Signal supervisor vs lead mechanic

The differences between signal supervisors and lead 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 lead mechanic. Additionally, a lead mechanic has an average salary of $54,471, 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 lead mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.

Signal supervisor vs lead mechanic overview

	Signal Supervisor	Lead Mechanic
Yearly salary	$50,973	$54,471
Hourly rate	$24.51	$26.19
Growth rate	-2%	4%
Number of jobs	8,506	86,668
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 44%	Associate Degree, 31%
Average age	49	49
Years of experience	4	4

Signal supervisor vs lead mechanic salary

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

	Signal Supervisor	Lead Mechanic
Average salary	$50,973	$54,471
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $102,000	Between $40,000 And $73,000
Highest paying City	-	Anchorage, AK
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	California Resources
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between signal supervisor and lead mechanic education

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

	Signal Supervisor	Lead Mechanic
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 44%	Associate Degree, 31%
Most common major	Electrical Engineering	Automotive Technology
Most common college	Northern Michigan University	SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Signal supervisor vs lead mechanic demographics

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

	Signal Supervisor	Lead Mechanic
Average age	49	49
Gender ratio	Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4%	Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2%
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, 8.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between signal supervisor and lead 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.

Lead mechanic example responsibilities.

Manage the repairs of electrical and mechanical components, such as power assemblies and traction motors.
Manage routine maintenance and modifications for locomotives as well as preventative maintenance for freight cars.
Complete restoration of antique motorcycles, extensive engine repair, payroll, quarterly reports, parts sales and database inventory.
Assemble and repair motor scooters.
Perform conventional welding, MIG, TIG, OxyAcet.
Ensure quality repairs are made while meeting stringent FRA guidelines.

Signal supervisor vs lead mechanic skills

Common signal supervisor skills

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

Common lead mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
HVAC, 6%
Electrical Systems, 4%
Mechanical Equipment, 4%
Hydraulic Systems, 4%

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

Updated January 8, 2025

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