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The differences between maintainers and mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a maintainer, becoming a mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a maintainer has an average salary of $51,259, which is higher than the $47,149 average annual salary of a mechanic.
The top three skills for a maintainer include hydraulic systems, suspension systems and test equipment. The most important skills for a mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.
| Maintainer | Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $51,259 | $47,149 |
| Hourly rate | $24.64 | $22.67 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 8,137 | 100,534 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.25 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 31% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 47 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A maintainer serves as a time tracker that oversees and monitors the tasks of employees. They are the one who facilitates and reviews all the work, ensuring it is done according to specifications. Depending on what industry they work in, their function is to troubleshoot, repair, test, document, and review data that is needed.
Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.
Maintainers and mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Maintainer | Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $51,259 | $47,149 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $82,000 | Between $35,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Parsons | Anheuser-Busch |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a maintainer and a mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Maintainer | Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 31% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Business | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between maintainers' and mechanics' demographics:
| Maintainer | Mechanic | |
| Average age | 47 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.0% Female, 11.0% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 4.6% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% | Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |