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The differences between service mechanics and generator 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 service mechanic, becoming a generator mechanic takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a service mechanic has an average salary of $47,240, which is higher than the $41,670 average annual salary of a generator mechanic.
The top three skills for a service mechanic include customer service, preventative maintenance and hydraulic systems. The most important skills for a generator mechanic are plumbing, ladders, and hand tools.
| Service Mechanic | Generator Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $47,240 | $41,670 |
| Hourly rate | $22.71 | $20.03 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 116,383 | 85,822 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Average age | 42 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A service mechanic, or often known as a service technician, is an individual who inspects, maintains, and repairs cars and light trucks. Service mechanics must identify the vehicle's problems by using computerized diagnostic equipment and test parts and systems to ensure that they work properly. They must perform basic vehicular care and maintenance such as changing oil, checking fluid levels, and rotating tires. Service mechanics should also explain automotive problems to customers and perform repairs according to the manufacturer ad customer specifications.
Generator Mechanics are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repair generators for an organization's facility. Their duties include troubleshooting issues relating to the generator's electrical and mechanical systems through diagnostic tests, performing site testings and engine servicings, conduct preventative maintenance, and ensures all work complies with health and safety protocols. They perform housekeeping on company vehicles and customer sites, compile accurate work documentation, assist in supplies procurement, and contribute to cost and material budgeting. Generator Mechanics write a progress report and maintain activity logs.
Service mechanics and generator mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Service Mechanic | Generator Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $47,240 | $41,670 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $66,000 | Between $29,000 And $59,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | Buffalo, NY |
| Highest paying state | California | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Sandia National Labs | Sandia National Labs |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a service mechanic and a generator mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Service Mechanic | Generator Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between service mechanics' and generator mechanics' demographics:
| Service Mechanic | Generator Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2% | Male, 92.9% Female, 7.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.2% Asian, 4.4% White, 59.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |