Rig mechanic vs lead mechanic

The differences between rig mechanics and lead mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a rig mechanic, becoming a lead mechanic takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a lead mechanic has an average salary of $54,471, which is higher than the $44,088 average annual salary of a rig mechanic.

The top three skills for a rig mechanic include hand tools, troubleshoot and mechanical equipment. The most important skills for a lead mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.

Rig mechanic vs lead mechanic overview

	Rig Mechanic	Lead Mechanic
Yearly salary	$44,088	$54,471
Hourly rate	$21.20	$26.19
Growth rate	14%	4%
Number of jobs	89,556	86,668
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 28%	Associate Degree, 31%
Average age	48	49
Years of experience	2	4

Rig mechanic vs lead mechanic salary

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

	Rig Mechanic	Lead Mechanic
Average salary	$44,088	$54,471
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $66,000	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 rig mechanic and lead mechanic education

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

	Rig Mechanic	Lead Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 28%	Associate Degree, 31%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Rig mechanic vs lead mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between rig mechanics' and lead mechanics' demographics:

	Rig Mechanic	Lead Mechanic
Average age	48	49
Gender ratio	Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7%	Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 3.4% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	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	2%	4%

Differences between rig mechanic and lead mechanic duties and responsibilities

Rig mechanic example responsibilities.

Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.

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.

Rig mechanic vs lead mechanic skills

Common rig mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 13%
Troubleshoot, 12%
Mechanical Equipment, 10%
Cranes, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 7%
Mud Pumps, 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
Rig Mechanic
Rig Mechanic vs Lead Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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