Rig mechanic vs mechanic

The differences between rig mechanics and mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a rig mechanic and a mechanic. Additionally, a mechanic has an average salary of $47,149, 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 mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.

Rig mechanic vs mechanic overview

	Rig Mechanic	Mechanic
Yearly salary	$44,088	$47,149
Hourly rate	$21.20	$22.67
Growth rate	14%	4%
Number of jobs	89,556	100,534
Job satisfaction	-	4.25
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 28%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	48	42
Years of experience	2	2

Rig mechanic vs mechanic salary

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

	Rig Mechanic	Mechanic
Average salary	$44,088	$47,149
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $66,000	Between $35,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	-	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	-	Connecticut
Best paying company	-	Anheuser-Busch
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between rig mechanic and mechanic education

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

	Rig Mechanic	Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 28%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Rig mechanic vs mechanic demographics

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

	Rig Mechanic	Mechanic
Average age	48	42
Gender ratio	Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
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, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between rig mechanic and 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.

Mechanic example responsibilities.

Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and hand tools, such as transfer cases, hydraulic cylinders, bell housings.
Identify issues with wire feeder and power source, break press, overhead cranes , 2 ton to 25 ton hoists.
chain saws, trimmers, tractors, push mowers, blowers, generators, cut saws, power washers, etc.
Work with networking, plumbing, troubleshooting electrical and performing mechanical repairs.
Monitor HVAC systems and operations, and ensure that routine preventive maintenance are performed according to establish schedules.
Complete repair of low-boy style trailers, and tractors with wet line PTO systems.

Rig mechanic vs mechanic skills

Common rig mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 13%
Troubleshoot, 12%
Mechanical Equipment, 10%
Cranes, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 7%
Mud Pumps, 6%

Common mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
Customer Service, 7%
Customer Vehicles, 7%
Diagnosis, 6%
Electrical Systems, 5%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Rig Mechanic
Rig Mechanic vs Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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