Diesel engine mechanic vs truck mechanic

The differences between diesel engine mechanics and truck 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 truck mechanic. Additionally, a truck mechanic has an average salary of $50,169, which is higher than the $49,463 average annual salary of a diesel engine mechanic.

The top three skills for a diesel engine mechanic include troubleshoot, hand tools and cranes. The most important skills for a truck mechanic are CDL, customer service, and electrical systems.

Diesel engine mechanic vs truck mechanic overview

	Diesel Engine Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Yearly salary	$49,463	$50,169
Hourly rate	$23.78	$24.12
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	87,152	80,942
Job satisfaction	4	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 38%	High School Diploma, 37%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Diesel engine mechanic vs truck mechanic salary

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

	Diesel Engine Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Average salary	$49,463	$50,169
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $66,000	Between $37,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	Newark, NJ
Highest paying state	-	Nevada
Best paying company	-	Allan A. Myers
Best paying industry	-	Energy

Differences between diesel engine mechanic and truck mechanic education

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

	Diesel Engine Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 38%	High School Diploma, 37%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Diesel engine mechanic vs truck mechanic demographics

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

	Diesel Engine Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5%	Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
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, 9.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 2.5% White, 66.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between diesel engine mechanic and truck 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.

Truck mechanic example responsibilities.

Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
Detail completion in writing of diagnosis and repair on company repair order.
Raise trucks, buses and heavy parts and equipment using hydraulic jacks and hoists.
Service air system and troubleshoot, repair, and service air conditioning systems on trucks.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Perform all FHWA and D.O.T.

Diesel engine mechanic vs truck mechanic skills

Common diesel engine mechanic skills

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

Common truck mechanic skills

CDL, 18%
Customer Service, 12%
Electrical Systems, 6%
Diesel Engines, 4%
DOT, 4%
Hand Tools, 4%

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Diesel Engine Mechanic
Diesel Engine Mechanic vs Truck Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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