Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics diagnose, adjust, repair, and overhaul mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment used in construction, logging, and mining—such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors. Most work at job sites, equipment yards, or service facilities, often outdoors and in varied weather conditions.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves inspecting equipment for mechanical problems, disassembling components to access worn or damaged parts, and performing repairs using hand tools and diagnostic equipment. Mechanics may spend time welding, replacing hydraulic hoses, or adjusting engine systems. Work includes both scheduled maintenance on stationary equipment and emergency repairs at active job sites. Documentation of repairs and parts used is standard.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You are drawn to hands-on problem-solving and prefer working with concrete, tangible things rather than abstract concepts. You like following established procedures and systems, work well independently or as part of a crew, and take satisfaction in restoring broken equipment to working condition.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · Jackson, Wyoming · $38.13–$44.49
- HEAVY MOBILE EQUIPMENT MECHANIC · Air Mobility Command · McConnell AFB, Kansas · $69204–$80808
- Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic · U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command · Chambersburg, Pennsylvania · $34.71–$40.55
- Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic Supervisor · Army Tank-Automotive and Armament Command (TACOM) · Anniston Army Depot, Alabama · $42.25–$49.29
- HEAVY MOBILE EQUIPMENT MECHANIC · United States Space Force · Buckley AFB, Colorado · $67577–$78805
- HEAVY MOBILE AND MARINE EQUIPMENT MECHANIC · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers · Fountain City, Wisconsin · $34.31–$40.01
- HEAVY MOBILE EQUIPMENT MECHANIC · U.S. Marine Corps · Twentynine Palms, California · $35.88–$41.84
- SUPERVISOR HEAVY MOBILE EQUIPMENT MECHANIC (TITLE 32) · Air National Guard Units · Jacksonville, Florida · $36.97–$43.12
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $65,500 | $82,670 | $105,300 | 1,430 |
| Nevada | $68,050 | $79,860 | $92,690 | 2,870 |
| Minnesota | $63,060 | $79,370 | $90,500 | 2,890 |
| Hawaii | $66,610 | $79,170 | $90,830 | 530 |
| Washington | $64,800 | $78,620 | $96,750 | 3,900 |
| California | $63,830 | $78,550 | $94,620 | 20,080 |
| Connecticut | $65,400 | $78,190 | $92,270 | 1,080 |
| New Jersey | $63,560 | $78,180 | $92,980 | 3,520 |
| Massachusetts | $64,880 | $76,070 | $92,450 | 1,620 |
| North Dakota | $60,960 | $76,030 | $87,750 | 1,720 |
| Oregon | $61,790 | $74,740 | $82,950 | 2,650 |
| Wyoming | $57,010 | $73,200 | $83,390 | 1,420 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Heavy Construction Equipment Mechanic — International Union of Operating Engineers
- Heavy Equipment Operations — National Center for Construction Education and Research
- Fluid Power Mobile Hydraulic Mechanic (CFPMHM) — International Fluid Power Society
- Certified Equipment Manager (CEM) — Association of Equipment Management Professionals
- Fluid Power Industrial Hydraulic Mechanic (CFPIHM) — International Fluid Power Society
- Fluid Power Pneumatic Mechanic (CFPPM) — International Fluid Power Society
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 49-3042.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.