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The differences between diesel mechanic apprentices and vehicle 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 vehicle mechanic. Additionally, a diesel mechanic apprentice has an average salary of $46,455, which is higher than the $42,628 average annual salary of a vehicle mechanic.
The top three skills for a diesel mechanic apprentice include CDL, hand tools and electrical systems. The most important skills for a vehicle mechanic are hand tools, electrical systems, and diesel engines.
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Vehicle Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $46,455 | $42,628 |
| Hourly rate | $22.33 | $20.49 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 94,402 | 37,592 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| 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.
A vehicle mechanic is responsible for the maintenance of the vehicle's engine, running diagnostic tests, and performing repairs for any inconsistencies to ensure the vehicle's reliability and efficiency upon use. Vehicle mechanics coordinate with clients with their specifications and special requests, such as installing upgraded components to improve the engine's optimal performance. They create an organized report of vehicle assessments, as well as forecasting expenses to discuss with the clients, especially on meeting their budget goals.
Diesel mechanic apprentices and vehicle mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Vehicle Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $46,455 | $42,628 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $60,000 | Between $29,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Adelanto, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Alaska |
| Best paying company | - | |
| Best paying industry | - | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a diesel mechanic apprentice and a vehicle mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Vehicle 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 vehicle mechanics' demographics:
| Diesel Mechanic Apprentice | Vehicle Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 91.8% Female, 8.2% |
| 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, 8.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |