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The differences between diesel mechanics and car 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 and a car mechanic. Additionally, a diesel mechanic has an average salary of $49,842, which is higher than the $37,369 average annual salary of a car mechanic.
The top three skills for a diesel mechanic include CDL, preventative maintenance and DOT. The most important skills for a car mechanic are diagnostic tools, ASE, and engine repair.
| Diesel Mechanic | Car Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $49,842 | $37,369 |
| Hourly rate | $23.96 | $17.97 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 85,684 | 89,782 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | 2 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| Average age | 42 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Diesel mechanics and car mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Diesel Mechanic | Car Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $49,842 | $37,369 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $67,000 | Between $28,000 And $49,000 |
| Highest paying City | Richmond, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | - |
| Best paying company | Hensel Phelps | - |
| Best paying industry | Energy | - |
There are a few differences between a diesel mechanic and a car mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Diesel Mechanic | Car Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between diesel mechanics' and car mechanics' demographics:
| Diesel Mechanic | Car Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7% | Male, 97.5% Female, 2.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.8% Asian, 5.0% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |