Caterpillar mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic

The differences between caterpillar mechanics and wheel alignment 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 wheel alignment mechanic. Additionally, a caterpillar mechanic has an average salary of $44,577, which is higher than the $41,985 average annual salary of a wheel alignment mechanic.

The top three skills for a caterpillar mechanic include loaders, and . The most important skills for a wheel alignment mechanic are electrical systems, troubleshoot, and preventive maintenance checks.

Caterpillar mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic overview

	Caterpillar Mechanic	Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Yearly salary	$44,577	$41,985
Hourly rate	$21.43	$20.19
Growth rate	4%	1%
Number of jobs	34,082	34,558
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 40%
Average age	42	40
Years of experience	2	2

Caterpillar mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic salary

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

	Caterpillar Mechanic	Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Average salary	$44,577	$41,985
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $72,000	Between $26,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between caterpillar mechanic and wheel alignment mechanic education

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

	Caterpillar Mechanic	Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 40%
Most common major	Mechanical Engineering Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Caterpillar mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic demographics

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

	Caterpillar Mechanic	Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Average age	42	40
Gender ratio	Male, 100.0% Female, 0.0%	Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7%
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, 10.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 21.1% Asian, 5.1% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between caterpillar mechanic and wheel alignment 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.

Wheel alignment mechanic example responsibilities.

Service and repair for Porsche, Audi, and Volkswagen automobiles.
Raise trucks, vehicles, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
Work in there fleet department repairing and diagnosis on all emergency apparatuses and ambulances and police vehicles also include maintenance schedules.
Perform maintenance on M113, M88, M1A1, and M578 track vehicles.
Diagnose and repair M113 family of vehicles.
Diagnose electrical, air, hydraulics, and fuel problems on a variety of vehicles such as AVLB and M88 tanks.

Caterpillar mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic skills

Common caterpillar mechanic skills

Loaders, 100%

Common wheel alignment mechanic skills

Electrical Systems, 10%
Troubleshoot, 7%
Preventive Maintenance Checks, 5%
Hydraulic Systems, 5%
Equipment Systems, 5%
Routine Maintenance, 5%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Caterpillar Mechanic
Caterpillar Mechanic vs Wheel Alignment Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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