Chassis mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic

The differences between chassis 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 chassis mechanic and a wheel alignment mechanic. Additionally, a wheel alignment mechanic has an average salary of $41,985, 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 wheel alignment mechanic are electrical systems, troubleshoot, and preventive maintenance checks.

Chassis mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic overview

	Chassis Mechanic	Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Yearly salary	$39,910	$41,985
Hourly rate	$19.19	$20.19
Growth rate	4%	1%
Number of jobs	34,136	34,558
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 49%	High School Diploma, 40%
Average age	42	40
Years of experience	2	2

Chassis mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic salary

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

	Chassis Mechanic	Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Average salary	$39,910	$41,985
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $56,000	Between $26,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between chassis mechanic and wheel alignment mechanic education

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

	Chassis Mechanic	Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 49%	High School Diploma, 40%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Chassis mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic demographics

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

	Chassis Mechanic	Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Average age	42	40
Gender ratio	Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0%	Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7%
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, 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 chassis mechanic and wheel alignment 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.

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.

Chassis mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic skills

Common chassis mechanic skills

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

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
Chassis Mechanic
Chassis Mechanic vs Wheel Alignment Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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