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The differences between automotive mechanics and truck mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an automotive mechanic and a truck mechanic. Additionally, a truck mechanic has an average salary of $50,169, which is higher than the $42,864 average annual salary of an automotive mechanic.
The top three skills for an automotive mechanic include customer service, work ethic and hand tools. The most important skills for a truck mechanic are CDL, customer service, and electrical systems.
| Automotive Mechanic | Truck Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $42,864 | $50,169 |
| Hourly rate | $20.61 | $24.12 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 95,703 | 80,942 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 38% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| Average age | 40 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
An automotive mechanic is responsible for inspecting the vehicle's engine, identifying defects and inconsistencies, and repairing malfunctioning components through diagnostic tests. Automotive mechanics diagnose problems and inform the customers of troubleshooting procedures and provide cost estimates for maintenance. They may also offer additional services to boost the engine's optimal performance and efficiency, at the same time, to generate more revenues for the business. An automotive mechanic must have excellent knowledge of the automotive industry, especially in responding to the inquiries and concerns of the customers regarding their vehicles and schedule regular repairs as necessary.
Also known as diesel services technicians, truck mechanics perform various heavy-duty truck tasks. The technicians work on large vehicles, tractor-trailers, and buses. It is their duty to inspect, make diagnoses, and repair the brake systems and other electrical components. They conduct routine maintenance work, which aims for longevity and functionality. It is also important for them to have skills in communication, organization, computer system, and administrative tasks.
Automotive mechanics and truck mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automotive Mechanic | Truck Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $42,864 | $50,169 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $59,000 | Between $37,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | Greeley, CO | Newark, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Colorado | Nevada |
| Best paying company | Eversource Energy | Allan A. Myers |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between an automotive mechanic and a truck mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Automotive Mechanic | Truck Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 38% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between automotive mechanics' and truck mechanics' demographics:
| Automotive Mechanic | Truck Mechanic | |
| Average age | 40 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.4% Female, 3.6% | Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 5.0% White, 60.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 2.5% White, 66.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |