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The differences between diesel technicians and 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 technician and a mechanic. Additionally, a mechanic has an average salary of $47,149, which is higher than the $46,868 average annual salary of a diesel technician.
The top three skills for a diesel technician include CDL, customer service and preventative maintenance. The most important skills for a mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.
| Diesel Technician | Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $46,868 | $47,149 |
| Hourly rate | $22.53 | $22.67 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 128,944 | 100,534 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.25 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Diesel technicians specialize in repairing and handling the maintenance of vehicles powered by diesel. They are primarily responsible for inspecting cars, conducting tests, and identifying its problems to determine what course of action to take. Aside from repairing engines, diesel technicians may also fix other systems such as brakes, steering, and even lighting. It is essential to discuss the extent of repairs to clients and make them understand the costs involved. Furthermore, it is vital to maintain an accurate record of data at all times.
Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.
Diesel technicians and mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Diesel Technician | Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $46,868 | $47,149 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $65,000 | Between $35,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | Los Angeles, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Cummins | Anheuser-Busch |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a diesel technician and a mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Diesel Technician | Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between diesel technicians' and mechanics' demographics:
| Diesel Technician | Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.4% Female, 3.6% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.5% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |