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The differences between vehicle mechanics and field mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a vehicle mechanic and a field mechanic. Additionally, a field mechanic has an average salary of $46,395, which is higher than the $42,628 average annual salary of a vehicle mechanic.
The top three skills for a vehicle mechanic include hand tools, electrical systems and diesel engines. The most important skills for a field mechanic are CDL, construction equipment, and cranes.
| Vehicle Mechanic | Field Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $42,628 | $46,395 |
| Hourly rate | $20.49 | $22.31 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 37,592 | 135,482 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A vehicle mechanic is responsible for the maintenance of the vehicle's engine, running diagnostic tests, and performing repairs for any inconsistencies to ensure the vehicle's reliability and efficiency upon use. Vehicle mechanics coordinate with clients with their specifications and special requests, such as installing upgraded components to improve the engine's optimal performance. They create an organized report of vehicle assessments, as well as forecasting expenses to discuss with the clients, especially on meeting their budget goals.
The primary job of a field mechanic is to manage on-site installation, maintenance, test, and repair tasks. Field mechanics diagnose technical problems or errors and identify the appropriate solutions. They deliver heavy equipment, facility maintenance, and load and unload equipment. They work on transmissions, electrical systems, hydraulics, engines, and welding repairs. Their duties involve service truck maintenance to keep service truck inventory. Also, they maintain enough materials and supplies on a service truck for common repairs.
Vehicle mechanics and field mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Vehicle Mechanic | Field Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $42,628 | $46,395 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $62,000 | Between $33,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | Adelanto, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | - |
| Best paying company | - | |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | - |
There are a few differences between a vehicle mechanic and a field mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Vehicle Mechanic | Field Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between vehicle mechanics' and field mechanics' demographics:
| Vehicle Mechanic | Field Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.8% Female, 8.2% | Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |