Maintenance Mechanic vs. Maintenance Technician: What Are the Differences?

Maintenance mechanics and maintenance technicians are both responsible for keeping machines and equipment in good working order. However, there are some key differences between the two positions. In this article, we discuss the duties of each role, the necessary skills and training, and the average salary you can expect to earn. We also provide helpful tips for those interested in pursuing a career in maintenance.

What is a Maintenance Mechanic?

Maintenance Mechanics are responsible for performing a variety of maintenance and repair tasks on a variety of equipment and machinery. They use hand tools, power tools and diagnostic equipment to troubleshoot and repair issues. Maintenance Mechanics often work with mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems. They may also be responsible for performing preventative maintenance, such as lubricating moving parts or replacing worn out parts. Maintenance Mechanics typically work in manufacturing or production environments, but can also be found in other industries such as healthcare, hospitality and transportation.

What is a Maintenance Technician?

Maintenance Technicians are responsible for the day-to-day upkeep of facilities and equipment. They work in a variety of settings, such as office buildings, manufacturing plants, hospitals and schools. Maintenance Technicians inspect facilities and equipment to identify any necessary repairs or replacements. They perform routine maintenance tasks, such as changing light bulbs and filters, and they may also use power tools and other equipment to make more significant repairs. Maintenance Technicians keep records of all maintenance activities and may be responsible for ordering replacement parts and supplies.

Maintenance Mechanic vs. Maintenance Technician

Here are the main differences between a maintenance mechanic and a maintenance technician.

Job Duties

Maintenance mechanics have more responsibilities than maintenance technicians. They’re trained to repair and replace parts in machinery, which means they spend a lot of time on the job site. Maintenance mechanics also supervise maintenance teams and manage projects. In contrast, maintenance technicians perform tasks like cleaning and testing equipment and systems and reporting issues to their supervisors. They may also assist maintenance mechanics with repairs and installations.

Job Requirements

Maintenance mechanics and maintenance technicians typically need a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the field. However, some employers may prefer candidates who have completed a vocational program or an associate degree in industrial maintenance or a related field. Additionally, many professionals in this field pursue certification through organizations like the International Society for Maintenance & Reclamation (ISMR) or the Institute of Asset Management (IAM). These certifications can demonstrate a technician’s knowledge and skills to potential employers.

Work Environment

Maintenance mechanics work in a variety of environments, depending on the industry they’re working in. For example, if you work as a mechanic for an airline, you may travel to different locations and work on aircrafts that are in various stages of repair. Maintenance technicians typically work in more stationary positions, such as factories or office buildings. They also usually have regular hours and don’t travel often.

Skills

Maintenance mechanics and maintenance technicians both use problem-solving skills to figure out what is causing an issue with a machine or system and how to fix it. They also need to have the ability to follow safety protocols as they are working with potentially dangerous materials.

Maintenance mechanics often work with their hands more than maintenance technicians as they may need to use tools to take apart machines to diagnose problems. Maintenance technicians, on the other hand, may use computer programs to run diagnostic tests on systems to identify issues. Both of these professionals need to be able to read and understand manuals and blueprints related to the machines they are working on so they can properly maintain or repair them.

While maintenance mechanics and maintenance technicians share many similarities, there are some key differences in the skills each needs. Maintenance mechanics typically need to have more mechanical knowledge as they often work with a variety of machines, including engines, pumps and motors. Maintenance technicians, on the other hand, often specialize in one type of system, such as HVAC or electrical, and need to have in-depth knowledge about that particular system.

Salary

Maintenance mechanics can earn an average salary of $54,605 per year, while maintenance technicians can earn an average salary of $48,301 per year. Both of these average salaries may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.