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The differences between diesel mechanic apprentices and field 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 field mechanic. Additionally, a diesel mechanic apprentice has an average salary of $46,455, which is higher than the $46,395 average annual salary of a field mechanic.
The top three skills for a diesel mechanic apprentice include CDL, hand tools and electrical systems. The most important skills for a field mechanic are CDL, construction equipment, and cranes.
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Field Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $46,455 | $46,395 |
| Hourly rate | $22.33 | $22.31 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 94,402 | 135,482 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| 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.
The primary job of a field mechanic is to manage on-site installation, maintenance, test, and repair tasks. Field mechanics diagnose technical problems or errors and identify the appropriate solutions. They deliver heavy equipment, facility maintenance, and load and unload equipment. They work on transmissions, electrical systems, hydraulics, engines, and welding repairs. Their duties involve service truck maintenance to keep service truck inventory. Also, they maintain enough materials and supplies on a service truck for common repairs.
Diesel mechanic apprentices and field mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Field Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $46,455 | $46,395 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $60,000 | Between $33,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | - |
| Highest paying state | - | - |
| Best paying company | - | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a diesel mechanic apprentice and a field mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Field Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between diesel mechanic apprentices' and field mechanics' demographics:
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Field Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7% |
| 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, 7.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |