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The differences between service 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 service 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 $47,240 average annual salary of a service mechanic.
The top three skills for a service mechanic include customer service, preventative maintenance and hydraulic systems. The most important skills for a lead mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.
| Service Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $47,240 | $54,471 |
| Hourly rate | $22.71 | $26.19 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 116,383 | 86,668 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 42 | 49 |
| 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.
A lead mechanic coordinates the teams of mechanics and ensures the timely completion of repairs. Lead mechanics supervise their subordinates, order mechanical parts, and inspect their work making sure that the standards are met. They are responsible for repairing, overhauling, and maintaining vehicles or farm equipment. It is their job to provide support and give advice on matters associated with repairs. They also conduct road tests and maintain the repair of equipment. They should also have leadership and strong communication skills.
Service mechanics and lead mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Service Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $47,240 | $54,471 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $66,000 | Between $40,000 And $73,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | Anchorage, AK |
| Highest paying state | California | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Sandia National Labs | California Resources |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a service mechanic and a lead mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Service Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred |
Here are the differences between service mechanics' and lead mechanics' demographics:
| Service Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 49 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2% | Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2% |
| 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, 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% |