Diesel mechanic helper vs diesel mechanic

The differences between diesel mechanic helpers and diesel 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 helper and a diesel mechanic. Additionally, a diesel mechanic has an average salary of $49,842, which is higher than the $46,733 average annual salary of a diesel mechanic helper.

The top three skills for a diesel mechanic helper include diesel engines, oil changes and A/C. The most important skills for a diesel mechanic are CDL, preventative maintenance, and DOT.

Diesel mechanic helper vs diesel mechanic overview

	Diesel Mechanic Helper	Diesel Mechanic
Yearly salary	$46,733	$49,842
Hourly rate	$22.47	$23.96
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	60,598	85,684
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 52%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Diesel mechanic helper vs diesel mechanic salary

Diesel mechanic helpers and diesel mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Diesel Mechanic Helper	Diesel Mechanic
Average salary	$46,733	$49,842
Salary range	Between $35,000 And $62,000	Between $37,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	Richmond, CA
Highest paying state	-	Hawaii
Best paying company	-	Hensel Phelps
Best paying industry	-	Energy

Differences between diesel mechanic helper and diesel mechanic education

There are a few differences between a diesel mechanic helper and a diesel mechanic in terms of educational background:

	Diesel Mechanic Helper	Diesel Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 52%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Diesel mechanic helper vs diesel mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between diesel mechanic helpers' and diesel mechanics' demographics:

	Diesel Mechanic Helper	Diesel Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2%	Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 2.3% White, 64.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	Black or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between diesel mechanic helper and diesel mechanic duties and responsibilities

Diesel mechanic helper example responsibilities.

Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
Raise heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment by using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Perform maintenance and repair on Volvo, GMC, and Isuzu trucks, as well as other makes.
Certify in Peterbilt and Volvo electrical and a/c systems

Diesel mechanic example responsibilities.

Install and rebuild hydraulic systems on trucks to include cylinders, PTO pumps, and hoses.
Repair diesel engines; replace clutches, water pumps, turbo, alternators, brakes and HVAC.
Maintain and troubleshoot various kinds of heavy equipment like forklifts, graders, loaders and, buses.
Perform diagnosis and repairs to electrical systems as failures/problems occur.
Utilize CDL to test drive vehicles.
Maintain driveline and brake components of fleet trucks.

Diesel mechanic helper vs diesel mechanic skills

Common diesel mechanic helper skills

Diesel Engines, 14%
Oil Changes, 8%
A/C, 7%
Diesel Vehicles, 7%
Brake Systems, 7%
Air Brakes, 7%

Common diesel mechanic skills

CDL, 19%
Preventative Maintenance, 12%
DOT, 11%
Hand Tools, 9%
OSHA, 5%
Diagnosis, 4%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Diesel Mechanic Helper
Diesel Mechanic Helper vs Diesel Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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