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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.

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Work 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

Related Military Careers

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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.

Military Status

  • Enlisted
    • Hands-on/specialized
    • High school diploma required

Military Workforce

Automotive and Heavy Equipment Mechanics in the Military

51,266

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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

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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

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Military training

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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 systems
  • Repairing and replacing body panels, fenders, and radiators
  • Engine repair and tune-up or replacement
  • Electronic and mechanical principles and concepts
  • Use of electronic, electrical and mechanical test equipment
  • Shop operations, such as inventory control
  • Use and care of hand and power tools
  • Use of automated information systems

Skills 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

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.