What is the Difference between Technician or Mechanic?

When someone says the word “mechanic” we usually conjure up an image of a hard-working laborer with stained, rough hands holding a wrench and wearing a dark uniform while working on an automobile or other large piece of machinery.

A "technician," on the other hand, often makes us think of an individual in a clean uniform using electronic equipment to diagnose some complex pieces of machinery. 

Is there a difference? The purpose of this blog post is to explore that question in the context of the heavy equipment industry.

Dictionary Definition of Mechanic and Technician

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a mechanic as “a person who repairs machines (such as car engines) and keeps them running properly.”  It defines a technician as “a person whose job relates to the practical use of machines or science in industry, medicine, etc.” or “a specialist in the technical details of a subject or occupation.”  

As you can see, both words have quite similar meanings that focus on machines and  on the repair, installation, and maintenance of machines and associated components, so the answer doesn't seem to lie simply in looking up the correct definition.

Differing Views on the Difference

One article on DifferenceBetween.com explains the difference this way:  a mechanic can take a machine apart and put it back together, while a technician focuses more on diagnosing problems with the machine and making simple repairs and tweaks.  In short, technicians may use more advanced technical tools, but mechanics can still get the job done without them. 

Others will say that the difference lies in the job someone is doing at any given moment.  Let's look at an example.  Technicians use a specialized type of knowledge to interpret test results, error codes, diagnostic results, etc. to identify the type of problem present while it falls to the mechanic to fix the problem that was discovered. When someone is testing the performance of your final drive on a hydraulic test bench, they would be classified as a technician.  However, when they are making repairs to said hydraulic motor they would be a mechanic. 

Many say that “mechanic” should simply be replaced with “technician.”  The argument is that the complexity of equipment and interaction with advanced system required in regular equipment repairs false much better under the definition of technician than mechanic.  The mechanic of today most likely uses a laptop or tablet as part of their work daily routine, and are very well versed in error codes and system diagnostics as well as repair techniques.

Some also feel that the term “technician” sounds much more professional than “mechanic,” thus commanding more respect and possibly more pay

There is an argument for keeping the word, mechanic, however.  The term is very well known and rarely confused.  You know that a mechanic will fix what is wrong with your bulldozer, proponents say, but when you say a technician is working on it – well, that could be an oil change technician is working on it.  To some individuals, the term “mechanic” inspires more confidence than “technician.”

However,  in the automotive repair industry the ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) has opted for the term "technician" in place of "mechanic": instead of being a Certified Master Mechanic you would now be a Certified Master Technician.

What's in a Word? Heavy Equipment "Technician" or "Mechanic"

To some people, a technician sounds more highly trained than a mechanic – while to others a technician represents someone at the very bottom of the pay scale.  The meaning of words go far beyond their dictionary definition, which is why it’s important to be careful what words we use.

At Texas Final Drive whether mechanic or technician all individuals here are considered professionals.  Check out the latest free troubleshooter guide from the professionals on Excessive Noise in your final drive motor.