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The differences between diesel mechanic apprentices and 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 mechanic. Additionally, a mechanic has an average salary of $47,149, 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 mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $46,455 | $47,149 |
| Hourly rate | $22.33 | $22.67 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 94,402 | 100,534 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.25 |
| 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.
Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.
Diesel mechanic apprentices and mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $46,455 | $47,149 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $60,000 | Between $35,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | - | Anheuser-Busch |
| Best paying industry | - | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a diesel mechanic apprentice and a mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | 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 mechanics' demographics:
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| 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, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |