Diesel mechanic helper vs vehicle mechanic

The differences between diesel mechanic helpers and vehicle 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 vehicle mechanic. Additionally, a diesel mechanic helper has an average salary of $46,733, which is higher than the $42,628 average annual salary of a vehicle mechanic.

The top three skills for a diesel mechanic helper include diesel engines, oil changes and A/C. The most important skills for a vehicle mechanic are hand tools, electrical systems, and diesel engines.

Diesel mechanic helper vs vehicle mechanic overview

	Diesel Mechanic Helper	Vehicle Mechanic
Yearly salary	$46,733	$42,628
Hourly rate	$22.47	$20.49
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	60,598	37,592
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 52%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Diesel mechanic helper vs vehicle mechanic salary

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

	Diesel Mechanic Helper	Vehicle Mechanic
Average salary	$46,733	$42,628
Salary range	Between $35,000 And $62,000	Between $29,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City	-	Adelanto, CA
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	Google
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between diesel mechanic helper and vehicle mechanic education

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

	Diesel Mechanic Helper	Vehicle 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 vehicle mechanic demographics

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

	Diesel Mechanic Helper	Vehicle Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2%	Male, 91.8% Female, 8.2%
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, 8.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between diesel mechanic helper and vehicle 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

Vehicle mechanic example responsibilities.

Experience in the repairs of HMMWV, MTV/LMTV, PLS, and HEMMT classes.
Maintain HEMTT, heat, PLS, LHS, FMTV, MTV, and HMMWV.
Analyze blueprints and FAA technical publications for FAA audits and create innovative ways to manufacture products and save man hours.
Inspect, repair and adjust traders, trenching machines, diesel tractors, pan, scrapers and earth moving bulldozers.
Perform services, troubleshoot, inspect and repair mechanical/electrical and hydraulic systems and subsystems.
Perform automotive diagnosis, routine maintenance, exhaust fabrication and service repairs daily/as need.

Diesel mechanic helper vs vehicle 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 vehicle mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Electrical Systems, 7%
Diesel Engines, 6%
Troubleshoot, 6%
Shop Safety, 5%
Combat, 5%

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

Updated January 8, 2025

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