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The differences between mechanic helpers and generator 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 mechanic helper, becoming a generator mechanic takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a generator mechanic has an average salary of $41,670, which is higher than the $31,892 average annual salary of a mechanic helper.
The top three skills for a mechanic helper include hand tools, work ethic and preventive maintenance. The most important skills for a generator mechanic are plumbing, ladders, and hand tools.
| Mechanic Helper | Generator Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $31,892 | $41,670 |
| Hourly rate | $15.33 | $20.03 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 48,546 | 85,822 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 53% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Average age | 42 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
The job of a mechanic helper is to support lead mechanics and perform a variety of duties and responsibilities. You will be assisting in the maintenance of cars, such as changing tires and oils, replacing brakes, and diagnosing vehicle issues. In addition, you will be responsible for logging labor costs and inventory use and take vehicles for test drives. Other duties include replacing belts and hoses, assisting the lead mechanic in major projects, and repairing and maintaining cars.
Generator Mechanics are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repair generators for an organization's facility. Their duties include troubleshooting issues relating to the generator's electrical and mechanical systems through diagnostic tests, performing site testings and engine servicings, conduct preventative maintenance, and ensures all work complies with health and safety protocols. They perform housekeeping on company vehicles and customer sites, compile accurate work documentation, assist in supplies procurement, and contribute to cost and material budgeting. Generator Mechanics write a progress report and maintain activity logs.
Mechanic helpers and generator mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanic Helper | Generator Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $31,892 | $41,670 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $41,000 | Between $29,000 And $59,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | Buffalo, NY |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Sierra Pacific Industries | Sandia National Labs |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a mechanic helper and a generator mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Mechanic Helper | Generator Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 53% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between mechanic helpers' and generator mechanics' demographics:
| Mechanic Helper | Generator Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6% | Male, 92.9% Female, 7.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 20.2% Asian, 2.3% White, 64.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.2% Asian, 4.4% White, 59.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |