How much does a heavy machine mechanic make?
Answer: A typical heavy machine mechanic in the United States makes $65,510 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 177,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Heavy machine mechanic pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $46,820 | $65,510 | $94,460 | about 177,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $82,670 | about 1,000 |
| Nevada | $79,860 | about 3,000 |
| Minnesota | $79,370 | about 3,000 |
| Hawaii | $79,170 | about 530 |
| Washington | $78,620 | about 4,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., experience, useful manufacturer certificates, and specialized skills such as field repairs can raise pay. Pay also varies by location and employer, and evening, weekend, or overtime hours can change total earnings.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a heavy machine mechanic 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. Excludes “Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists” (49-3031) and “Rail Car Repairers” (49-3043).
What's a typical day like?
They inspect a bulldozer or crane, use manuals and computer tools to find a problem, then repair or replace worn parts. They test the machine, record the work, and may drive to a worksite for repairs.
How to get this job
In the U.S., finish high school or a GED; a 1–2 year program in heavy-equipment or diesel technology can help. Then train as a trainee or apprentice for 3–4 years; manufacturer certificates are optional.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
When a bulldozer is too costly to haul to a shop, its mechanic may drive a truck stocked with tools and parts to repair it at the worksite.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/Installation-Maintenance-and-Repair/Heavy-vehicle-and-mobile-equ
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-3042.00
- www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-occupations/listings?occupationCode=49-304
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes493042.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY