Diesel mechanic helper vs mechanic

The differences between diesel mechanic helpers and 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 mechanic. Additionally, a mechanic has an average salary of $47,149, 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 mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.

Diesel mechanic helper vs mechanic overview

	Diesel Mechanic Helper	Mechanic
Yearly salary	$46,733	$47,149
Hourly rate	$22.47	$22.67
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	60,598	100,534
Job satisfaction	-	4.25
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 52%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Diesel mechanic helper vs mechanic salary

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

	Diesel Mechanic Helper	Mechanic
Average salary	$46,733	$47,149
Salary range	Between $35,000 And $62,000	Between $35,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	-	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	-	Connecticut
Best paying company	-	Anheuser-Busch
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between diesel mechanic helper and mechanic education

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

	Diesel Mechanic Helper	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 mechanic demographics

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

	Diesel Mechanic Helper	Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
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, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between diesel mechanic helper and 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

Mechanic example responsibilities.

Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and hand tools, such as transfer cases, hydraulic cylinders, bell housings.
Identify issues with wire feeder and power source, break press, overhead cranes , 2 ton to 25 ton hoists.
chain saws, trimmers, tractors, push mowers, blowers, generators, cut saws, power washers, etc.
Work with networking, plumbing, troubleshooting electrical and performing mechanical repairs.
Monitor HVAC systems and operations, and ensure that routine preventive maintenance are performed according to establish schedules.
Complete repair of low-boy style trailers, and tractors with wet line PTO systems.

Diesel mechanic helper vs 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 mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
Customer Service, 7%
Customer Vehicles, 7%
Diagnosis, 6%
Electrical Systems, 5%

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

Updated January 8, 2025

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