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The differences between mechanics and vehicle 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 a vehicle mechanic. Additionally, a mechanic has an average salary of $47,149, which is higher than the $42,628 average annual salary of a vehicle mechanic.
The top three skills for a mechanic include hand tools, preventive maintenance and customer service. The most important skills for a vehicle mechanic are hand tools, electrical systems, and diesel engines.
| Mechanic | Vehicle Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $47,149 | $42,628 |
| Hourly rate | $22.67 | $20.49 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 100,534 | 37,592 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.25 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| 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.
A vehicle mechanic is responsible for the maintenance of the vehicle's engine, running diagnostic tests, and performing repairs for any inconsistencies to ensure the vehicle's reliability and efficiency upon use. Vehicle mechanics coordinate with clients with their specifications and special requests, such as installing upgraded components to improve the engine's optimal performance. They create an organized report of vehicle assessments, as well as forecasting expenses to discuss with the clients, especially on meeting their budget goals.
Mechanics and vehicle mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanic | Vehicle Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $47,149 | $42,628 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $63,000 | Between $29,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | Adelanto, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Anheuser-Busch | |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a mechanic and a vehicle mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Mechanic | Vehicle Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between mechanics' and vehicle mechanics' demographics:
| Mechanic | Vehicle Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 91.8% Female, 8.2% |
| 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, 8.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |