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The differences between mechanics and mobile 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 mobile equipment mechanic takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a mobile equipment mechanic has an average salary of $72,190, 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 mobile equipment mechanic are hand tools, cranes, and electrical systems.
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.
Mobile equipment mechanics are skilled employees who are responsible for conducting repairs and maintenance of construction and surface mining equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators. These mechanics must inspect machines and heavy equipment while evaluating operating manuals to perform diagnosis and resolve any defects. They are required to use hand and power tools to perform repairs on the defective equipment parts. Mobile equipment mechanics must also check any open circuits on the electrical systems of heavy equipment.
Mechanics and mobile equipment mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanic | Mobile Equipment Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $47,149 | $72,190 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $63,000 | Between $45,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | Hayward, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Anheuser-Busch | Koch Industries |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Government |
There are a few differences between a mechanic and a mobile equipment mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Mechanic | Mobile Equipment Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between mechanics' and mobile equipment mechanics' demographics:
| Mechanic | Mobile Equipment Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 94.6% Female, 5.4% |
| 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, 5.1% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 1.7% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 1% |