Bus mechanic vs light wheel mechanic

The differences between bus mechanics and light wheel 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 light wheel mechanic. Additionally, a bus mechanic has an average salary of $47,198, which is higher than the $41,948 average annual salary of a light wheel mechanic.

The top three skills for a bus mechanic include CDL, preventative maintenance and diesel engines. The most important skills for a light wheel mechanic are mechanical problems, electrical systems, and equipment systems.

Bus mechanic vs light wheel mechanic overview

	Bus Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Yearly salary	$47,198	$41,948
Hourly rate	$22.69	$20.17
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	91,549	90,297
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 41%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Bus mechanic vs light wheel mechanic salary

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

	Bus Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Average salary	$47,198	$41,948
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $63,000	Between $25,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	Los Angeles, CA	-
Highest paying state	California	-
Best paying company	SDST Spartans	-
Best paying industry	Transportation	-

Differences between bus mechanic and light wheel mechanic education

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

	Bus Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 41%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Bus mechanic vs light wheel mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between bus mechanics' and light wheel mechanics' demographics:

	Bus Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 97.1% Female, 2.9%	Male, 87.4% Female, 12.6%
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, 9.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 2.5% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between bus mechanic and light wheel 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.

Light wheel mechanic example responsibilities.

Manage projects dot compliance and driver logs.
DOT inspections on assign vehicles.
Install and run hydrolic lines.
Complete basic training and additional AIT training.
Assist in the diagnosis and repairs of the tractor/trailer fleet.
Maintain CDL to transport vehicles from one location to another.

Bus mechanic vs light wheel mechanic skills

Common bus mechanic skills

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

Common light wheel mechanic skills

Mechanical Problems, 36%
Electrical Systems, 21%
Equipment Systems, 18%
MOS, 9%
Track Vehicles, 9%
AIT, 5%

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Bus Mechanic
Bus Mechanic vs Light Wheel Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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