Rig mechanic vs pump mechanic

The differences between rig mechanics and pump 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 pump mechanic. Additionally, a pump mechanic has an average salary of $50,382, 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 pump mechanic are hand tools, DOT, and mechanical problems.

Rig mechanic vs pump mechanic overview

	Rig Mechanic	Pump Mechanic
Yearly salary	$44,088	$50,382
Hourly rate	$21.20	$24.22
Growth rate	14%	14%
Number of jobs	89,556	34,694
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 28%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	2	2

Rig mechanic vs pump mechanic salary

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

	Rig Mechanic	Pump Mechanic
Average salary	$44,088	$50,382
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $66,000	Between $36,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City	-	Richmond, CA
Highest paying state	-	California
Best paying company	-	United Rentals
Best paying industry	-	Construction

Differences between rig mechanic and pump mechanic education

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

	Rig Mechanic	Pump Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 28%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Rig mechanic vs pump mechanic demographics

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

	Rig Mechanic	Pump Mechanic
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7%	Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7%
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, 7.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 3.3% White, 66.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between rig mechanic and pump 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.

Pump mechanic example responsibilities.

Accomplish final operational checkout for conformance to customer specifications of prototype and new electronic systems including system installation on new airframes.
Used welder, torches, band see, drill press, etc.
Disassemble, inspect, repair, and reassemble various different pumps, gearboxes, and blowers.
Weld lock plates onto the material with a gas mig welder.
Rebuild high speed Sundyne gearboxes and low speed Amarillo and Lufkin gearboxes.
Operate cutting torches or welding equipment to cut or join metal parts, fabricate anything.

Rig mechanic vs pump mechanic skills

Common rig mechanic skills

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

Common pump mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 16%
DOT, 9%
Mechanical Problems, 4%
Electric Motors, 4%
CDL, 4%
Mechanical Equipment, 4%

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

Updated January 8, 2025

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