Bus mechanic vs mechanic driver

The differences between bus mechanics and mechanic drivers 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 mechanic driver. Additionally, a mechanic driver has an average salary of $47,243, 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 mechanic driver are tractor trailer, CDL, and dump truck.

Bus mechanic vs mechanic driver overview

	Bus Mechanic	Mechanic Driver
Yearly salary	$47,198	$47,243
Hourly rate	$22.69	$22.71
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	91,549	116,538
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 45%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Bus mechanic vs mechanic driver salary

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

	Bus Mechanic	Mechanic Driver
Average salary	$47,198	$47,243
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $63,000	Between $34,000 And $64,000
Highest paying City	Los Angeles, CA	-
Highest paying state	California	-
Best paying company	SDST Spartans	-
Best paying industry	Transportation	-

Differences between bus mechanic and mechanic driver education

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

	Bus Mechanic	Mechanic Driver
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 45%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Bus mechanic vs mechanic driver demographics

Here are the differences between bus mechanics' and mechanic drivers' demographics:

	Bus Mechanic	Mechanic Driver
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 97.1% Female, 2.9%	Male, 96.9% Female, 3.1%
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, 9.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 2.5% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between bus mechanic and mechanic driver 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.

Mechanic driver example responsibilities.

Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
DOT inspections, replacing brakes, tires, king pins shackle pins.
Repair and replace damage or worn parts and troubleshoot problems.
Metal fabrication and MIG welding to restore serviceability of equipment.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.

Bus mechanic vs mechanic driver skills

Common bus mechanic skills

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

Common mechanic driver skills

Tractor Trailer, 18%
CDL, 8%
Dump Truck, 8%
Preventative Maintenance, 8%
DOT, 7%
Safety Equipment, 7%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Bus Mechanic
Bus Mechanic vs Mechanic Driver

Updated January 8, 2025

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