Bus mechanic vs trailer mechanic

The differences between bus mechanics and trailer 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 trailer mechanic. Additionally, a bus mechanic has an average salary of $47,198, which is higher than the $42,569 average annual salary of a trailer mechanic.

The top three skills for a bus mechanic include CDL, preventative maintenance and diesel engines. The most important skills for a trailer mechanic are CDL, hand tools, and work ethic.

Bus mechanic vs trailer mechanic overview

	Bus Mechanic	Trailer Mechanic
Yearly salary	$47,198	$42,569
Hourly rate	$22.69	$20.47
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	91,549	86,057
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 52%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Bus mechanic vs trailer mechanic salary

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

	Bus Mechanic	Trailer Mechanic
Average salary	$47,198	$42,569
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $63,000	Between $32,000 And $55,000
Highest paying City	Los Angeles, CA	Billerica, MA
Highest paying state	California	Massachusetts
Best paying company	SDST Spartans	Dayton Freight
Best paying industry	Transportation	Transportation

Differences between bus mechanic and trailer mechanic education

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

	Bus Mechanic	Trailer Mechanic
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 52%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Bus mechanic vs trailer mechanic demographics

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

	Bus Mechanic	Trailer Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 97.1% Female, 2.9%	Male, 98.0% Female, 2.0%
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, 17.3% Asian, 2.5% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between bus mechanic and trailer 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.

Trailer mechanic example responsibilities.

Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
Repair equipment in accordance with manufacturer and FMCSA guidelines.use a variety of hand tools pneumatic and hydraulic.
Perform PMs on tractors and trailers, brake jobs, wheels seals, A/C repairs, starting system repair.
Build croton, core drill, solder, brazing.
Install, black iron, cast iron, galvanize, fire sprinkle, gas, copper, & PVC pipe.
Experience in small engine lawn mowers.

Bus mechanic vs trailer mechanic skills

Common bus mechanic skills

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

Common trailer mechanic skills

CDL, 19%
Hand Tools, 13%
Work Ethic, 11%
DOT, 11%
Safety Inspections, 7%
Perform Routine Maintenance, 7%

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Bus Mechanic vs Trailer Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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