAC system units, including electronic and mechanical components.
Measure, cut, thread and bond pipes and tubing to feeding water, gas or refrigerant to various HVAC equipment.
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.

Locomotive mechanic vs junior mechanic skills

Common locomotive mechanic skills

Locomotives, 28%
Hand Tools, 14%
FRA, 13%
DOT, 13%
Torches, 8%
Traction, 8%

Common junior mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 20%
Electrical Systems, 11%
OSHA, 10%
Ladders, 7%
Light Fixtures, 6%
Preventive Maintenance, 5%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Locomotive Mechanic
Locomotive Mechanic vs Junior Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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