Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
SOC code 49-3042 · O*NET-SOC 49-3042.00 · Medium preparation needed · Skilled trades
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$65,510
a year
Hourly
$31.50
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$69,240
$33.29 per hour
Middle 50%
$56,970 – $79,270
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$46,820 – $94,460
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
176,600
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $46,820
- $22.51/hr
- 25th percentile
- $56,970
- $27.39/hr
- Median percentile
- $65,510
- $31.50/hr
- 75th percentile
- $79,270
- $38.11/hr
- 90th percentile
- $94,460
- $45.41/hr
What do mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines do?
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Repair and replace damaged or worn parts.
- Test mechanical products and equipment after repair or assembly to ensure proper performance and compliance with manufacturers' specifications.
- Operate and inspect machines or heavy equipment to diagnose defects.
- Read and understand operating manuals, blueprints, and technical drawings.
- Dismantle and reassemble heavy equipment using hoists and hand tools.
- Overhaul and test machines or equipment to ensure operating efficiency.
- Adjust, maintain, and repair or replace subassemblies, such as transmissions and crawler heads, using hand tools, jacks, and cranes.
- Repair, rewire, and troubleshoot electrical systems.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold post-secondary certificate — 55% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Post-Secondary Certificate55%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)30%
- Some College Courses8%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree5%
Common questions
How much does a mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines earn?
The national median is $65,510 a year. The full range runs from $46,820 at the 10th percentile to $94,460 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Critical Thinking3.3/5
- Reading Comprehension3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical4.8/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.3/5
- Mathematics3.3/5
- Computers and Electronics3.1/5
- Public Safety and Security3.0/5
- Building and Construction3.0/5
- English Language3.0/5
- Transportation2.6/5
Transferable strengths: Troubleshooting, Repairing, Equipment Maintenance, Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Equipment Selection.