Mechanical superintendent vs lead mechanic

The differences between mechanical superintendents and lead mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a mechanical superintendent and a lead mechanic. Additionally, a mechanical superintendent has an average salary of $87,495, which is higher than the $54,471 average annual salary of a lead mechanic.

The top three skills for a mechanical superintendent include construction management, HVAC and plumbing. The most important skills for a lead mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.

Mechanical superintendent vs lead mechanic overview

	Mechanical Superintendent	Lead Mechanic
Yearly salary	$87,495	$54,471
Hourly rate	$42.06	$26.19
Growth rate	2%	4%
Number of jobs	28,659	86,668
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 35%	Associate Degree, 31%
Average age	49	49
Years of experience	4	4

Mechanical superintendent vs lead mechanic salary

Mechanical superintendents and lead mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Mechanical Superintendent	Lead Mechanic
Average salary	$87,495	$54,471
Salary range	Between $65,000 And $116,000	Between $40,000 And $73,000
Highest paying City	-	Anchorage, AK
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	California Resources
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between mechanical superintendent and lead mechanic education

There are a few differences between a mechanical superintendent and a lead mechanic in terms of educational background:

	Mechanical Superintendent	Lead Mechanic
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 35%	Associate Degree, 31%
Most common major	Mechanical Engineering	Automotive Technology
Most common college	SUNY College of Technology at Alfred	SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Mechanical superintendent vs lead mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between mechanical superintendents' and lead mechanics' demographics:

	Mechanical Superintendent	Lead Mechanic
Average age	49	49
Gender ratio	Male, 98.4% Female, 1.6%	Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%	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	4%	4%

Differences between mechanical superintendent and lead mechanic duties and responsibilities

Mechanical superintendent example responsibilities.

Manage the installation of approximately 11,500 LF of pipe for a 60 cell air cool condenser (ACC).
Manage a team of 30 operators and maintenance personnel producing extrusion and blown polypropylene shrink film on a unionize site.
Work with plumbing, HVAC and fire protection sub contractors coordinating and inspection of mechanical systems through start-up and commissioning.
Direct oversight of outage preparations and implementation.
Supervise welders and pipe fitters on various maintenance projects throughout refinery.
frame 7 gas turbines, TOSHIBA steam turbine, NOOTER/ERIKSEN HRSG.

Lead mechanic example responsibilities.

Manage the repairs of electrical and mechanical components, such as power assemblies and traction motors.
Manage routine maintenance and modifications for locomotives as well as preventative maintenance for freight cars.
Complete restoration of antique motorcycles, extensive engine repair, payroll, quarterly reports, parts sales and database inventory.
Assemble and repair motor scooters.
Perform conventional welding, MIG, TIG, OxyAcet.
Ensure quality repairs are made while meeting stringent FRA guidelines.

Mechanical superintendent vs lead mechanic skills

Common mechanical superintendent skills

Construction Management, 12%
HVAC, 11%
Plumbing, 9%
OSHA, 9%
Project Management, 8%
Cost Control, 6%

Common lead mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
HVAC, 6%
Electrical Systems, 4%
Mechanical Equipment, 4%
Hydraulic Systems, 4%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Mechanical Superintendent
Mechanical Superintendent vs Lead Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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