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The differences between diesel mechanic apprentices and trailer 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 trailer mechanic. Additionally, a diesel mechanic apprentice has an average salary of $46,455, which is higher than the $42,569 average annual salary of a trailer mechanic.
The top three skills for a diesel mechanic apprentice include CDL, hand tools and electrical systems. The most important skills for a trailer mechanic are CDL, hand tools, and work ethic.
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Trailer Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $46,455 | $42,569 |
| Hourly rate | $22.33 | $20.47 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 94,402 | 86,057 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | High School Diploma, 52% |
| 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 trailer mechanic specializes in providing repair services on large vehicles such as trailers, semi-trucks, and tractors. Their responsibilities revolve around liaising with clients to identify their needs, inspecting machinery and electrical systems, diagnosing issues, conducting fixes and replacements, and explaining the extent of damage or repairs to clients. There are also instances where they must devise testing strategies, ensuring compliance with the government's policies. Furthermore, a trailer mechanic must maintain regular maintenance checks on vehicles to ensure the safety of operators and the efficiency of workflow.
Diesel mechanic apprentices and trailer mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Trailer Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $46,455 | $42,569 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $60,000 | Between $32,000 And $55,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Billerica, MA |
| Highest paying state | - | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | - | Dayton Freight |
| Best paying industry | - | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a diesel mechanic apprentice and a trailer mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Trailer Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | High School Diploma, 52% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between diesel mechanic apprentices' and trailer mechanics' demographics:
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Trailer Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 98.0% Female, 2.0% |
| 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, 17.3% Asian, 2.5% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |