The median annual wage of heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians was $42,630 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,140, and the top 10 percent earned more than $62,630.
In May 2010, median annual wages for heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technician occupations were as follows:
Most service technicians work full time, and many work evenings or weekends. Overtime is common.
Farm equipment mechanics’ work varies by time of the year. During busy planting and harvesting seasons, for example, mechanics often work six or seven 12-hour days per week. In slow winter months, however, they may work less than full time.
About 25 percent of service technicians are members of unions. Members may enjoy job benefits, in addition to what employers provide.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition