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The differences between equipment mechanics and diesel mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an equipment mechanic, becoming a diesel mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a diesel mechanic has an average salary of $49,842, which is higher than the $45,435 average annual salary of an equipment mechanic.
The top three skills for an equipment mechanic include hand tools, preventive maintenance and CDL. The most important skills for a diesel mechanic are CDL, preventative maintenance, and DOT.
| Equipment Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $45,435 | $49,842 |
| Hourly rate | $21.84 | $23.96 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 50,409 | 85,684 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
An equipment mechanic specializes in inspecting and repairing mechanical systems, ensuring quality and efficiency. They typically respond to issues and concerns, identify client needs, conduct inspections, and perform corrective measures and repairs as needed. An equipment mechanic may also liaise with clients, explaining to them the extent of repairs and provide cost-estimates. Furthermore, it is essential to perform regular maintenance checks to ensure its efficiency and safety of operators, all while building positive relationships with customers to strengthen the client base.
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.
Equipment mechanics and diesel mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Equipment Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $45,435 | $49,842 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $62,000 | Between $37,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Richmond, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Hologic | Hensel Phelps |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Energy |
There are a few differences between an equipment mechanic and a diesel mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Equipment Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between equipment mechanics' and diesel mechanics' demographics:
| Equipment Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.5% Female, 3.5% | Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 1.8% White, 72.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 1% | 2% |