Chassis mechanic vs light wheel mechanic

The differences between chassis 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 chassis mechanic and a light wheel mechanic. Additionally, a light wheel mechanic has an average salary of $41,948, 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 light wheel mechanic are mechanical problems, electrical systems, and equipment systems.

Chassis mechanic vs light wheel mechanic overview

	Chassis Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Yearly salary	$39,910	$41,948
Hourly rate	$19.19	$20.17
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	34,136	90,297
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 49%	High School Diploma, 41%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Chassis mechanic vs light wheel mechanic salary

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

	Chassis Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Average salary	$39,910	$41,948
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $56,000	Between $25,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between chassis mechanic and light wheel mechanic education

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

	Chassis Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 49%	High School Diploma, 41%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Chassis mechanic vs light wheel mechanic demographics

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

	Chassis Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0%	Male, 87.4% Female, 12.6%
Race ratio	Black 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, 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 chassis mechanic and light wheel 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.

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.

Chassis mechanic vs light wheel mechanic skills

Common chassis mechanic skills

DOT, 40%
FMCSA, 35%
Air Brakes, 5%
MIG Welding, 3%
Diagnostics, 3%
Routine Maintenance, 2%

Common light wheel mechanic skills

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

Chassis Mechanic vs. similar jobs

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Chassis Mechanic
Chassis Mechanic vs Light Wheel Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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