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The differences between mechanics and industrial 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 mechanic and an industrial mechanic. Additionally, an industrial mechanic has an average salary of $53,333, 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 an industrial mechanic are industrial maintenance, hand tools, and PLC.
| Mechanic | Industrial Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $47,149 | $53,333 |
| Hourly rate | $22.67 | $25.64 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 14% |
| Number of jobs | 100,534 | 158,560 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.25 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Average age | 42 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
An industrial mechanic maintains and repairs equipment and any other industrial types of machinery in a factory. Industrial mechanics manage the operation of machinery like production machinery, packaging equipment, and conveying systems. They need to use protective equipment like safety glasses and hardhats as well as follow safety precautions during operations. It is their responsibility to make sure that all industrial machines function well through preventive maintenance service and troubleshooting.
Mechanics and industrial mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanic | Industrial Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $47,149 | $53,333 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $63,000 | Between $39,000 And $72,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | Fremont, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | West Virginia |
| Best paying company | Anheuser-Busch | California Resources |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a mechanic and an industrial mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Mechanic | Industrial Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Industrial Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between mechanics' and industrial mechanics' demographics:
| Mechanic | Industrial Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 48 |
| 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, 7.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 3.3% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |