Bus mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic

The differences between bus mechanics and heavy duty 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 heavy duty mechanic. Additionally, a heavy duty mechanic has an average salary of $49,563, which is higher than the $47,198 average annual salary of a bus mechanic.

The top three skills for a bus mechanic include CDL, preventative maintenance and diesel engines. The most important skills for a heavy duty mechanic are CDL, hand tools, and preventive maintenance.

Bus mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic overview

	Bus Mechanic	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Yearly salary	$47,198	$49,563
Hourly rate	$22.69	$23.83
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	91,549	51,609
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 39%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Bus mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic salary

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

	Bus Mechanic	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Average salary	$47,198	$49,563
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $63,000	Between $36,000 And $66,000
Highest paying City	Los Angeles, CA	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	California	Washington
Best paying company	SDST Spartans	Granite Construction
Best paying industry	Transportation	Construction

Differences between bus mechanic and heavy duty mechanic education

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

	Bus Mechanic	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 39%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Bus mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between bus mechanics' and heavy duty mechanics' demographics:

	Bus Mechanic	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 97.1% Female, 2.9%	Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2%
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, 7.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between bus mechanic and heavy duty 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.

Heavy duty mechanic example responsibilities.

Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
Set up hydraulic and electrical systems and complete diagnosis and repair.
Dismantle devices, remove defective parts, used hoists, cranes, hand and power tools.
Perform preventative maintenance; FHWA / D.O.T.
Perform major engine and driveline service and repair.
Perform diagnosis and repairs to semi trucks and trailers.

Bus mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic skills

Common bus mechanic skills

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

Common heavy duty mechanic skills

CDL, 13%
Hand Tools, 10%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
Construction Equipment, 5%
OSHA, 5%
Electrical Systems, 5%

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Bus Mechanic vs Heavy Duty Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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