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The differences between diesel mechanic apprentices and light wheel 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 light wheel mechanic. Additionally, a diesel mechanic apprentice has an average salary of $46,455, which is higher than the $41,948 average annual salary of a light wheel mechanic.
The top three skills for a diesel mechanic apprentice include CDL, hand tools and electrical systems. The most important skills for a light wheel mechanic are mechanical problems, electrical systems, and equipment systems.
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Light Wheel Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $46,455 | $41,948 |
| Hourly rate | $22.33 | $20.17 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 94,402 | 90,297 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | High School Diploma, 41% |
| 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 light wheel mechanic is responsible for maintaining the optimal performance and efficiency of light-wheeled vehicles used for industrial operations, especially in a military setting. Light wheel mechanics inspect the condition of the vehicle's engine, perform preventive maintenance, replace defective components, assemble upgrade systems based on schematics and blueprints, and create resolution reports for reference. They must have excellent knowledge of the auto-mechanic industry to determine faults and identify repairs, avoiding delays, complications, and hazards during operations.
Diesel mechanic apprentices and light wheel mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Light Wheel Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $46,455 | $41,948 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $60,000 | Between $25,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | - |
| Highest paying state | - | - |
| Best paying company | - | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a diesel mechanic apprentice and a light wheel mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Light Wheel Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | High School Diploma, 41% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between diesel mechanic apprentices' and light wheel mechanics' demographics:
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Light Wheel Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 87.4% Female, 12.6% |
| 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, 9.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 2.5% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |