Best Companies for 91M Bradley Mechanics: Maintenance Career Guide
Top manufacturing and government contractors hiring 91M Bradley mechanics for maintenance supervisor and engineering roles with compensation and advancement.
Best Companies for 91M Bradley Mechanics
BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)
91M Bradley Vehicle Mechanics transition to premium positions at manufacturing plants, government contractors, automotive companies, and heavy equipment manufacturers. Compensation ranges $50,000-$110,000+ as technician, with advancement to supervisor and management roles earning $100,000-$200,000+. Top employers include General Dynamics (Bradley manufacturer), Caterpillar, Cummins, Toyota, automotive suppliers, and maintenance service contractors. Your military background in hydraulics, complex system diagnostics, and preventive maintenance positions you for rapid advancement to supervisory roles. Most 91Ms transition within 1-2 months.
Government Contractors (Best for 91M Background)
General Dynamics (Bradley Manufacturer)
- Positions: Manufacturing Technician, Senior Technician, Supervisor, Process Engineer
- Starting: $52,000-$70,000
- Year 5: $75,000-$110,000
- Supervisor: $85,000-$130,000+
- Bonus: 10-15% of salary
- Benefits: Excellent contractor benefits, tuition ($5,000/year)
- Career Growth: Clear supervisor track (4-6 years); Manager roles: $120,000-$180,000
- Location: Sterling Heights, MI; Multiple U.S. locations
- Advantage: Direct Bradley experience relevant
Lockheed Martin (Vehicle Systems)
- Positions: Systems Technician, Senior Technician, Operations Supervisor
- Starting: $50,000-$68,000
- Year 5: $70,000-$105,000
- Supervisor: $85,000-$125,000+
- Bonus: 10-20% of salary
- Career Growth: Clear advancement path
- Location: Multiple locations
- Clearance Value: Premium for security clearance
Raytheon Technologies (Defense Systems)
- Positions: Technical Specialist, Senior Technician, Supervisor
- Starting: $50,000-$68,000
- Year 5: $70,000-$105,000
- Supervisor: $85,000-$125,000+
- Benefits: Defense contractor benefits
- Location: Multiple locations
Heavy Equipment Manufacturers
Caterpillar
- Positions: Equipment Technician, Senior Technician, Service Manager, Operations Supervisor
- Starting: $52,000-$72,000
- Year 5: $75,000-$115,000
- Supervisor: $90,000-$140,000+
- Bonus: 10-20% of salary
- Career Growth: Fast advancement in global manufacturer
- Location: Peoria, IL; Multiple U.S. locations
- Union: Many CAT positions unionized (higher wages)
Cummins (Engine Manufacturer)
- Positions: Technician, Senior Technician, Test Operator, Supervisor
- Starting: $50,000-$68,000
- Year 5: $72,000-$108,000
- Supervisor: $85,000-$135,000+
- Benefits: Strong manufacturing benefits, education support
- Career Growth: Clear advancement
- Location: Columbus, IN; Multiple locations
John Deere (Agricultural/Heavy Equipment)
- Positions: Manufacturing Technician, Senior Technician, Process Technician
- Starting: $52,000-$70,000
- Year 5: $75,000-$112,000
- Supervisor: $90,000-$140,000+
- Career Growth: Good advancement in major manufacturer
- Location: Moline, IL; Multiple U.S. locations
Automotive and Powertrain
Ford Motor Company
- Positions: Powertrain Technician, Senior Technician, Operations Supervisor
- Starting: $54,000-$74,000
- Year 5: $78,000-$118,000
- Supervisor: $95,000-$145,000+
- Bonus: 10-20% of base; UAW union typically
- Career Growth: Clear advancement; Manager roles: $130,000-$180,000+
- Location: Dearborn, MI; Multiple plants
- Union: UAW representation; Generally higher wages than non-union
General Motors
- Positions: Manufacturing Technician, Senior Technician, Quality Inspector, Supervisor
- Starting: $52,000-$72,000
- Year 5: $76,000-$116,000
- Supervisor: $92,000-$142,000+
- Bonus: 10-20% of base; UAW union
- Career Growth: Established manufacturer with clear advancement
- Location: Multiple U.S. plants
- Union: UAW; Generally higher total compensation
Toyota
- Positions: Manufacturing Technician, Senior Technician, Team Leader, Group Leader
- Starting: $50,000-$68,000
- Year 5: $72,000-$110,000
- Supervisor: $85,000-$130,000+
- Bonus: Performance bonuses, team incentives
- Benefits: Excellent health, education support
- Career Growth: Known for developing technical talent
- Location: Multiple U.S. manufacturing locations
Fleet Maintenance and Transportation
UPS Maintenance Operations
- Positions: Fleet Technician, Senior Technician, Maintenance Supervisor
- Starting: $55,000-$72,000
- Year 5: $78,000-$115,000
- Supervisor: $90,000-$135,000+
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits, tuition assistance
- Career Growth: Good advancement in large logistics company
- Location: Regional maintenance facilities nationwide
FedEx Maintenance
- Positions: Equipment Technician, Senior Technician, Maintenance Manager
- Starting: $52,000-$70,000
- Year 5: $75,000-$110,000
- Supervisor: $85,000-$130,000+
- Career Growth: Moderate advancement
- Location: Multiple regional centers
Specialty Equipment Manufacturers
PACCAR (Heavy Truck Manufacturer)
- Starting: $52,000-$70,000
- Year 5: $75,000-$112,000
- Supervisor: $90,000-$140,000+
- Location: Bellevue, WA; Multiple locations
Volvo Trucks (Heavy Equipment)
- Starting: $50,000-$68,000
- Year 5: $72,000-$108,000
- Supervisor: $85,000-$130,000+
- Location: Virginia; Multiple U.S. locations
Comparison: 91M Maintenance Careers
| Employer | Starting | Year 5 | Year 10 | Best Aspect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Dynamics | $52,000-$70,000 | $75,000-$110,000 | $110,000-$180,000+ | Bradley background value |
| Caterpillar | $52,000-$72,000 | $75,000-$115,000 | $115,000-$190,000+ | Global leader, advancement |
| Ford/GM (Union) | $52,000-$74,000 | $76,000-$118,000 | $120,000-$200,000+ | Highest union wages |
| Cummins | $50,000-$68,000 | $72,000-$108,000 | $105,000-$170,000+ | Engine expertise, growth |
| Fleet Maintenance | $52,000-$72,000 | $75,000-$115,000 | $110,000-$180,000+ | Rapid expansion sector |
Union vs. Non-Union Comparison
Union (UAW - Ford/GM; USW - Steel): $52,000-$74,000 starting; Year 5: $95,000-$125,000; Year 10: $130,000-$200,000+
- Higher wages, stronger pension, job security
- Seniority-based advancement
- Comprehensive benefits
Non-Union: $50,000-$70,000 starting; Year 5: $72,000-$110,000; Year 10: $105,000-$180,000
- Faster merit-based advancement
- More management flexibility
- Generally lower total compensation than union
Career Advancement
Technician → Senior Technician → Supervisor → Maintenance Manager → Plant Manager
- Earnings: $60,000 → $100,000 → $140,000 → $180,000 → $250,000+
- Timeline: 10-15 years to senior management
Technician → Process Technician → Quality Engineer → Engineering Manager
- Alternative technical track
- Earnings: $60,000 → $90,000 → $120,000 → $160,000+
Certifications for Advancement
- ASE Certifications: +10-15% salary increase
- Six Sigma/Lean: +10% for supervisor roles
- Process Safety Management (PSM): Required for some chemical/refining roles
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which company pays highest for 91M mechanics? A: Union automotive (Ford/GM) typically highest at year 5+ ($95,000-$125,000). General Dynamics competitive due to Bradley background. Caterpillar strong across range.
Q: Should I choose union or non-union? A: Union: Higher pay ($15,000-$30,000 more at peak), stronger pension, seniority. Non-union: Faster advancement, merit-based, less seniority politics. Choose based on priorities.
Q: How quickly can I advance to supervisor? A: Typically 4-6 years with demonstrated competence. Caterpillar and Cummins faster (3-5 years). Union advancement more seniority-based.
Q: What's the job outlook? A: Strong. Manufacturing rebounding, EV transition creating technical demand, aging workforce retiring. Good long-term stability and growth.
Q: Do I need additional education to advance to management? A: Not always, but MBA or engineering technology degree accelerates path to plant manager level. ASE certifications and Six Sigma valuable for advancement.
Action Plan
Weeks 1-2: Preparation
- Obtain ASE certifications (if time permits)
- Update resume emphasizing hydraulic systems, complex diagnostics
- Research union vs. non-union preference
- Identify target companies/locations
Weeks 2-4: Application
- Apply to 15-25 manufacturing and contractor positions
- Contact union halls if union track preferred
- Network with manufacturing professionals
Weeks 4-6: Interviews
- Prepare examples of hydraulic system repairs and improvements
- Research company's products and manufacturing processes
- Discuss advancement and supervisor track
Week 6+: Transition
- Begin technician position
- Establish strong safety/quality reputation
- Plan 4-6 year advancement to supervisor
Conclusion
91M Bradley Mechanics secure well-compensated positions at manufacturing and government contractors, with strong advancement to supervisor and management roles earning $100,000-$200,000+. Union automotive offers highest compensation at peak ($120,000-$160,000+); General Dynamics leverages Bradley background; Caterpillar offers global growth.
Within 5 years: Senior Technician or Supervisor roles earning $95,000-$130,000. Within 10 years: Maintenance Manager or Plant supervisory roles earning $150,000-$200,000+.
Your military Bradley expertise combined with manufacturing experience positions you for rapid advancement to leadership positions in essential industrial sectors.