Mobile Heavy Equip Mechanic

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Work Tasks

• Fix and maintain engines and systems that make graders, backhoes, and other big machines run
• Find out what is wrong with machines which do not work correctly
• Take apart machines and fix or replace parts
• Fix hydraulic parts and electrical problems
• Work in shops or outside in the field for mobile heavy equipment dealers, construction contractors, the government, surface mine operators, logging camps, machinery manufacturers, airlines, railroads, steel mills, and utility, oil, and gas companies
• Work with graders, trenchers, backhoes, stripping and loading shovels, hand and power tools, pneumatic wrenches, welding equipment, jacks, hoists, cranes, micrometers, gauges, tachometers, dynamometers, ohmmeters, ammeters, voltmeters, and testing equipment

Salary, Size & Growth

• $45,500 average per year ($22.00 per hour)
• A medium occupation (108,500 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (0.9% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: On-the-job training
• Employers Prefer: A 2-year degree in diesel technology and certification in Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
• Skills/Courses: Courses in automobile repair, physics, chemistry, applied math, blueprint reading, shop, computers, diesel engines, transmissions, electrical systems, and hydraulics
• Certification/Licensing: A commercial driver's license may be required. Certifications are available.