Weapons mechanic vs lead mechanic

The differences between weapons mechanics and lead mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a weapons mechanic has an average salary of $57,259, which is higher than the $54,471 average annual salary of a lead mechanic.

The top three skills for a weapons mechanic include hand tools, fuel systems and landing gear. The most important skills for a lead mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.

Weapons mechanic vs lead mechanic overview

	Weapons Mechanic	Lead Mechanic
Yearly salary	$57,259	$54,471
Hourly rate	$27.53	$26.19
Growth rate	6%	4%
Number of jobs	33,710	86,668
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 31%	Associate Degree, 31%
Average age	43	49
Years of experience	-	4

Weapons mechanic vs lead mechanic salary

Weapons mechanics and lead mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Weapons Mechanic	Lead Mechanic
Average salary	$57,259	$54,471
Salary range	Between $40,000 And $81,000	Between $40,000 And $73,000
Highest paying City	-	Anchorage, AK
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	California Resources
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between weapons mechanic and lead mechanic education

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

	Weapons Mechanic	Lead Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 31%	Associate Degree, 31%
Most common major	Business	Automotive Technology
Most common college	New York University	SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Weapons mechanic vs lead mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between weapons mechanics' and lead mechanics' demographics:

	Weapons Mechanic	Lead Mechanic
Average age	43	49
Gender ratio	Male, 94.3% Female, 5.7%	Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 3.2% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	Black or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between weapons mechanic and lead mechanic duties and responsibilities

Weapons mechanic example responsibilities.

Load and unload non-nuclear munitions, explosives, and ammunition on aircraft.
Apply technical knowledge of airframe systems in determining equipment malfunctions and apply required expertise in restoring equipment condition to operating status.
Repair microprocessor base electronic systems.

Lead mechanic example responsibilities.

Manage the repairs of electrical and mechanical components, such as power assemblies and traction motors.
Manage routine maintenance and modifications for locomotives as well as preventative maintenance for freight cars.
Complete restoration of antique motorcycles, extensive engine repair, payroll, quarterly reports, parts sales and database inventory.
Assemble and repair motor scooters.
Perform conventional welding, MIG, TIG, OxyAcet.
Ensure quality repairs are made while meeting stringent FRA guidelines.

Weapons mechanic vs lead mechanic skills

Common weapons mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 31%
Fuel Systems, 15%
Landing Gear, 12%
Test Equipment, 10%
Aircraft Maintenance, 6%
Functional Checks, 6%

Common lead mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
HVAC, 6%
Electrical Systems, 4%
Mechanical Equipment, 4%
Hydraulic Systems, 4%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Weapons Mechanic
Weapons Mechanic vs Lead Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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