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The differences between diesel mechanic apprentices and industrial 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 an industrial mechanic. Additionally, an industrial mechanic has an average salary of $53,333, 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 an industrial mechanic are industrial maintenance, hand tools, and PLC.
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Industrial Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $46,455 | $53,333 |
| Hourly rate | $22.33 | $25.64 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 14% |
| Number of jobs | 94,402 | 158,560 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Average age | 42 | 48 |
| 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 industrial mechanic maintains and repairs equipment and any other industrial types of machinery in a factory. Industrial mechanics manage the operation of machinery like production machinery, packaging equipment, and conveying systems. They need to use protective equipment like safety glasses and hardhats as well as follow safety precautions during operations. It is their responsibility to make sure that all industrial machines function well through preventive maintenance service and troubleshooting.
Diesel mechanic apprentices and industrial mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Industrial Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $46,455 | $53,333 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $60,000 | Between $39,000 And $72,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Fremont, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | West Virginia |
| Best paying company | - | California Resources |
| Best paying industry | - | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a diesel mechanic apprentice and an industrial mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Industrial Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Industrial Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between diesel mechanic apprentices' and industrial mechanics' demographics:
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Industrial Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 96.6% Female, 3.4% |
| 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, 7.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 3.3% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |