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The differences between shop 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 shop 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 $47,377 average annual salary of a shop mechanic.
The top three skills for a shop mechanic include hand tools, preventative maintenance and hydraulic systems. The most important skills for a lead mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.
| Shop Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $47,377 | $54,471 |
| Hourly rate | $22.78 | $26.19 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 100,379 | 86,668 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 41% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 42 | 49 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A shop mechanic is responsible for maintaining and repairing defective machinery and vehicles. Shop mechanics identify the disrupted components by inspecting and running diagnostic tests and informing the owner of the necessary procedures they need to take. They discuss the costs and expenses, the materials to be used, and the duration to fix the machine upon analyzing its complexity. A shop mechanic monitors the shop inventory, assemble parts, and upgrade engines and machinery for optimal performance.
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.
Shop mechanics and lead mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Shop Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $47,377 | $54,471 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $64,000 | Between $40,000 And $73,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | Anchorage, AK |
| Highest paying state | California | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Wilson Construction | California Resources |
| Best paying industry | Government | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a shop mechanic and a lead mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Shop Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 41% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred |
Here are the differences between shop mechanics' and lead mechanics' demographics:
| Shop Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 49 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.4% Female, 3.6% | Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.5% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.2% 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% |