Track mechanic vs track equipment operator

The differences between track mechanics and track equipment operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a track mechanic has an average salary of $170,731, which is higher than the $44,766 average annual salary of a track equipment operator.

The top three skills for a track mechanic include track vehicles, diesel engines and electrical systems. The most important skills for a track equipment operator are track maintenance, loaders, and tamping machines.

Track mechanic vs track equipment operator overview

	Track Mechanic	Track Equipment Operator
Yearly salary	$170,731	$44,766
Hourly rate	$82.08	$21.52
Growth rate	4%	5%
Number of jobs	34,390	40,634
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 32%
Average age	49	44
Years of experience	4	-

Track mechanic vs track equipment operator salary

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

	Track Mechanic	Track Equipment Operator
Average salary	$170,731	$44,766
Salary range	Between $88,000 And $328,000	Between $35,000 And $56,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between track mechanic and track equipment operator education

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

	Track Mechanic	Track Equipment Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 32%
Most common major	General Studies	Biostatistics
Most common college	-	-

Track mechanic vs track equipment operator demographics

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

	Track Mechanic	Track Equipment Operator
Average age	49	44
Gender ratio	Male, 91.4% Female, 8.6%	Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2%
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, 18.5% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 0.9% White, 54.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	10%

Differences between track mechanic and track equipment operator 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.

Track equipment operator example responsibilities.

Follow all power equipment rules and regulation including any regulatory agency policies to include OSHA.
Implement daily providing the CEG's operational and strategic and administrative support for logistics and sensitive gear.

Track mechanic vs track equipment operator skills

Common track mechanic skills

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

Common track equipment operator skills

Track Maintenance, 35%
Loaders, 30%
Tamping Machines, 10%
Fire Control, 7%
Equipment, 7%
Track, 7%

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

Updated January 8, 2025

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