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The differences between mechanical technicians and industrial mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a mechanical technician, becoming an industrial mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an industrial mechanic has an average salary of $53,333, which is higher than the $51,367 average annual salary of a mechanical technician.
The top three skills for a mechanical technician include preventive maintenance, hand tools and electro-mechanical. The most important skills for an industrial mechanic are industrial maintenance, hand tools, and PLC.
| Mechanical Technician | Industrial Mechanic | |
| Yearly Salary | $51,367 | $53,333 |
| Hourly rate | $24.70 | $25.64 |
| Growth Rate | 2% | 14% |
| Number Of Jobs | 106,997 | 158,560 |
| Job Satisfaction | - | - |
| Most Common Degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Average Age | 45 | 48 |
| Years Of Experience | 6 | 2 |
The primary job of mechanical technicians is to help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture mechanical devices such as machines and engines. They typically do varied tasks, including evaluating design sketches for new and changing tools, discussing changes with colleagues, and reviewing blueprints and instructions for projects. As a mechanical technician, you are also responsible for estimating equipment life, plant space, and labor costs. To become successful in this role, you need to have an associate degree in mechanical engineering technology, excellent communication skills, and mechanical skills.
An industrial mechanic maintains and repairs equipment and any other industrial types of machinery in a factory. Industrial mechanics manage the operation of machinery like production machinery, packaging equipment, and conveying systems. They need to use protective equipment like safety glasses and hardhats as well as follow safety precautions during operations. It is their responsibility to make sure that all industrial machines function well through preventive maintenance service and troubleshooting.
Mechanical technicians and industrial mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Technician | Industrial Mechanic | |
| Average Salary | $51,367 | $53,333 |
| Salary Range | Between $38,000 And $68,000 | Between $39,000 And $72,000 |
| Highest Paying City | Oakland, CA | Fremont, CA |
| Highest Paying State | Alaska | West Virginia |
| Best Paying Company | Meta | California Resources |
| Best Paying Industry | Energy | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a mechanical technician and an industrial mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Technician | Industrial Mechanic | |
| Most Common Degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Most Common Major | Electrical Engineering | Industrial Technology |
| Most Common College | Purdue University | - |
Here are the differences between mechanical technicians' and industrial mechanics' demographics:
| Mechanical Technician | Industrial Mechanic | |
| Average Age | 45 | 48 |
| Gender Ratio | Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6% | Male, 96.6% Female, 3.4% |
| Race Ratio | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 7.8% White, 60.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 3.3% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 2% |