Caterpillar mechanic vs light wheel mechanic

The differences between caterpillar mechanics and light wheel 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 light wheel mechanic. Additionally, a caterpillar mechanic has an average salary of $44,577, which is higher than the $41,948 average annual salary of a light wheel mechanic.

The top three skills for a caterpillar mechanic include loaders, and . The most important skills for a light wheel mechanic are mechanical problems, electrical systems, and equipment systems.

Caterpillar mechanic vs light wheel mechanic overview

	Caterpillar Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Yearly salary	$44,577	$41,948
Hourly rate	$21.43	$20.17
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	34,082	90,297
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 41%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Caterpillar mechanic vs light wheel mechanic salary

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

	Caterpillar Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Average salary	$44,577	$41,948
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $72,000	Between $25,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between caterpillar mechanic and light wheel mechanic education

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

	Caterpillar Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 41%
Most common major	Mechanical Engineering Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Caterpillar mechanic vs light wheel mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between caterpillar mechanics' and light wheel mechanics' demographics:

	Caterpillar Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 100.0% Female, 0.0%	Male, 87.4% Female, 12.6%
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, 9.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 2.5% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between caterpillar mechanic and light wheel 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.

Light wheel mechanic example responsibilities.

Manage projects dot compliance and driver logs.
DOT inspections on assign vehicles.
Install and run hydrolic lines.
Complete basic training and additional AIT training.
Assist in the diagnosis and repairs of the tractor/trailer fleet.
Maintain CDL to transport vehicles from one location to another.

Caterpillar mechanic vs light wheel mechanic skills

Common caterpillar mechanic skills

Loaders, 100%

Common light wheel mechanic skills

Mechanical Problems, 36%
Electrical Systems, 21%
Equipment Systems, 18%
MOS, 9%
Track Vehicles, 9%
AIT, 5%

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Caterpillar Mechanic
Caterpillar Mechanic vs Light Wheel Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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