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installation-repair

Vehicle & Mobile Equipment Mechanics

Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics diagnose, repair, and maintain a wide range of motorized vehicles and machinery, from cars and trucks to aircraft, boats, and heavy construction equipment. These skilled professionals work in dealerships, repair shops, airports, marinas, and industrial facilities, using specialized tools and technical manuals to ensure vehicles operate safely and efficiently.

Median Annual Pay
$52,744
Range: $28,670 - $114,750
Training Time
Less than 6 months
AI Resilience
🟑AI-Augmented
Education
Less than high school

🎬Career Video

πŸ€–AI Resilience Assessment

AI Resilience Score

Score 5/6: low AI task exposure, growing job demand provides strong protection from AI displacement

🟒AI-Resilient

How we calculated this:

AI Exposure
Low+2

6% of tasks can be accelerated by AI

Job Growth
Growing+2

+12% projected (2024-2034)

Human Advantage
Moderate+1

EPOCH score: 14/25

Total Score5/6
Methodology: v2.0 - GPTs are GPTs / BLS / EPOCH Additive ScoringUpdated: 2026-01-09

πŸ“‹Key Responsibilities

  • β€’Inspect completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready for operation.
  • β€’Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
  • β€’Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.
  • β€’Examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems.
  • β€’Conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations.
  • β€’Replace or repair worn, defective, or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges, and testing equipment.
  • β€’Inspect airframes for wear or other defects.
  • β€’Check for corrosion, distortion, and invisible cracks in the fuselage, wings, and tail, using x-ray and magnetic inspection equipment.

πŸ’‘Inside This Career

Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics start their days by assessing the work aheadβ€”whether it's a routine maintenance schedule, emergency repairs, or diagnostic challenges that require systematic troubleshooting. They review work orders, gather necessary tools and parts, and prioritize tasks based on urgency and complexity. The morning might begin with inspecting a diesel engine in a commercial truck, diagnosing electrical issues in farm equipment, or performing scheduled maintenance on aircraft systems. Each piece of equipment presents unique challenges, from intricate hydraulic systems to specialized computer diagnostics, requiring mechanics to adapt their approach and expertise to the specific machinery at hand.

The heart of their workday revolves around hands-on problem-solving and technical repair work. Mechanics spend considerable time dismantling components, testing systems, and methodically working through repair procedures. They might find themselves replacing worn brake components, rebuilding transmissions, welding damaged frames, or calibrating electronic control systems. The work environment varies dramaticallyβ€”from climate-controlled aircraft hangars to outdoor construction sites, busy automotive service bays to quiet bicycle shops. Safety protocols remain constant regardless of setting, as mechanics work with heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and high-pressure systems.

Collaboration plays a crucial role throughout the day, as mechanics consult with colleagues on complex problems, coordinate with parts suppliers, and communicate with customers about repair timelines and costs. They document their work, update maintenance records, and often mentor newer technicians. Whether working independently in a small shop or as part of a large maintenance team, these professionals balance technical precision with time management, ensuring that vehicles and equipment return to service safely and efficiently.

πŸ“ˆCareer Progression

What does this mean?

This shows how earnings typically grow with experience. Entry level represents starting salaries, while Expert shows top earners (90th percentile). Most workers reach mid-career earnings within 5-10 years. Figures are national averages and vary by location and employer.

1
Entry (10th %ile)
0-2 years experience
$28,670
$25,803 - $31,537
2
Early Career (25th %ile)
2-6 years experience
$38,300
$34,470 - $42,130
3
Mid-Career (Median)
5-15 years experience
$52,744
$47,470 - $58,018
4
Experienced (75th %ile)
10-20 years experience
$83,747
$75,372 - $92,122
5
Expert (90th %ile)
15-30 years experience
$114,750
$103,275 - $126,225

πŸ“šEducation & Training

Requirements

  • β€’Entry Education: Less than high school
  • β€’Experience: Some experience helpful
  • β€’On-the-job Training: Few months to one year

Time & Cost

Education Duration
0-0 years (typically 0)
Estimated Education Cost
$0 - $0
Can earn while learning
Source: college board (2024)
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πŸ’»Technology Skills

Aircraft maintenance softwareDiagnostic equipmentMicrosoft OfficeTechnical documentation systemsCompliance trackingCAD viewersEstimating software (CCC, Mitchell)Diagnostic scannersPaint matching systemsShop management softwareScheduling softwareInventory trackingPOS systemsParts ordering systemsRepair information databases

⭐Key Abilities

β€’Problem Sensitivity
β€’Written Comprehension
β€’Near Vision
β€’Information Ordering
β€’Manual Dexterity
β€’Finger Dexterity
β€’Control Precision
β€’Deductive Reasoning
β€’Inductive Reasoning
β€’Multilimb Coordination

🏷️Also Known As

Vehicle & Mobile Equipment MechanicsAerospace Propulsion Jet Engine MechanicAircraft AC Mechanic (Aircraft Air Conditioning Mechanic)Aircraft Accessories MechanicAircraft Avionics Technician (Aircraft Avionics Tech)Aircraft Body and Bonded Structure RepairerAircraft Cylinder MechanicAircraft ElectricianAircraft Engine MechanicAircraft Engine Specialist+20 more

πŸ“‘Specializations

This career includes 14 specialized roles with different focuses and compensation levels.

πŸ”—Related Careers

Other careers in installation-repair

πŸ”—Data Sources

Last updated: 2026-01-09

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