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The differences between equipment mechanics and trailer 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 trailer mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an equipment mechanic has an average salary of $45,435, which is higher than the $42,569 average annual salary of a trailer mechanic.
The top three skills for an equipment mechanic include hand tools, preventive maintenance and CDL. The most important skills for a trailer mechanic are CDL, hand tools, and work ethic.
| Equipment Mechanic | Trailer Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $45,435 | $42,569 |
| Hourly rate | $21.84 | $20.47 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 50,409 | 86,057 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 52% |
| 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 trailer mechanic specializes in providing repair services on large vehicles such as trailers, semi-trucks, and tractors. Their responsibilities revolve around liaising with clients to identify their needs, inspecting machinery and electrical systems, diagnosing issues, conducting fixes and replacements, and explaining the extent of damage or repairs to clients. There are also instances where they must devise testing strategies, ensuring compliance with the government's policies. Furthermore, a trailer mechanic must maintain regular maintenance checks on vehicles to ensure the safety of operators and the efficiency of workflow.
Equipment mechanics and trailer mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Equipment Mechanic | Trailer Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $45,435 | $42,569 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $62,000 | Between $32,000 And $55,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Billerica, MA |
| Highest paying state | California | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Hologic | Dayton Freight |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Transportation |
There are a few differences between an equipment mechanic and a trailer mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Equipment Mechanic | Trailer Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 52% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between equipment mechanics' and trailer mechanics' demographics:
| Equipment Mechanic | Trailer Mechanic | |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.5% Female, 3.5% | Male, 98.0% Female, 2.0% |
| 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, 9.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.3% Asian, 2.5% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 1% | 2% |