How much does a heavy machine mechanic make?
a year · about $32 an hour
A typical heavy machine mechanic in the United States makes $65,510 a year, about $32 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
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.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $46,820 and $94,460How do you become one?
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.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Alaska ($82,670), lowest in West Virginia ($56,810).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| 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 |
Official definition: 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).
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