Bus mechanic vs truck mechanic

The differences between bus mechanics and truck 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 truck mechanic. Additionally, a truck mechanic has an average salary of $50,169, 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 truck mechanic are CDL, customer service, and electrical systems.

Bus mechanic vs truck mechanic overview

	Bus Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Yearly salary	$47,198	$50,169
Hourly rate	$22.69	$24.12
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	91,549	80,942
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 37%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Bus mechanic vs truck mechanic salary

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

	Bus Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Average salary	$47,198	$50,169
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $63,000	Between $37,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	Los Angeles, CA	Newark, NJ
Highest paying state	California	Nevada
Best paying company	SDST Spartans	Allan A. Myers
Best paying industry	Transportation	Energy

Differences between bus mechanic and truck mechanic education

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

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

Bus mechanic vs truck mechanic demographics

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

	Bus Mechanic	Truck 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, 9.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 2.5% White, 66.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between bus mechanic and truck 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.

Truck mechanic example responsibilities.

Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
Detail completion in writing of diagnosis and repair on company repair order.
Raise trucks, buses and heavy parts and equipment using hydraulic jacks and hoists.
Service air system and troubleshoot, repair, and service air conditioning systems on trucks.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Perform all FHWA and D.O.T.

Bus mechanic vs truck mechanic skills

Common bus mechanic skills

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

Common truck mechanic skills

CDL, 18%
Customer Service, 12%
Electrical Systems, 6%
Diesel Engines, 4%
DOT, 4%
Hand Tools, 4%

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

Updated January 8, 2025

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