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The differences between diesel mechanics and field 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 field mechanic. Additionally, a diesel mechanic has an average salary of $49,842, which is higher than the $46,395 average annual salary of a field mechanic.
The top three skills for a diesel mechanic include CDL, preventative maintenance and DOT. The most important skills for a field mechanic are CDL, construction equipment, and cranes.
| Diesel Mechanic | Field Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $49,842 | $46,395 |
| Hourly rate | $23.96 | $22.31 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 85,684 | 135,482 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A diesel mechanic is a skilled technician responsible for the checking, maintenance, and repair of diesel engines. Diesel mechanics duties also include regular inspections of vehicles upon customer's request to ensure the smooth performance of the machine, communicate on any system issue that might cause malfunctions, and provide any replacement to renovate a damaged part of the engine. A diesel mechanic must be highly-knowledgeable on everything related to diesel engines to provide the best, long-term solutions for the customers.
The primary job of a field mechanic is to manage on-site installation, maintenance, test, and repair tasks. Field mechanics diagnose technical problems or errors and identify the appropriate solutions. They deliver heavy equipment, facility maintenance, and load and unload equipment. They work on transmissions, electrical systems, hydraulics, engines, and welding repairs. Their duties involve service truck maintenance to keep service truck inventory. Also, they maintain enough materials and supplies on a service truck for common repairs.
Diesel mechanics and field mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Diesel Mechanic | Field Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $49,842 | $46,395 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $67,000 | Between $33,000 And $63,000 |
| 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 field mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Diesel Mechanic | Field Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between diesel mechanics' and field mechanics' demographics:
| Diesel Mechanic | Field Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7% | Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7% |
| 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, 7.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |