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The differences between mechanics supervisors 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 mechanics supervisor and a lead mechanic. Additionally, a mechanics supervisor has an average salary of $65,285, which is higher than the $54,471 average annual salary of a lead mechanic.
The top three skills for a mechanics supervisor include preventive maintenance, safety procedures and mechanical maintenance. The most important skills for a lead mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.
| Mechanics Supervisor | Lead Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $65,285 | $54,471 |
| Hourly rate | $31.39 | $26.19 |
| Growth rate | - | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 7,956 | 86,668 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 31% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 49 | 49 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A mechanics supervisor is responsible for coordinating mechanical and installation work and supervising installers, mechanics, and repairmen. They are responsible for scheduling these tasks and ensuring all operations run efficiently. Mechanics supervisors also inspect work done by mechanics under their supervision, examine tools to ensure that they are in good working condition, and maintain logs of machine repair and maintenance.
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.
Mechanics supervisors and lead mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanics Supervisor | Lead Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $65,285 | $54,471 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $85,000 | Between $40,000 And $73,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Anchorage, AK |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Cirrus Aircraft | California Resources |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a mechanics supervisor and a lead mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Mechanics Supervisor | Lead Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 31% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred |
Here are the differences between mechanics supervisors' and lead mechanics' demographics:
| Mechanics Supervisor | Lead Mechanic | |
| Average age | 49 | 49 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.3% Female, 4.7% | Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 2.1% White, 67.6% 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% |