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The differences between diesel mechanic apprentices and fleet 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 fleet mechanic. Additionally, a fleet mechanic has an average salary of $50,065, 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 fleet mechanic are CDL, DOT, and diagnosis.
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Fleet Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $46,455 | $50,065 |
| Hourly rate | $22.33 | $24.07 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 94,402 | 90,785 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| 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 fleet mechanic is responsible for inspecting and maintaining the safety and efficiency of vehicles for various industrial operations and services. Fleet mechanics conduct regular maintenance of the engines, repairing its malfunctioning components, and upgrading its system for optimal performance. They oversee the overall management of fleet operations, keeping an organized record of resolutions for reference to avoid reoccurrence of defects. A fleet mechanic coordinates with the fleet supervisor for necessary replacements of vehicles to avoid delays in operations and prevent potential hazards on the road.
Diesel mechanic apprentices and fleet mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Fleet Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $46,455 | $50,065 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $60,000 | Between $37,000 And $66,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | California |
| Best paying company | - | OGE Energy |
| Best paying industry | - | Construction |
There are a few differences between a diesel mechanic apprentice and a fleet mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Fleet Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between diesel mechanic apprentices' and fleet mechanics' demographics:
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Fleet Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 97.9% Female, 2.1% |
| 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, 8.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |