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The differences between service 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 service mechanic and a mechanic. Additionally, a service mechanic has an average salary of $47,240, which is higher than the $47,149 average annual salary of a mechanic.
The top three skills for a service mechanic include customer service, preventative maintenance and hydraulic systems. The most important skills for a mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.
| Service Mechanic | Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $47,240 | $47,149 |
| Hourly rate | $22.71 | $22.67 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 116,383 | 100,534 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.25 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.
Service mechanics and mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Service Mechanic | Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $47,240 | $47,149 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $66,000 | Between $35,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Sandia National Labs | Anheuser-Busch |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a service mechanic and a mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Service Mechanic | Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between service mechanics' and mechanics' demographics:
| Service Mechanic | Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| 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, 8.5% 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% |