Mechanic Vs Field Mechanic

The differences between 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 mechanic and a field mechanic. Additionally, a mechanic has an average salary of $47,149, which is higher than the $46,395 average annual salary of a field mechanic.

The top three skills for a mechanic include hand tools, preventive maintenance and customer service. The most important skills for a field mechanic are CDL, construction equipment, and cranes.

Mechanic vs field mechanic overview

MechanicField Mechanic
Yearly Salary$47,149$46,395
Hourly rate$22.67$22.31
Growth Rate4%4%
Number Of Jobs100,534135,482
Job Satisfaction4.25-
Most Common DegreeHigh School Diploma, 42%High School Diploma, 36%
Average Age4242
Years Of Experience22

What does a Mechanic do?

Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.

What does a field mechanic do?

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.

Mechanic vs field mechanic salary

Mechanics and field mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

MechanicField Mechanic
Average Salary$47,149$46,395
Salary RangeBetween $35,000 And $63,000Between $33,000 And $63,000
Highest Paying CitySan Jose, CA-
Highest Paying StateConnecticut-
Best Paying CompanyAnheuser-Busch-
Best Paying IndustryManufacturing-

Differences between mechanic and field mechanic education

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

MechanicField Mechanic
Most Common DegreeHigh School Diploma, 42%High School Diploma, 36%
Most Common MajorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most Common College--

Mechanic vs field mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between mechanics' and field mechanics' demographics:

MechanicField Mechanic
Average Age4242
Gender RatioMale, 95.7% Female, 4.3%Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
Race RatioBlack or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% 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 Percentage2%2%

Differences between mechanic and field mechanic duties and responsibilities

Mechanic Example Responsibilities.

  • Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and hand tools, such as transfer cases, hydraulic cylinders, bell housings.
  • Identify issues with wire feeder and power source, break press, overhead cranes , 2 ton to 25 ton hoists.
  • chain saws, trimmers, tractors, push mowers, blowers, generators, cut saws, power washers, etc.
  • Work with networking, plumbing, troubleshooting electrical and performing mechanical repairs.
  • Monitor HVAC systems and operations, and ensure that routine preventive maintenance are performed according to establish schedules.
  • Complete repair of low-boy style trailers, and tractors with wet line PTO systems.
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Field Mechanic Example Responsibilities.

  • Have visited various locations and have accomplished field preventive maintenance on compressors.
  • Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and handtools.
  • Supervise mechanics in the diagnosis and repair of technical difficulties, installation and in mechanical failures of military equipment.
  • Construct and assemble sub- assemblies and assemble components including shafts, pulley, bearings, gearboxes and conveyor components.
  • Repair and maintain the tar kettles and up keep of all compressors, and push behind blowers.
  • Perform all levels of repair and maintenance for school buses, vans, pickups, trailers, mowers and snow blowers.
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Mechanic vs field mechanic skills

Common Mechanic Skills
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Preventive Maintenance, 8%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Customer Vehicles, 7%
  • Diagnosis, 6%
  • Electrical Systems, 5%
Common Field Mechanic Skills
  • CDL, 13%
  • Construction Equipment, 10%
  • Cranes, 7%
  • Hydraulic Systems, 6%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Asphalt, 4%

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