Carpenters vs Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics
Side-by-side comparison of salary, job growth, and training requirements based on BLS data.
Overview
Both carpentry and mobile heavy equipment mechanics offer solid middle-class careers with similar growth prospects. Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics edge out carpenters with a $63,980 median salary versus $59,310 for carpenters—a 7.3% difference. Job growth is nearly identical at 5.5% and 5.2% respectively over the next decade. Carpenters build and repair structures using wood and various materials, working on everything from framing houses to custom cabinetry. Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics diagnose and repair the complex hydraulic, mechanical, and electronic systems in bulldozers, excavators, and other heavy machinery. Both trades require 2-4 years of training through apprenticeships or trade schools.
Salary Breakdown
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics start with a $4,670 salary advantage at the median level. Entry-level carpenters typically start around $35,000-40,000, while mechanics begin closer to $40,000-45,000. Experienced carpenters can reach $80,000-100,000+ with specializations like finish carpentry or project management. Top mechanics often exceed $90,000-110,000, especially those certified on specialized equipment or working in mining/oil sectors. Both trades offer overtime opportunities, but mechanics often have more consistent premium pay due to equipment downtime urgency and fewer weather delays affecting their earning potential.
Work Environment
Carpenters split time between job sites and workshops, facing weather exposure during construction phases. Physical demands include lifting, climbing, and repetitive motions with injury risks from tools and falls. Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics work in heated/air-conditioned shops, equipment yards, and field locations. They face hydraulic fluid exposure, heavy lifting, and confined spaces when working inside machinery. Mechanics typically have more consistent schedules since equipment repairs can't wait for good weather. Both trades involve physical demands, but mechanics generally have better protection from weather extremes and more predictable working conditions year-round.
Career Growth
Carpenters can specialize in finish work, cabinetry, formwork, or restoration, with clear paths to foreman and project management roles. Business ownership is common—many successful contractors started as journeymen carpenters. Income potential reaches six figures through specialization or running crews. Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics can pursue manufacturer certifications for specific brands, advance to shop supervisor or service manager roles, or specialize in hydraulics/electronics. Field service techs often earn premium wages. Business ownership opportunities exist but require more capital investment. Both trades offer solid advancement, but carpentry has lower barriers to entrepreneurship.
Who should choose Carpenters?
Choose carpentry if you enjoy creating tangible structures and seeing projects transform from blueprints to finished buildings. This trade suits people who like variety—no two job sites are identical. You should have good spatial reasoning, enjoy problem-solving, and don't mind weather exposure. Carpentry appeals to those interested in both rough construction and detailed finish work. It's ideal if you want entrepreneurial opportunities with relatively low startup costs and the satisfaction of building homes, commercial spaces, and custom projects that last generations.
Typical path: UBC apprenticeship or non-union program; no license required in most states
Explore Carpenters →Who should choose Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics?
Choose Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics if you're fascinated by complex machinery and enjoy diagnostic troubleshooting. This trade suits analytical minds who like solving mechanical puzzles and working with hydraulics, electronics, and computer systems. You should be comfortable with technology integration in modern equipment and enjoy working independently. It's ideal for those who want consistent work conditions, premium pay opportunities, and job security in industries like construction, mining, and agriculture. The work appeals to people who prefer fixing and maintaining equipment over building structures.
Typical path: Trade school + manufacturer certifications; on-the-job training
Explore Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics →The Bottom Line
Both offer stable, well-paying careers with similar growth prospects. Choose carpentry if you want to build things and desire easier entry into business ownership. Choose mechanics if you prefer working with complex machinery and want slightly higher starting pay with more weather-independent work.