Diesel engine mechanic vs trailer mechanic

The differences between diesel engine 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 diesel engine mechanic and a trailer mechanic. Additionally, a diesel engine mechanic has an average salary of $49,463, which is higher than the $42,569 average annual salary of a trailer mechanic.

The top three skills for a diesel engine mechanic include troubleshoot, hand tools and cranes. The most important skills for a trailer mechanic are CDL, hand tools, and work ethic.

Diesel engine mechanic vs trailer mechanic overview

	Diesel Engine Mechanic	Trailer Mechanic
Yearly salary	$49,463	$42,569
Hourly rate	$23.78	$20.47
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	87,152	86,057
Job satisfaction	4	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 38%	High School Diploma, 52%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Diesel engine mechanic vs trailer mechanic salary

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

	Diesel Engine Mechanic	Trailer Mechanic
Average salary	$49,463	$42,569
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $66,000	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 diesel engine mechanic and trailer mechanic education

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

	Diesel Engine Mechanic	Trailer Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 38%	High School Diploma, 52%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Diesel engine mechanic vs trailer mechanic demographics

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

	Diesel Engine Mechanic	Trailer Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5%	Male, 98.0% Female, 2.0%
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, 17.3% Asian, 2.5% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between diesel engine mechanic and trailer 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.

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.

Diesel engine mechanic vs trailer mechanic skills

Common diesel engine mechanic skills

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

Common trailer mechanic skills

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

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Diesel Engine Mechanic
Diesel Engine Mechanic vs Trailer Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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