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Caterpillar mechanic vs diesel mechanic

The differences between caterpillar mechanics and diesel 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 caterpillar mechanic and a diesel mechanic. Additionally, a diesel mechanic has an average salary of $49,842, which is higher than the $44,577 average annual salary of a caterpillar mechanic.

The top three skills for a caterpillar mechanic include loaders, and . The most important skills for a diesel mechanic are CDL, preventative maintenance, and DOT.

Caterpillar mechanic vs diesel mechanic overview

Caterpillar MechanicDiesel Mechanic
Yearly salary$44,577$49,842
Hourly rate$21.43$23.96
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs34,08285,684
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 50%High School Diploma, 42%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Caterpillar mechanic vs diesel mechanic salary

Caterpillar mechanics and diesel mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Caterpillar MechanicDiesel Mechanic
Average salary$44,577$49,842
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $72,000Between $37,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City-Richmond, CA
Highest paying state-Hawaii
Best paying company-Hensel Phelps
Best paying industry-Energy

Differences between caterpillar mechanic and diesel mechanic education

There are a few differences between a caterpillar mechanic and a diesel mechanic in terms of educational background:

Caterpillar MechanicDiesel Mechanic
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 50%High School Diploma, 42%
Most common majorMechanical Engineering TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Caterpillar mechanic vs diesel mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between caterpillar mechanics' and diesel mechanics' demographics:

Caterpillar MechanicDiesel Mechanic
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 100.0% Female, 0.0%Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.5% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 13.8% Asian, 2.1% White, 72.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between caterpillar mechanic and diesel mechanic duties and responsibilities

Caterpillar mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Wheel loaders : 992G , 992K , 966G , 966H.
  • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
  • Lead floor operator as well as lead crane operator
  • Experience in replacement of small parts such as door hinges, mirrors, and serpentine belts on MRAP.

Diesel mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Install and rebuild hydraulic systems on trucks to include cylinders, PTO pumps, and hoses.
  • Repair diesel engines; replace clutches, water pumps, turbo, alternators, brakes and HVAC.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot various kinds of heavy equipment like forklifts, graders, loaders and, buses.
  • Perform diagnosis and repairs to electrical systems as failures/problems occur.
  • Utilize CDL to test drive vehicles.
  • Maintain driveline and brake components of fleet trucks.
  • Show more

Caterpillar mechanic vs diesel mechanic skills

Common caterpillar mechanic skills
  • Loaders, 100%
Common diesel mechanic skills
  • CDL, 19%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 12%
  • DOT, 11%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Diagnosis, 4%

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