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Maintenance superintendent vs lead mechanic

The differences between maintenance superintendents and lead mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a maintenance superintendent and a lead mechanic. Additionally, a maintenance superintendent has an average salary of $77,482, which is higher than the $54,471 average annual salary of a lead mechanic.

The top three skills for a maintenance superintendent include continuous improvement, OSHA and plumbing. The most important skills for a lead mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.

Maintenance superintendent vs lead mechanic overview

Maintenance SuperintendentLead Mechanic
Yearly salary$77,482$54,471
Hourly rate$37.25$26.19
Growth rate2%4%
Number of jobs69,77586,668
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%Associate Degree, 31%
Average age4949
Years of experience44

What does a maintenance superintendent do?

A maintenance superintendent works in the oil and gas industries. They are based offshore, overseeing a rig concerning these facets mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and telecommunication. They oversee the technical integrity of a rig's hull, including tanks, topside vessels, and equipment. It is also part of their responsibility for ensuring that there is ample "bunker" on board, as well as managing and preparing operations. They will likely be involved in a safe and efficient rig operation following a rig management system.

What does a lead mechanic do?

A lead mechanic coordinates the teams of mechanics and ensures the timely completion of repairs. Lead mechanics supervise their subordinates, order mechanical parts, and inspect their work making sure that the standards are met. They are responsible for repairing, overhauling, and maintaining vehicles or farm equipment. It is their job to provide support and give advice on matters associated with repairs. They also conduct road tests and maintain the repair of equipment. They should also have leadership and strong communication skills.

Maintenance superintendent vs lead mechanic salary

Maintenance superintendents and lead mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Maintenance SuperintendentLead Mechanic
Average salary$77,482$54,471
Salary rangeBetween $49,000 And $122,000Between $40,000 And $73,000
Highest paying CityTracy, CAAnchorage, AK
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyBP America IncCalifornia Resources
Best paying industryHospitalityManufacturing

Differences between maintenance superintendent and lead mechanic education

There are a few differences between a maintenance superintendent and a lead mechanic in terms of educational background:

Maintenance SuperintendentLead Mechanic
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%Associate Degree, 31%
Most common majorBusinessAutomotive Technology
Most common collegeSUNY College of Technology at AlfredSUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Maintenance superintendent vs lead mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between maintenance superintendents' and lead mechanics' demographics:

Maintenance SuperintendentLead Mechanic
Average age4949
Gender ratioMale, 97.3% Female, 2.7%Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%Black or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between maintenance superintendent and lead mechanic duties and responsibilities

Maintenance superintendent example responsibilities.

  • Develop and lead lock-out / tag-out (LOTO) and overall plant safety program.
  • Conceptualize and implement TPM strategies covering operations, quality assurance, and maintenance essential to achieve company goals and increase OEE.
  • Utilize workplace safety practices and job hazard analysis to ensure no OSHA injuries for direct reports occur during tenure.
  • Plant EHS support and oversight.
  • Use wide variety of conventional and CNC machines.
  • Define and deploy health and safety (EHS) policies and procedures (HACCP).
  • Show more

Lead mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Manage the repairs of electrical and mechanical components, such as power assemblies and traction motors.
  • Manage routine maintenance and modifications for locomotives as well as preventative maintenance for freight cars.
  • Complete restoration of antique motorcycles, extensive engine repair, payroll, quarterly reports, parts sales and database inventory.
  • Assemble and repair motor scooters.
  • Perform conventional welding, MIG, TIG, OxyAcet.
  • Ensure quality repairs are made while meeting stringent FRA guidelines.
  • Show more

Maintenance superintendent vs lead mechanic skills

Common maintenance superintendent skills
  • Continuous Improvement, 7%
  • OSHA, 6%
  • Plumbing, 5%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Mowing, 5%
  • Maintenance Supervisors, 4%
Common lead mechanic skills
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Preventive Maintenance, 8%
  • HVAC, 6%
  • Electrical Systems, 4%
  • Mechanical Equipment, 4%
  • Hydraulic Systems, 4%

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