Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between diesel mechanic apprentices and automotive technicians 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 mechanic apprentice and an automotive technician. Additionally, a diesel mechanic apprentice has an average salary of $46,455, which is higher than the $40,910 average annual salary of an automotive technician.
The top three skills for a diesel mechanic apprentice include CDL, hand tools and electrical systems. The most important skills for an automotive technician are work ethic, computer system, and customer service.
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Automotive Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $46,455 | $40,910 |
| Hourly rate | $22.33 | $19.67 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 94,402 | 142,840 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | Associate Degree, 34% |
| Average age | 42 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A diesel mechanic apprentice works under the directives and supervision of a diesel mechanic. They primarily perform support tasks to assist diesel mechanics in repairing vehicles that use diesel engines and gain practical experience and insights along the way. Their duties usually include setting-up work areas, preparing tools and equipment, gathering and organizing work orders and other documentation, monitoring supply inventories, purchasing orders according to guidelines, and performing basic repairs and tests. Moreover, a diesel mechanic apprentice must keep an open and transparent line of communication with co-workers for an efficient workflow.
An automotive technician is responsible for maintaining the condition of automotive equipment. The duties of an automotive technician include repairing defective automotive components and inspecting and ensuring the auto's performance, stability, and safety. A tech is also responsible for upgrading the electrical systems to boost efficiency, conducting oil changes and tire checks, and installing batteries. An automotive technician also runs quality checks and improves system designs based on clients' specifications. An automotive technician must have excellent knowledge of the mechanical industry and automotive systems to assist clients with their inquiries and concerns.
Diesel mechanic apprentices and automotive technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Automotive Technician | |
| Average salary | $46,455 | $40,910 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $60,000 | Between $29,000 And $57,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Los Angeles, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | California |
| Best paying company | - | Orange County Sheriff's Office |
| Best paying industry | - | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a diesel mechanic apprentice and an automotive technician in terms of educational background:
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Automotive Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | Associate Degree, 34% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between diesel mechanic apprentices' and automotive technicians' demographics:
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Automotive Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 2.3% White, 64.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.5% Asian, 5.0% White, 60.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |