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The differences between service mechanical technicians and mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a service mechanical technician, becoming a mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a service mechanical technician has an average salary of $47,820, which is higher than the $47,149 average annual salary of a mechanic.
The top three skills for a service mechanical technician include customer service, diagnosis and hydraulic systems. The most important skills for a mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.
| Service Mechanical Technician | Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $47,820 | $47,149 |
| Hourly rate | $22.99 | $22.67 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 146,216 | 100,534 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.25 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 33% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 45 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
A service mechanical technician specializes in installing and repairing mechanical equipment and systems. Although the extent of their responsibilities differs upon their industry of employment, it typically includes working together with engineers in developing and testing equipment, troubleshooting problems, performing adjustments and calibrations, maintaining records, and performing regular maintenance checks to ensure the equipment's quality and capacity. Moreover, a service mechanical technician may also provide technical support to clients and co-workers, all while adhering to the company's safety standards and regulations.
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 mechanical technicians and mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Service Mechanical Technician | Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $47,820 | $47,149 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $68,000 | Between $35,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oxnard, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | State Street | Anheuser-Busch |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a service mechanical technician and a mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Service Mechanical Technician | Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 33% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | - |
Here are the differences between service mechanical technicians' and mechanics' demographics:
| Service Mechanical Technician | Mechanic | |
| Average age | 45 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.9% Female, 2.1% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 7.4% White, 60.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | 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 | 6% | 2% |