Bus mechanic vs field mechanic

The differences between bus mechanics and field mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a bus mechanic and a field mechanic. Additionally, a bus mechanic has an average salary of $47,198, which is higher than the $46,395 average annual salary of a field mechanic.

The top three skills for a bus mechanic include CDL, preventative maintenance and diesel engines. The most important skills for a field mechanic are CDL, construction equipment, and cranes.

Bus mechanic vs field mechanic overview

	Bus Mechanic	Field Mechanic
Yearly salary	$47,198	$46,395
Hourly rate	$22.69	$22.31
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	91,549	135,482
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 36%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Bus mechanic vs field mechanic salary

Bus mechanics and field mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Bus Mechanic	Field Mechanic
Average salary	$47,198	$46,395
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $63,000	Between $33,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	Los Angeles, CA	-
Highest paying state	California	-
Best paying company	SDST Spartans	-
Best paying industry	Transportation	-

Differences between bus mechanic and field mechanic education

There are a few differences between a bus mechanic and a field mechanic in terms of educational background:

	Bus Mechanic	Field Mechanic
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 36%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Bus mechanic vs field mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between bus mechanics' and field mechanics' demographics:

	Bus Mechanic	Field Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 97.1% Female, 2.9%	Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 2.4% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between bus mechanic and field mechanic duties and responsibilities

Bus mechanic example responsibilities.

Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
Perform all electrical and HVAC repairs.
Obtain ASE for school bus body and specialty equipment.
Raise buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks and hoists.
Perform p.m. services, brake jobs, a/c work, electrical and computer diagnostics.
Repair of buses with hydraulics and maintain facilities lifts, HVAC, air systems and grounds.

Field mechanic example responsibilities.

Have visited various locations and have accomplished field preventive maintenance on compressors.
Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and handtools.
Supervise mechanics in the diagnosis and repair of technical difficulties, installation and in mechanical failures of military equipment.
Construct and assemble sub- assemblies and assemble components including shafts, pulley, bearings, gearboxes and conveyor components.
Repair and maintain the tar kettles and up keep of all compressors, and push behind blowers.
Perform all levels of repair and maintenance for school buses, vans, pickups, trailers, mowers and snow blowers.

Bus mechanic vs field mechanic skills

Common bus mechanic skills

CDL, 28%
Preventative Maintenance, 12%
Diesel Engines, 6%
ASE, 5%
Hand Tools, 5%
DOT, 5%

Common field mechanic skills

CDL, 13%
Construction Equipment, 10%
Cranes, 7%
Hydraulic Systems, 6%
Hand Tools, 5%
Asphalt, 4%

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Bus Mechanic vs Field Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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