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The differences between mechanic's assistants and lead 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's assistant, becoming a lead mechanic takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a lead mechanic has an average salary of $54,471, which is higher than the $41,533 average annual salary of a mechanic's assistant.
The top three skills for a mechanic's assistant include preventative maintenance, hand tools and OSHA. The most important skills for a lead mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.
| Mechanic's Assistant | Lead Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $41,533 | $54,471 |
| Hourly rate | $19.97 | $26.19 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 40,249 | 86,668 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 41% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 42 | 49 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A mechanics assistant job involves assisting mechanics in operating, repairing, and refurbishing vehicles. Primarily, mechanics assistants work on the installation, repair, and replacement of an automobile's mechanical parts. They need to be knowledgeable of the processes and composition of automobiles. Also, they execute the opening and closing tasks in stores. The skillset for this position includes a strong work ethic, diagnostic skills, problem-solving, prior experience, customer service skills, and resourcefulness.
A lead mechanic coordinates the teams of mechanics and ensures the timely completion of repairs. Lead mechanics supervise their subordinates, order mechanical parts, and inspect their work making sure that the standards are met. They are responsible for repairing, overhauling, and maintaining vehicles or farm equipment. It is their job to provide support and give advice on matters associated with repairs. They also conduct road tests and maintain the repair of equipment. They should also have leadership and strong communication skills.
Mechanic's assistants and lead mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanic's Assistant | Lead Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $41,533 | $54,471 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $63,000 | Between $40,000 And $73,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | Anchorage, AK |
| Highest paying state | New York | Alaska |
| Best paying company | ASRC Federal | California Resources |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a mechanic's assistant and a lead mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Mechanic's Assistant | Lead Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 41% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred |
Here are the differences between mechanic's assistants' and lead mechanics' demographics:
| Mechanic's Assistant | Lead Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 49 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.2% Female, 6.8% | Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 2.3% White, 64.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | Black or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 4% |