Military Automotive and Heavy Equipment Mechanics
Military Career
General Information
Description
After ensuring adequate manpower, supplies, and workspace are available, automotive and heavy equipment mechanics maintain and repair various vehicles and systems. They determine the overall mechanical condition of vehicles and heavy equipment, diagnose malfunctions, and initiate restorative actions related to equipment in their area of responsibility.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork Environment
Automotive and heavy equipment mechanics usually work inside large repair garages. They work outdoors when making emergency repairs in the field.
Workplace at a Glance
What you can expect to experience while on the job
- Responsibility
- Exposure to job hazards
- Physical activity
- Decision making
- Repetitiveness
- Level of competition
- Time pressure
Comparable Industries
- Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Enlisted
- Hands-on/specialized
- High school diploma required
Military Workforce
Automotive and Heavy Equipment Mechanics in the Military
51,266
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$68,175
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$22,740 - $229,900
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
-
High school 41%
-
Post-secondary certificate 34%
-
Less than high school 23%
-
Some college 0%
-
Master's degree 0%
-
Doctoral degree 0%
-
Bachelor's degree 0%
-
Associate's degree 0%
-
Post baccalaureate 0%
-
Post-doctoral training 0%
-
Post-master's certificate 0%
-
First professional degree 0%
Military training
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Job training for automotive and heavy equipment mechanics consists of classroom and hands-on training, including work on vehicles and equipment. Training content varies depending on specialty, and may include: Repairing mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, fuel, and armament systemsRepairing and replacing body panels, fenders, and radiatorsEngine repair and tune-up or replacementElectronic and mechanical principles and conceptsUse of electronic, electrical and mechanical test equipmentShop operations, such as inventory controlUse and care of hand and power toolsUse of automated information systems
Read MoreSkills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Transportation
- Engineering and Technology
Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program