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The differences between diesel mechanic apprentices and truck 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 truck mechanic. Additionally, a truck mechanic has an average salary of $50,169, 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 truck mechanic are CDL, customer service, and electrical systems.
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Truck Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $46,455 | $50,169 |
| Hourly rate | $22.33 | $24.12 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 94,402 | 80,942 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| 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.
Also known as diesel services technicians, truck mechanics perform various heavy-duty truck tasks. The technicians work on large vehicles, tractor-trailers, and buses. It is their duty to inspect, make diagnoses, and repair the brake systems and other electrical components. They conduct routine maintenance work, which aims for longevity and functionality. It is also important for them to have skills in communication, organization, computer system, and administrative tasks.
Diesel mechanic apprentices and truck mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Truck Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $46,455 | $50,169 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $60,000 | Between $37,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Newark, NJ |
| Highest paying state | - | Nevada |
| Best paying company | - | Allan A. Myers |
| Best paying industry | - | Energy |
There are a few differences between a diesel mechanic apprentice and a truck mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Truck Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 40% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between diesel mechanic apprentices' and truck mechanics' demographics:
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Truck Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7% |
| 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, 9.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 2.5% White, 66.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |