Diesel mechanic helper vs heavy duty mechanic

The differences between diesel mechanic helpers and heavy duty 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 heavy duty mechanic. Additionally, a heavy duty mechanic has an average salary of $49,563, 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 heavy duty mechanic are CDL, hand tools, and preventive maintenance.

Diesel mechanic helper vs heavy duty mechanic overview

	Diesel Mechanic Helper	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Yearly salary	$46,733	$49,563
Hourly rate	$22.47	$23.83
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	60,598	51,609
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 52%	High School Diploma, 39%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Diesel mechanic helper vs heavy duty mechanic salary

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

	Diesel Mechanic Helper	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Average salary	$46,733	$49,563
Salary range	Between $35,000 And $62,000	Between $36,000 And $66,000
Highest paying City	-	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	-	Washington
Best paying company	-	Granite Construction
Best paying industry	-	Construction

Differences between diesel mechanic helper and heavy duty mechanic education

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

	Diesel Mechanic Helper	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 52%	High School Diploma, 39%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Diesel mechanic helper vs heavy duty mechanic demographics

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

	Diesel Mechanic Helper	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2%	Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2%
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, 7.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between diesel mechanic helper and heavy duty 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

Heavy duty mechanic example responsibilities.

Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
Set up hydraulic and electrical systems and complete diagnosis and repair.
Dismantle devices, remove defective parts, used hoists, cranes, hand and power tools.
Perform preventative maintenance; FHWA / D.O.T.
Perform major engine and driveline service and repair.
Perform diagnosis and repairs to semi trucks and trailers.

Diesel mechanic helper vs heavy duty 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 heavy duty mechanic skills

CDL, 13%
Hand Tools, 10%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
Construction Equipment, 5%
OSHA, 5%
Electrical Systems, 5%

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Diesel Mechanic Helper
Diesel Mechanic Helper vs Heavy Duty Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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