Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining.
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
SOC: 49-3042 O*NET: 49-3042.00
Median Salary
$63,980
per year
Job Growth
📈 5.8%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
16.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining.
What does a Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$45,450
10th percentile
Early Career
$53,500
25th percentile
Median
$63,980
50th percentile
Experienced
$78,090
75th percentile
Top Earners
$92,360
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$45,450
25th
$53,500
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$63,980
Mean: $67,580
75th
$78,090
90th
$92,360
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $46,910 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $53,500 and $78,090
- •Salary spread is 38.4% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 180,270 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:188,700
Top Industries
Wholesale Trade27.6%
Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods27%
Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers25.9%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+5.8%
Annual Openings:16,500
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)188,700
Current
2034 (Projected)199,600
+5.8%
+10,900
Employment Change
+5.8%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
21,170 jobs$78,0601.00x
Texas
19,850 jobs$60,9201.23x
Florida
9,760 jobs$62,6800.85x
Arizona
7,840 jobs$62,8802.10x
Pennsylvania
7,560 jobs$62,5901.08x
Georgia
6,620 jobs$59,6701.17x
Ohio
5,900 jobs$63,1100.91x
Louisiana
5,650 jobs$58,3602.53x
Virginia
4,990 jobs$62,4001.05x
North Carolina
4,810 jobs$62,2000.84x
New York
4,180 jobs$66,0900.37x
Alabama
4,050 jobs$62,4001.66x
Michigan
3,810 jobs$63,3900.74x
Colorado
3,790 jobs$68,5901.12x
Missouri
3,760 jobs$63,1001.10x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Repairing
100%
#2
Troubleshooting
94%
#3
Equipment Maintenance
86%
#4
Operations Monitoring
80%
#5
Operation and Control
74%
#6
Equipment Selection
66%
#7
Quality Control Analysis
60%
#8
Critical Thinking
54%
#9
Complex Problem Solving
46%
#10
Judgment and Decision Making
40%
Skills Overview
Repairing
advanced5.0
100%
Troubleshooting
advanced4.7
94%
Equipment Maintenance
intermediate4.3
86%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate4.0
80%
Operation and Control
intermediate3.7
74%
Equipment Selection
intermediate3.3
66%
Quality Control Analysis
intermediate3.0
60%
Critical Thinking
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Repairing
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Troubleshooting
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Equipment Maintenance
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Operation and Control
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Equipment Selection
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers100%
5 shared skills
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians100%
5 shared skills
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians100%
5 shared skills
Signal and Track Switch Repairers100%
5 shared skills
Boilermakers82%
5 shared skills
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Equipment Selection
- →Quality Control Analysis
- →Critical Thinking
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Troubleshooting
- ✓Equipment Maintenance
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Repairing
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Troubleshooting
- ★Equipment Maintenance
- ★Repairing
- ★Operation and Control
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
20
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Operations & Execution (3)General Responsibilities (12)Documentation & Record-Keeping (4)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Test mechanical products and equipment after repair or assembly to ensure proper performance and compliance with manufacturers' specifications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution100% perform100%
2
Repair and replace damaged or worn parts.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Operate and inspect machines or heavy equipment to diagnose defects.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution94% perform96%
4
Diagnose faults or malfunctions to determine required repairs, using engine diagnostic equipment such as computerized test equipment and calibration devices.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Dismantle and reassemble heavy equipment using hoists and hand tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Clean, lubricate, and perform other routine maintenance work on equipment and vehicles.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution85% perform90%
7
Examine parts for damage or excessive wear, using micrometers and gauges.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Schedule maintenance for industrial machines and equipment, and keep equipment service records.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping79% perform86%
9
Read and understand operating manuals, blueprints, and technical drawings.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Overhaul and test machines or equipment to ensure operating efficiency.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on operations & execution activities
- •35% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.44
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.32
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.32
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.12
Analytical Thinking
ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level3.85
Initiative
ImportantInitiative
Importance Level3.85
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.4
Dependability
4.3
Integrity
4.3
Independence
4.1
Analytical Thinking
3.9
Initiative
3.9
Innovation
3.8
Stress Tolerance
3.7
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.6
Self-Control
3.6
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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