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The differences between vehicle mechanics and senior 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 senior mechanic takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a senior mechanic has an average salary of $51,569, 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 senior mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.
| Vehicle Mechanic | Senior Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $42,628 | $51,569 |
| Hourly rate | $20.49 | $24.79 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 37,592 | 85,706 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 42 | 49 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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.
A senior mechanic builds machines or mechanical components based on client specifications and requirements. As a senior mechanic, you will perform a variety of duties that include performing technical inspections on corrective maintenance, vehicle armor and services, monitoring and supporting day-to-day facility and production operations, and troubleshooting problems. Additionally, you will perform preventative maintenance on equipment, generators, and vehicles, and conducting research on parts repair. You will also perform various custodial and maintenance duties as requested.
Vehicle mechanics and senior mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Vehicle Mechanic | Senior Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $42,628 | $51,569 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $62,000 | Between $37,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | Adelanto, CA | Roseville, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Orange County Sanitation District | |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between a vehicle mechanic and a senior mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Vehicle Mechanic | Senior Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred |
Here are the differences between vehicle mechanics' and senior mechanics' demographics:
| Vehicle Mechanic | Senior Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 49 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.8% Female, 8.2% | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% |
| 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, 8.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.6% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 4% |