Post job

Master automotive technician vs field mechanic

The differences between master automotive technicians and field 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 master automotive technician and a field mechanic. Additionally, a master automotive technician has an average salary of $66,289, which is higher than the $46,395 average annual salary of a field mechanic.

The top three skills for a master automotive technician include diagnosis, electrical systems and ASE. The most important skills for a field mechanic are CDL, construction equipment, and cranes.

Master automotive technician vs field mechanic overview

Master Automotive TechnicianField Mechanic
Yearly salary$66,289$46,395
Hourly rate$31.87$22.31
Growth rate1%4%
Number of jobs124,843135,482
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 39%High School Diploma, 36%
Average age4042
Years of experience22

What does a master automotive technician do?

A master automotive technician is an expert in auto repair work. This position is also known as an automotive master mechanic, and the primary qualification for this position is a certification from an automotive service institute. Their job duties include overseeing and signing off on repairs done by the other mechanics, taking automobile components apart, inspecting parts of the automobile, making repairs where necessary, reviewing work orders, and communicating with both the clients and the management. Sometimes, they specialize in particular areas.

What does a field mechanic do?

The primary job of a field mechanic is to manage on-site installation, maintenance, test, and repair tasks. Field mechanics diagnose technical problems or errors and identify the appropriate solutions. They deliver heavy equipment, facility maintenance, and load and unload equipment. They work on transmissions, electrical systems, hydraulics, engines, and welding repairs. Their duties involve service truck maintenance to keep service truck inventory. Also, they maintain enough materials and supplies on a service truck for common repairs.

Master automotive technician vs field mechanic salary

Master automotive technicians and field mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Master Automotive TechnicianField Mechanic
Average salary$66,289$46,395
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $107,000Between $33,000 And $63,000
Highest paying CityAustin, TX-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyMedical Billing-
Best paying industryRetail-

Differences between master automotive technician and field mechanic education

There are a few differences between a master automotive technician and a field mechanic in terms of educational background:

Master Automotive TechnicianField Mechanic
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 39%High School Diploma, 36%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Master automotive technician vs field mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between master automotive technicians' and field mechanics' demographics:

Master Automotive TechnicianField Mechanic
Average age4042
Gender ratioMale, 95.9% Female, 4.1%Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 5.1% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between master automotive technician and field mechanic duties and responsibilities

Master automotive technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage daily repair activities for high-volume Honda repair facility.
  • Perform hands-on diagnosis and servicing of BMW engines, transmissions, steering and suspension, brakes and electrical systems.
  • Instruct ASE classes with independently prepare courses.
  • Perform bumper to bumper repairs on Chrysler brand vehicles.
  • Attend all necessary training and updates to Chrysler standards.
  • Perform major automotive repair: electrical, brakes, A/C repairs, engines, etc.
  • Show more

Field mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Have visited various locations and have accomplished field preventive maintenance on compressors.
  • Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and handtools.
  • Supervise mechanics in the diagnosis and repair of technical difficulties, installation and in mechanical failures of military equipment.
  • Construct and assemble sub- assemblies and assemble components including shafts, pulley, bearings, gearboxes and conveyor components.
  • Repair and maintain the tar kettles and up keep of all compressors, and push behind blowers.
  • Perform all levels of repair and maintenance for school buses, vans, pickups, trailers, mowers and snow blowers.
  • Show more

Master automotive technician vs field mechanic skills

Common master automotive technician skills
  • Diagnosis, 28%
  • Electrical Systems, 11%
  • ASE, 10%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Mechanical Repairs, 7%
  • AC, 4%
Common field mechanic skills
  • CDL, 13%
  • Construction Equipment, 10%
  • Cranes, 7%
  • Hydraulic Systems, 6%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Asphalt, 4%

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs