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Chassis mechanic vs diesel mechanic

The differences between chassis 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 chassis mechanic and a diesel mechanic. Additionally, a diesel mechanic has an average salary of $49,842, which is higher than the $39,910 average annual salary of a chassis mechanic.

The top three skills for a chassis mechanic include DOT, FMCSA and air brakes. The most important skills for a diesel mechanic are CDL, preventative maintenance, and DOT.

Chassis mechanic vs diesel mechanic overview

Chassis MechanicDiesel Mechanic
Yearly salary$39,910$49,842
Hourly rate$19.19$23.96
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs34,13685,684
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 42%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Chassis mechanic vs diesel mechanic salary

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

Chassis MechanicDiesel Mechanic
Average salary$39,910$49,842
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $56,000Between $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 chassis mechanic and diesel mechanic education

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

Chassis MechanicDiesel Mechanic
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 42%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Chassis mechanic vs diesel mechanic demographics

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

Chassis MechanicDiesel Mechanic
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 96.0% Female, 4.0%Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 2.3% White, 64.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%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 chassis mechanic and diesel mechanic duties and responsibilities

Chassis mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
  • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.

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

Chassis mechanic vs diesel mechanic skills

Common chassis mechanic skills
  • DOT, 40%
  • FMCSA, 35%
  • Air Brakes, 5%
  • MIG Welding, 3%
  • Diagnostics, 3%
  • Routine Maintenance, 2%
Common diesel mechanic skills
  • CDL, 19%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 12%
  • DOT, 11%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Diagnosis, 4%

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