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.
π¬Career Video
π€AI Resilience Assessment
AI Resilience Score
Score 5/6: low AI task exposure, growing job demand provides strong protection from AI displacement
How we calculated this:
6% of tasks can be accelerated by AI
+12% projected (2024-2034)
EPOCH score: 14/25
πKey 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.
π‘Inside This Career
Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics start their days by assessing the work aheadβwhether 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 dramaticallyβfrom 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.
πCareer 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.
πEducation & 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
Ready to Start Your Career?
Find jobs and training programs for vehicle & mobile equipment mechanics- Median salary: $53K/year
Find Jobs
Search positions from LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and more. Get up to 50 relevant job listings with salary info.
- Real-time results
- Export to Excel
Find Training
Discover training programs, certifications, and educational resources to help you get started or advance your career.
- Local programs
- DOL verified
π»Technology Skills
βKey Abilities
π·οΈAlso Known As
πSpecializations
This career includes 14 specialized roles with different focuses and compensation levels.
| Specialization | Median Pay | AI Outlook | O*NET Code | Find Jobs | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75,020 | π‘ | 49-3011.00 | View details | ||
| $65,030 | π‘ | 49-3043.00 | View details | ||
| $61,900 | π’ | 49-3042.00 | View details | ||
| $58,970 | π‘ | 49-3031.00 | View details | ||
| $49,990 | π’ | 49-3051.00 | View details |
πRelated Careers
Other careers in installation-repair
πData Sources
Have feedback about this page?
Help us make this page better. Share your experience, correct errors, or suggest improvements.