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The differences between vehicle mechanics and mobile equipment mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a vehicle mechanic, becoming a mobile equipment mechanic takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a mobile equipment mechanic has an average salary of $72,190, 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 mobile equipment mechanic are hand tools, cranes, and electrical systems.
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.
Mobile equipment mechanics are skilled employees who are responsible for conducting repairs and maintenance of construction and surface mining equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators. These mechanics must inspect machines and heavy equipment while evaluating operating manuals to perform diagnosis and resolve any defects. They are required to use hand and power tools to perform repairs on the defective equipment parts. Mobile equipment mechanics must also check any open circuits on the electrical systems of heavy equipment.
Vehicle mechanics and mobile equipment mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Vehicle Mechanic | Mobile Equipment Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $42,628 | $72,190 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $62,000 | Between $45,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | Adelanto, CA | Hayward, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Koch Industries | |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Government |
There are a few differences between a vehicle mechanic and a mobile equipment mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Vehicle Mechanic | Mobile Equipment Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between vehicle mechanics' and mobile equipment mechanics' demographics:
| Vehicle Mechanic | Mobile Equipment Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.8% Female, 8.2% | Male, 94.6% Female, 5.4% |
| 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, 5.1% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 1.7% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 1% |