Post job

Refrigeration lead vs head mechanic

The differences between refrigeration leads and head 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 refrigeration lead and a head mechanic. Additionally, a head mechanic has an average salary of $116,841, which is higher than the $60,931 average annual salary of a refrigeration lead.

The top three skills for a refrigeration lead include HVAC, condensers and OSHA. The most important skills for a head mechanic are preventive maintenance, R, and air compressors.

Refrigeration lead vs head mechanic overview

Refrigeration LeadHead Mechanic
Yearly salary$60,931$116,841
Hourly rate$29.29$56.17
Growth rate5%4%
Number of jobs2,45042,612
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 33%High School Diploma, 37%
Average age4949
Years of experience44

Refrigeration lead vs head mechanic salary

Refrigeration leads and head mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Refrigeration LeadHead Mechanic
Average salary$60,931$116,841
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $102,000Between $86,000 And $158,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between refrigeration lead and head mechanic education

There are a few differences between a refrigeration lead and a head mechanic in terms of educational background:

Refrigeration LeadHead Mechanic
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 33%High School Diploma, 37%
Most common majorHeating And Air ConditioningAutomotive Technology
Most common collegeSUNY College of Technology at AlfredSUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Refrigeration lead vs head mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between refrigeration leads' and head mechanics' demographics:

Refrigeration LeadHead Mechanic
Average age4949
Gender ratioMale, 94.4% Female, 5.6%Male, 97.2% Female, 2.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.1% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between refrigeration lead and head mechanic duties and responsibilities

Refrigeration lead example responsibilities.

  • Manage, plan, and schedule HVAC and BMS shutdowns.
  • Manage all aspects of ice makers, compressors, evaporators, condensers, and relate ammonia equipment.
  • Maintain ammonia refrigeration system, boiler operations, logical controls, machine repair.
  • Help all locations with PSM/RMP development improvement and training.

Head mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
  • Weld (Mig, arc, Oxy/Acet . )
  • Assist lead mechanics with diagnosis and repair of all units and systems.
  • Involve in all aspects of center maintenance from roof repairs and HVAC to lanes and pinspotters.
  • Perform plan maintenance and repairs on HVAC equipment to include boilers, large air handlers, and roof top units.
  • Perform any necessary repairs and diagnosis (electrical, hydraulics, engine, drivetrain, suspension, etc .).
  • Show more

Refrigeration lead vs head mechanic skills

Common refrigeration lead skills
  • HVAC, 27%
  • Condensers, 16%
  • OSHA, 14%
  • Evaporators, 13%
  • PSM, 12%
  • Ice Machines, 8%
Common head mechanic skills
  • Preventive Maintenance, 6%
  • R, 6%
  • Air Compressors, 5%
  • Diesel Engines, 5%
  • Brake Systems, 5%
  • DOT, 5%

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs