Diesel engine mechanic vs mechanic

The differences between diesel engine mechanics and 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 mechanic. Additionally, a diesel engine mechanic has an average salary of $49,463, which is higher than the $47,149 average annual salary of a mechanic.

The top three skills for a diesel engine mechanic include troubleshoot, hand tools and cranes. The most important skills for a mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.

Diesel engine mechanic vs mechanic overview

	Diesel Engine Mechanic	Mechanic
Yearly salary	$49,463	$47,149
Hourly rate	$23.78	$22.67
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	87,152	100,534
Job satisfaction	4	4.25
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 38%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Diesel engine mechanic vs mechanic salary

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

	Diesel Engine Mechanic	Mechanic
Average salary	$49,463	$47,149
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $66,000	Between $35,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	-	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	-	Connecticut
Best paying company	-	Anheuser-Busch
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between diesel engine mechanic and mechanic education

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

	Diesel Engine Mechanic	Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 38%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Diesel engine mechanic vs mechanic demographics

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

	Diesel Engine Mechanic	Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
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, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between diesel engine mechanic and 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.

Mechanic example responsibilities.

Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and hand tools, such as transfer cases, hydraulic cylinders, bell housings.
Identify issues with wire feeder and power source, break press, overhead cranes , 2 ton to 25 ton hoists.
chain saws, trimmers, tractors, push mowers, blowers, generators, cut saws, power washers, etc.
Work with networking, plumbing, troubleshooting electrical and performing mechanical repairs.
Monitor HVAC systems and operations, and ensure that routine preventive maintenance are performed according to establish schedules.
Complete repair of low-boy style trailers, and tractors with wet line PTO systems.

Diesel engine mechanic vs mechanic skills

Common diesel engine mechanic skills

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

Common mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
Customer Service, 7%
Customer Vehicles, 7%
Diagnosis, 6%
Electrical Systems, 5%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Diesel Engine Mechanic
Diesel Engine Mechanic vs Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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