Chassis mechanic vs trailer mechanic

The differences between chassis mechanics and trailer 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 trailer mechanic. Additionally, a trailer mechanic has an average salary of $42,569, 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 trailer mechanic are CDL, hand tools, and work ethic.

Chassis mechanic vs trailer mechanic overview

	Chassis Mechanic	Trailer Mechanic
Yearly salary	$39,910	$42,569
Hourly rate	$19.19	$20.47
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	34,136	86,057
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 49%	High School Diploma, 52%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Chassis mechanic vs trailer mechanic salary

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

	Chassis Mechanic	Trailer Mechanic
Average salary	$39,910	$42,569
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $56,000	Between $32,000 And $55,000
Highest paying City	-	Billerica, MA
Highest paying state	-	Massachusetts
Best paying company	-	Dayton Freight
Best paying industry	-	Transportation

Differences between chassis mechanic and trailer mechanic education

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

	Chassis Mechanic	Trailer Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 49%	High School Diploma, 52%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Chassis mechanic vs trailer mechanic demographics

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

	Chassis Mechanic	Trailer Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0%	Male, 98.0% Female, 2.0%
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, 17.3% Asian, 2.5% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between chassis mechanic and trailer 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.

Trailer mechanic example responsibilities.

Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
Repair equipment in accordance with manufacturer and FMCSA guidelines.use a variety of hand tools pneumatic and hydraulic.
Perform PMs on tractors and trailers, brake jobs, wheels seals, A/C repairs, starting system repair.
Build croton, core drill, solder, brazing.
Install, black iron, cast iron, galvanize, fire sprinkle, gas, copper, & PVC pipe.
Experience in small engine lawn mowers.

Chassis mechanic vs trailer mechanic skills

Common chassis mechanic skills

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

Common trailer mechanic skills

CDL, 19%
Hand Tools, 13%
Work Ethic, 11%
DOT, 11%
Safety Inspections, 7%
Perform Routine Maintenance, 7%

Chassis Mechanic vs. similar jobs

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Chassis Mechanic
Chassis Mechanic vs Trailer Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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