Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics vs Operating Engineers (Heavy Equipment)
Side-by-side comparison of salary, job growth, and training requirements based on BLS data.
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics
Operating Engineers (Heavy Equipment)
Median Salary
$63,980
$58,710
10-Year Job Growth
+5.5%
+4.1%
Training Length
2-4 years
3-4 years
Typical Path
Trade school + manufacturer certifications; on-the-job training
IUOE apprenticeship or heavy equipment school; CDL may be required
Salary difference: $5,270 (9.0%) in favor of Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics
Who should choose Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics?
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics may be the right fit if you're interested in diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment.
Typical path: Trade school + manufacturer certifications; on-the-job training
Explore Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics →Who should choose Operating Engineers (Heavy Equipment)?
Operating Engineers (Heavy Equipment) may be the right fit if you're interested in operate construction equipment such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and excavators.
Typical path: IUOE apprenticeship or heavy equipment school; CDL may be required
Explore Operating Engineers (Heavy Equipment) →Frequently Asked Questions
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics earn more on average. The national median salary for mobile heavy equipment mechanics is $63,980, which is $5,270 more than operating engineers (heavy equipment) ($58,710).
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics typically require 2-4 years of training (Trade school + manufacturer certifications; on-the-job training). Operating Engineers (Heavy Equipment) typically require 3-4 years (IUOE apprenticeship or heavy equipment school; CDL may be required).
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics have a projected 10-year growth of 5.5%, while operating engineers (heavy equipment) have a projected growth of 4.1%. Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics have slightly better growth prospects.