Diesel mechanic helper vs diesel truck driver

The differences between diesel mechanic helpers and diesel truck drivers 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 truck driver. Additionally, a diesel mechanic helper has an average salary of $46,733, which is higher than the $43,702 average annual salary of a diesel truck driver.

The top three skills for a diesel mechanic helper include diesel engines, oil changes and A/C. The most important skills for a diesel truck driver are CDL, cranes, and OTR.

Diesel mechanic helper vs diesel truck driver overview

	Diesel Mechanic Helper	Diesel Truck Driver
Yearly salary	$46,733	$43,702
Hourly rate	$22.47	$21.01
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	60,598	684,748
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 52%	High School Diploma, 40%
Average age	42	48
Years of experience	2	2

Diesel mechanic helper vs diesel truck driver salary

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

	Diesel Mechanic Helper	Diesel Truck Driver
Average salary	$46,733	$43,702
Salary range	Between $35,000 And $62,000	Between $32,000 And $59,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between diesel mechanic helper and diesel truck driver education

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

	Diesel Mechanic Helper	Diesel Truck Driver
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 52%	High School Diploma, 40%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Diesel mechanic helper vs diesel truck driver demographics

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

	Diesel Mechanic Helper	Diesel Truck Driver
Average age	42	48
Gender ratio	Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2%	Male, 99.6% Female, 0.4%
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, 11.6% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 3.8% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	2%	4%

Differences between diesel mechanic helper and diesel truck driver 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 truck driver example responsibilities.

Complete delivery and pickup paperwork promptly and accurately, returning say paperwork to the appropriate facility personnel.
Keep track of logs, miles, and bol's.

Diesel mechanic helper vs diesel truck driver 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 truck driver skills

CDL, 19%
Cranes, 15%
OTR, 14%
Hand Tools, 13%
Hoists, 8%
DOT, 7%

Diesel Mechanic Helper vs. similar jobs

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

Updated January 8, 2025

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