How To Become A Track Mechanic: What It Is and Career Path

What is a track mechanic and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a track mechanic. For example, did you know that they make an average of $82.08 an hour? That's $170,731 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 4% and produce 12,600 job opportunities across the U.S.

ScoreTrack MechanicUS Average

Salary

9.4

Avg. Salary $170,731

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

9.3

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.23%

Asian 2.10%

Black or African American 8.19%

Hispanic or Latino 15.67%

Unknown 4.45%

White 68.35%

Gender

female 8.56%

male 91.44%

Age - 50

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 50

Stress level

9.3

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.4

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

2.6

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a track mechanic

Explore track mechanic education requirements

Most common track mechanic degrees

High School Diploma

53.0 %

Associate

20.5 %

Bachelor's

13.6 %

Start to develop specific track mechanic skills

Skills	Percentages
Track Vehicles	31.03%
Diesel Engines	11.11%
Electrical Systems	9.89%
Field Maintenance	6.48%
Combat	5.31%

Complete relevant track mechanic training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New track mechanics learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a track mechanic based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real track mechanic resumes.

Research track mechanic duties and responsibilities

Conduct PMCS and perform sustainment maintenance in accordance with COSIS standards.
Dismantle and reassemble heavy track vehicle components using hoists and hand tools.
Inspect and troubleshoot track vehicle automotive systems, wheel vehicles and classify equipment.
Practice preventive maintenance with electrical and mechanical equipment to assure combat readiness.

Prepare your track mechanic resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your track mechanic resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a track mechanic resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable track mechanic resume templates

Build a professional track mechanic resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your track mechanic resume.

Apply for track mechanic jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a track mechanic job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first track mechanic job

Raiby Prakash

Track Mechanic

In the year 2000, I enlisted in the United States military base in camp Doha, Kuwait with a strong desire to serve the US military and contribute to something greater than myself. As fate would have it, I found myself drawn to the world of mechanics and technology, sparking an interest that would shape my career path.

Upon enlisting, I underwent rigorous training, both physically and mentally, to prepare for the challenges ahead. Throughout basic training and advanced technical schooling, I honed my skills in various areas of mechanical engineering, learning the ins and outs of maintaining and repairing military vehicles.

After completing my initial training, I was assigned to a unit where my skills as a mechanic were put to the test daily. Whether it was performing routine maintenance on armored vehicles or troubleshooting complex mechanical issues in the field, I thrived in the fast-paced environment, fueled by a passion for problem-solving and a commitment to excellence.

Over the years, I rose through the ranks, taking on leadership roles and mentoring younger soldiers in the art of mechanical repair. I embraced every opportunity for further education and training, staying current with the latest advancements in military vehicle technology.

As a Track Mechanic, I specialized in the maintenance and repair of tracked vehicles, such as tanks and armored personnel carriers. This specialized knowledge allowed me to become an invaluable asset to my unit, ensuring that our vehicles were always ready for action, no matter the circumstances.

Through deployments and training exercises, I faced challenges that tested my skills and determination. But with each obstacle overcome, I grew stronger and more proficient in my craft.

Throughout my career, I found fulfilment in knowing that my work directly contributed to the safety and effectiveness of my fellow service members. Whether it was keeping vehicles running smoothly during combat operations or ensuring that training exercises ran smoothly, I took pride in my role as a US Military Track Mechanic.

As I reflect on my journey from enlistment to becoming a seasoned veteran, I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that shaped me into the mechanic and leader that I am today. Serving as a Track Mechanic in the US military has been more than just a job; it's been a calling, one that I am honored to have answered with dedication and integrity.