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The differences between master automotive technicians and lead mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a master automotive technician, becoming a lead mechanic takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a master automotive technician has an average salary of $66,289, which is higher than the $54,471 average annual salary of a lead mechanic.
The top three skills for a master automotive technician include diagnosis, electrical systems and ASE. The most important skills for a lead mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.
| Master Automotive Technician | Lead Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $66,289 | $54,471 |
| Hourly rate | $31.87 | $26.19 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 124,843 | 86,668 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 39% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 40 | 49 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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.
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.
Master automotive technicians and lead mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Master Automotive Technician | Lead Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $66,289 | $54,471 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $107,000 | Between $40,000 And $73,000 |
| Highest paying City | Austin, TX | Anchorage, AK |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Medical Billing | California Resources |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a master automotive technician and a lead mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Master Automotive Technician | Lead Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 39% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred |
Here are the differences between master automotive technicians' and lead mechanics' demographics:
| Master Automotive Technician | Lead Mechanic | |
| Average age | 40 | 49 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.9% Female, 4.1% | Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 8.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 4% |