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The differences between diesel technicians and truck 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 truck mechanic. Additionally, a truck mechanic has an average salary of $50,169, 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 truck mechanic are CDL, customer service, and electrical systems.
| Diesel Technician | Truck Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $46,868 | $50,169 |
| Hourly rate | $22.53 | $24.12 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 128,944 | 80,942 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| 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.
Also known as diesel services technicians, truck mechanics perform various heavy-duty truck tasks. The technicians work on large vehicles, tractor-trailers, and buses. It is their duty to inspect, make diagnoses, and repair the brake systems and other electrical components. They conduct routine maintenance work, which aims for longevity and functionality. It is also important for them to have skills in communication, organization, computer system, and administrative tasks.
Diesel technicians and truck mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Diesel Technician | Truck Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $46,868 | $50,169 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $65,000 | Between $37,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | Los Angeles, CA | Newark, NJ |
| Highest paying state | California | Nevada |
| Best paying company | Cummins | Allan A. Myers |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Energy |
There are a few differences between a diesel technician and a truck mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Diesel Technician | Truck Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between diesel technicians' and truck mechanics' demographics:
| Diesel Technician | Truck Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.4% Female, 3.6% | Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7% |
| 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, 9.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 2.5% White, 66.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |