Mechanic vs heavy equipment mechanic

The differences between mechanics and heavy equipment 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, becoming a heavy equipment mechanic takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a heavy equipment mechanic has an average salary of $49,018, which is higher than the $47,149 average annual salary of a mechanic.

The top three skills for a mechanic include hand tools, preventive maintenance and customer service. The most important skills for a heavy equipment mechanic are CDL, hand tools, and loaders.

Mechanic vs heavy equipment mechanic overview

	Mechanic	Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Yearly salary	$47,149	$49,018
Hourly rate	$22.67	$23.57
Growth rate	4%	8%
Number of jobs	100,534	98,464
Job satisfaction	4.25	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 42%	High School Diploma, 39%
Average age	42	44
Years of experience	2	4

What does a mechanic do?

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.

What does a heavy equipment mechanic do?

A heavy equipment mechanic is responsible for operating the heavy machinery used in the production of various industries, inspecting inconsistencies, running diagnostic tests, and replacing defective components to ensure its operational safety and efficiency. Heavy equipment mechanics also upgrade engine systems to boost optimal performance, analyze damage costs, and repair equipment parts with the assistance of other mechanical staff. They work closely with the management, create maintenance reports, and suggesting resolutions to avoid delays in production and customer service.

Mechanic vs heavy equipment mechanic salary

Mechanics and heavy equipment mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Mechanic	Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Average salary	$47,149	$49,018
Salary range	Between $35,000 And $63,000	Between $36,000 And $65,000
Highest paying City	San Jose, CA	Oakland, CA
Highest paying state	Connecticut	Vermont
Best paying company	Anheuser-Busch	BNSF Railway
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Transportation

Differences between mechanic and heavy equipment mechanic education

There are a few differences between a mechanic and a heavy equipment mechanic in terms of educational background:

	Mechanic	Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 42%	High School Diploma, 39%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Mechanic vs heavy equipment mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between mechanics' and heavy equipment mechanics' demographics:

	Mechanic	Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Average age	42	44
Gender ratio	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%	Male, 96.6% Female, 3.4%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 5.2% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 1.7% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	2%	1%

Differences between mechanic and heavy equipment mechanic duties and responsibilities

Mechanic example responsibilities.

Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and hand tools, such as transfer cases, hydraulic cylinders, bell housings.
Identify issues with wire feeder and power source, break press, overhead cranes , 2 ton to 25 ton hoists.
chain saws, trimmers, tractors, push mowers, blowers, generators, cut saws, power washers, etc.
Work with networking, plumbing, troubleshooting electrical and performing mechanical repairs.
Monitor HVAC systems and operations, and ensure that routine preventive maintenance are performed according to establish schedules.
Complete repair of low-boy style trailers, and tractors with wet line PTO systems.

Heavy equipment mechanic example responsibilities.

Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
Operate grinders, vises, jacks, cranes, drill presses, pallet lifts, wheel lifts, and solvent tank.
Perform corrosion control and painting procedures on equipment using grinders, sanders, respirators and paint guns.
Fix and maintain all types of heavy equipment such as backhoe, excavator, bull dozer and grader.
Analyze and diagnose problems, troubleshoot electrical systems and their mechanical components.
Perform queries into competitor technology to maintain ability to perform accurate diagnosis on equipment not produce by caterpillar.

Mechanic vs heavy equipment mechanic skills

Common mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
Customer Service, 7%
Customer Vehicles, 7%
Diagnosis, 6%
Electrical Systems, 5%

Common heavy equipment mechanic skills

CDL, 8%
Hand Tools, 7%
Loaders, 6%
Cranes, 6%
Electrical Systems, 4%
End Loaders, 4%

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Mechanic vs Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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