Diesel engine mechanic vs light wheel mechanic

The differences between diesel engine 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 diesel engine mechanic and a light wheel mechanic. Additionally, a diesel engine mechanic has an average salary of $49,463, which is higher than the $41,948 average annual salary of a light wheel mechanic.

The top three skills for a diesel engine mechanic include troubleshoot, hand tools and cranes. The most important skills for a light wheel mechanic are mechanical problems, electrical systems, and equipment systems.

Diesel engine mechanic vs light wheel mechanic overview

	Diesel Engine Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Yearly salary	$49,463	$41,948
Hourly rate	$23.78	$20.17
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	87,152	90,297
Job satisfaction	4	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 38%	High School Diploma, 41%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Diesel engine mechanic vs light wheel mechanic salary

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

	Diesel Engine Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Average salary	$49,463	$41,948
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $66,000	Between $25,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between diesel engine mechanic and light wheel mechanic education

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

	Diesel Engine Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 38%	High School Diploma, 41%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Diesel engine mechanic vs light wheel mechanic demographics

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

	Diesel Engine Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5%	Male, 87.4% Female, 12.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.7% 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 diesel engine mechanic and light wheel mechanic duties and responsibilities

Diesel engine mechanic example responsibilities.

Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Perform complete overhauls on transmissions, steering units, repair or remove and replace in diesel trucks and marine environments.

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.

Diesel engine mechanic vs light wheel mechanic skills

Common diesel engine mechanic skills

Troubleshoot, 14%
Hand Tools, 14%
Cranes, 9%
Diagnosis, 7%
Safety Procedures, 6%
Safety Devices, 5%

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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Diesel Engine Mechanic
Diesel Engine Mechanic vs Light Wheel Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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