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The differences between diesel mechanic apprentices and diesel 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 mechanic apprentice and a diesel mechanic. Additionally, a diesel mechanic has an average salary of $49,842, which is higher than the $46,455 average annual salary of a diesel mechanic apprentice.
The top three skills for a diesel mechanic apprentice include CDL, hand tools and electrical systems. The most important skills for a diesel mechanic are CDL, preventative maintenance, and DOT.
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $46,455 | $49,842 |
| Hourly rate | $22.33 | $23.96 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 94,402 | 85,684 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| 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.
A diesel mechanic is a skilled technician responsible for the checking, maintenance, and repair of diesel engines. Diesel mechanics duties also include regular inspections of vehicles upon customer's request to ensure the smooth performance of the machine, communicate on any system issue that might cause malfunctions, and provide any replacement to renovate a damaged part of the engine. A diesel mechanic must be highly-knowledgeable on everything related to diesel engines to provide the best, long-term solutions for the customers.
Diesel mechanic apprentices and diesel mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $46,455 | $49,842 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $60,000 | Between $37,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Richmond, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | - | Hensel Phelps |
| Best paying industry | - | Energy |
There are a few differences between a diesel mechanic apprentice and a diesel mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between diesel mechanic apprentices' and diesel mechanics' demographics:
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7% |
| 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, 8.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |