Track mechanic vs mechanic

The differences between track mechanics and mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a track mechanic, becoming a mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a track mechanic has an average salary of $170,731, which is higher than the $47,149 average annual salary of a mechanic.

The top three skills for a track mechanic include track vehicles, diesel engines and electrical systems. The most important skills for a mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.

Track mechanic vs mechanic overview

	Track Mechanic	Mechanic
Yearly salary	$170,731	$47,149
Hourly rate	$82.08	$22.67
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	34,390	100,534
Job satisfaction	-	4.25
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	49	42
Years of experience	4	2

Track mechanic vs mechanic salary

Track mechanics and mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Track Mechanic	Mechanic
Average salary	$170,731	$47,149
Salary range	Between $88,000 And $328,000	Between $35,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	-	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	-	Connecticut
Best paying company	-	Anheuser-Busch
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between track mechanic and mechanic education

There are a few differences between a track mechanic and a mechanic in terms of educational background:

	Track Mechanic	Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	General Studies	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Track mechanic vs mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between track mechanics' and mechanics' demographics:

	Track Mechanic	Mechanic
Average age	49	42
Gender ratio	Male, 91.4% Female, 8.6%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%	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	4%	2%

Differences between track mechanic and mechanic duties and responsibilities

Track mechanic example 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.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Inspect MHE systems, subsystems and components.

Mechanic example responsibilities.

Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and hand tools, such as transfer cases, hydraulic cylinders, bell housings.
Identify issues with wire feeder and power source, break press, overhead cranes , 2 ton to 25 ton hoists.
chain saws, trimmers, tractors, push mowers, blowers, generators, cut saws, power washers, etc.
Work with networking, plumbing, troubleshooting electrical and performing mechanical repairs.
Monitor HVAC systems and operations, and ensure that routine preventive maintenance are performed according to establish schedules.
Complete repair of low-boy style trailers, and tractors with wet line PTO systems.

Track mechanic vs mechanic skills

Common track mechanic skills

Track Vehicles, 31%
Diesel Engines, 11%
Electrical Systems, 10%
Field Maintenance, 6%
Combat, 5%
Technical Manuals, 5%

Common mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
Customer Service, 7%
Customer Vehicles, 7%
Diagnosis, 6%
Electrical Systems, 5%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Track Mechanic
Track Mechanic vs Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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