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The differences between mechanic's assistants and 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's assistant and a mechanic. Additionally, a mechanic has an average salary of $47,149, 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 mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.
| Mechanic's Assistant | Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $41,533 | $47,149 |
| Hourly rate | $19.97 | $22.67 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 40,249 | 100,534 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.25 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 41% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
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.
Mechanic's assistants and mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanic's Assistant | Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $41,533 | $47,149 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $63,000 | Between $35,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | ASRC Federal | Anheuser-Busch |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a mechanic's assistant and a mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Mechanic's Assistant | Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 41% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between mechanic's assistants' and mechanics' demographics:
| Mechanic's Assistant | Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.2% Female, 6.8% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| 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, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |