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The differences between diesel mechanics and mobile equipment mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a diesel mechanic, becoming a mobile equipment mechanic takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a mobile equipment mechanic has an average salary of $72,190, which is higher than the $49,842 average annual salary of a diesel mechanic.
The top three skills for a diesel mechanic include CDL, preventative maintenance and DOT. The most important skills for a mobile equipment mechanic are hand tools, cranes, and electrical systems.
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.
Mobile equipment mechanics are skilled employees who are responsible for conducting repairs and maintenance of construction and surface mining equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators. These mechanics must inspect machines and heavy equipment while evaluating operating manuals to perform diagnosis and resolve any defects. They are required to use hand and power tools to perform repairs on the defective equipment parts. Mobile equipment mechanics must also check any open circuits on the electrical systems of heavy equipment.
Diesel mechanics and mobile equipment mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Diesel Mechanic | Mobile Equipment Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $49,842 | $72,190 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $67,000 | Between $45,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | Richmond, CA | Hayward, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Hensel Phelps | Koch Industries |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Government |
There are a few differences between a diesel mechanic and a mobile equipment mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Diesel Mechanic | Mobile Equipment 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 mobile equipment mechanics' demographics:
| Diesel Mechanic | Mobile Equipment Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7% | Male, 94.6% Female, 5.4% |
| 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, 5.1% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 1.7% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 1% |