Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics
O*NET title: Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Also called: Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining.
Also called: Brake Mechanic, Bulldozer Mechanic, Caterpillar Mechanic, Clutch Mechanic, Construction Equipment Mechanic, Construction Equipment Overhauler
Median pay
$65,510
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$46,820 – $94,460
People employed
176,600
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 2.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 3.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics pay by state
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What mobile heavy equipment mechanics do
- 01Repair and replace damaged or worn parts.
- 02Test mechanical products and equipment after repair or assembly to ensure proper performance and compliance with manufacturers' specifications.
- 03Operate and inspect machines or heavy equipment to diagnose defects.
- 04Read and understand operating manuals, blueprints, and technical drawings.
- 05Dismantle and reassemble heavy equipment using hoists and hand tools.
- 06Overhaul and test machines or equipment to ensure operating efficiency.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Writing
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Public Safety and Security
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from mobile heavy equipment mechanics
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics92% · −2%
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery90% · −7%
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers89% · −14%
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door86% · +13%
- Hydroelectric Plant Technicians82% · group pay
Change into mobile heavy equipment mechanics
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics92% · $64,520
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery90% · $60,850
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General90% · $49,590
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers86% · $56,210
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door85% · $74,340
Majors that lead here
- Agricultural Mechanics and Equipment/Machine Technology/Technician
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.