Caterpillar mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic

The differences between caterpillar mechanics and heavy duty 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 heavy duty mechanic. Additionally, a heavy duty mechanic has an average salary of $49,563, 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 heavy duty mechanic are CDL, hand tools, and preventive maintenance.

Caterpillar mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic overview

	Caterpillar Mechanic	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Yearly salary	$44,577	$49,563
Hourly rate	$21.43	$23.83
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	34,082	51,609
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 39%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Caterpillar mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic salary

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

	Caterpillar Mechanic	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Average salary	$44,577	$49,563
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $72,000	Between $36,000 And $66,000
Highest paying City	-	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	-	Washington
Best paying company	-	Granite Construction
Best paying industry	-	Construction

Differences between caterpillar mechanic and heavy duty mechanic education

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

	Caterpillar Mechanic	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 39%
Most common major	Mechanical Engineering Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Caterpillar mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between caterpillar mechanics' and heavy duty mechanics' demographics:

	Caterpillar Mechanic	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 100.0% Female, 0.0%	Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2%
Race ratio	Black 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, 7.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between caterpillar mechanic and heavy duty 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.

Heavy duty mechanic example responsibilities.

Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
Set up hydraulic and electrical systems and complete diagnosis and repair.
Dismantle devices, remove defective parts, used hoists, cranes, hand and power tools.
Perform preventative maintenance; FHWA / D.O.T.
Perform major engine and driveline service and repair.
Perform diagnosis and repairs to semi trucks and trailers.

Caterpillar mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic skills

Common caterpillar mechanic skills

Loaders, 100%

Common heavy duty mechanic skills

CDL, 13%
Hand Tools, 10%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
Construction Equipment, 5%
OSHA, 5%
Electrical Systems, 5%

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Caterpillar Mechanic vs Heavy Duty Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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