Signal supervisor vs head mechanic

The differences between signal supervisors and head mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a signal supervisor and a head mechanic. Additionally, a head mechanic has an average salary of $116,841, which is higher than the $50,973 average annual salary of a signal supervisor.

The top three skills for a signal supervisor include FRA, traffic signals and signal maintenance. The most important skills for a head mechanic are preventive maintenance, R, and air compressors.

Signal supervisor vs head mechanic overview

	Signal Supervisor	Head Mechanic
Yearly salary	$50,973	$116,841
Hourly rate	$24.51	$56.17
Growth rate	-2%	4%
Number of jobs	8,506	42,612
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 44%	High School Diploma, 37%
Average age	49	49
Years of experience	4	4

Signal supervisor vs head mechanic salary

Signal supervisors and head mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Signal Supervisor	Head Mechanic
Average salary	$50,973	$116,841
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $102,000	Between $86,000 And $158,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between signal supervisor and head mechanic education

There are a few differences between a signal supervisor and a head mechanic in terms of educational background:

	Signal Supervisor	Head Mechanic
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 44%	High School Diploma, 37%
Most common major	Electrical Engineering	Automotive Technology
Most common college	Northern Michigan University	SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Signal supervisor vs head mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between signal supervisors' and head mechanics' demographics:

	Signal Supervisor	Head Mechanic
Average age	49	49
Gender ratio	Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4%	Male, 97.2% Female, 2.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 2.2% White, 68.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%	Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.1% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between signal supervisor and head mechanic duties and responsibilities

Signal supervisor example responsibilities.

Lead, manage, and mentore the signal gang leadership team.
Perform collection, identification and signals analysis of all communications activity in support of critical DoD missions.
Discuss with customer contractor's submittals and complete the Approval/Disapproval disposition process.

Head mechanic example responsibilities.

Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
Weld (Mig, arc, Oxy/Acet . )
Assist lead mechanics with diagnosis and repair of all units and systems.
Involve in all aspects of center maintenance from roof repairs and HVAC to lanes and pinspotters.
Perform plan maintenance and repairs on HVAC equipment to include boilers, large air handlers, and roof top units.
Perform any necessary repairs and diagnosis (electrical, hydraulics, engine, drivetrain, suspension, etc .).

Signal supervisor vs head mechanic skills

Common signal supervisor skills

FRA, 39%
Traffic Signals, 36%
Signal Maintenance, 17%
Signal Operations, 5%
Direct Support, 2%

Common head mechanic skills

Preventive Maintenance, 6%
R, 6%
Air Compressors, 5%
Diesel Engines, 5%
Brake Systems, 5%
DOT, 5%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Signal Supervisor
Signal Supervisor vs Head Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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