Diesel mechanic helper vs truck mechanic

The differences between diesel mechanic helpers and truck 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 truck mechanic. Additionally, a truck mechanic has an average salary of $50,169, 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 truck mechanic are CDL, customer service, and electrical systems.

Diesel mechanic helper vs truck mechanic overview

	Diesel Mechanic Helper	Truck Mechanic
Yearly salary	$46,733	$50,169
Hourly rate	$22.47	$24.12
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	60,598	80,942
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 52%	High School Diploma, 37%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Diesel mechanic helper vs truck mechanic salary

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

	Diesel Mechanic Helper	Truck Mechanic
Average salary	$46,733	$50,169
Salary range	Between $35,000 And $62,000	Between $37,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	Newark, NJ
Highest paying state	-	Nevada
Best paying company	-	Allan A. Myers
Best paying industry	-	Energy

Differences between diesel mechanic helper and truck mechanic education

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

	Diesel Mechanic Helper	Truck Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 52%	High School Diploma, 37%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Diesel mechanic helper vs truck mechanic demographics

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

	Diesel Mechanic Helper	Truck Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2%	Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
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, 9.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 2.5% White, 66.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between diesel mechanic helper and truck 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

Truck mechanic example responsibilities.

Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
Detail completion in writing of diagnosis and repair on company repair order.
Raise trucks, buses and heavy parts and equipment using hydraulic jacks and hoists.
Service air system and troubleshoot, repair, and service air conditioning systems on trucks.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Perform all FHWA and D.O.T.

Diesel mechanic helper vs truck 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 truck mechanic skills

CDL, 18%
Customer Service, 12%
Electrical Systems, 6%
Diesel Engines, 4%
DOT, 4%
Hand Tools, 4%

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

Updated January 8, 2025

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