Compressor mechanic vs light wheel mechanic

The differences between compressor 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 compressor mechanic and a light wheel mechanic. Additionally, a light wheel mechanic has an average salary of $41,948, which is higher than the $41,266 average annual salary of a compressor mechanic.

The top three skills for a compressor mechanic include compressors, preventative maintenance and customer service. The most important skills for a light wheel mechanic are mechanical problems, electrical systems, and equipment systems.

Compressor mechanic vs light wheel mechanic overview

	Compressor Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Yearly salary	$41,266	$41,948
Hourly rate	$19.84	$20.17
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	91,067	90,297
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 41%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Compressor mechanic vs light wheel mechanic salary

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

	Compressor Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Average salary	$41,266	$41,948
Salary range	Between $30,000 And $56,000	Between $25,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between compressor mechanic and light wheel mechanic education

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

	Compressor Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 41%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Compressor mechanic vs light wheel mechanic demographics

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

	Compressor Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 97.4% Female, 2.6%	Male, 87.4% Female, 12.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 20.2% Asian, 2.3% White, 64.1% 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 compressor mechanic and light wheel mechanic duties and responsibilities

Compressor mechanic example responsibilities.

Have visited various locations and have accomplished field preventive maintenance on compressors.
Service and install refrigerant and desiccant air dryers.
Maintain and service all asphalt equipment and vehicles.
Perform pipe welding for heating oil systems on asphalt plants.
Perform repairs and daily maintenance on LeTourneau diesel electric drive loaders.
Maintain all company equipment, including: trucks, excavators, loaders, and small equipment.

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.

Compressor mechanic vs light wheel mechanic skills

Common compressor mechanic skills

Compressors, 17%
Preventative Maintenance, 14%
Customer Service, 12%
Production Equipment, 10%
Scrubbers, 9%
Electrical Systems, 8%

Common light wheel mechanic skills

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

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

Updated January 8, 2025

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