Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
O*NET 49-3042.00 · SOC 49-3042
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic is a solid career choice. Median pay is $66k a year with +6.7% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 15,000 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Inspect and repair hydraulic cylinders on excavators and loaders
- →Replace undercarriage tracks and rollers on bulldozers
- →Diagnose electrical system faults in construction equipment
- →Adjust and repair crawler crane boom and swing mechanisms
- →Perform scheduled maintenance on forklifts and skid steer loaders
Education & How to Get In
Most Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic Roles
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Job Outlook
Employment of Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines is projected to grow 6.7% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·38% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·47% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic make?
The median Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic earns $66k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic jobs?
Our model puts Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic at 36 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 38% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 47% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 6.7% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 15,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic?
Most Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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