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The differences between equipment mechanics and truck 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 truck mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a truck mechanic has an average salary of $50,169, 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 truck mechanic are CDL, customer service, and electrical systems.
| Equipment Mechanic | Truck Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $45,435 | $50,169 |
| Hourly rate | $21.84 | $24.12 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 50,409 | 80,942 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| 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.
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.
Equipment mechanics and truck mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Equipment Mechanic | Truck Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $45,435 | $50,169 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $62,000 | Between $37,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Newark, NJ |
| Highest paying state | California | Nevada |
| Best paying company | Hologic | Allan A. Myers |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Energy |
There are a few differences between an equipment mechanic and a truck mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Equipment Mechanic | Truck Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between equipment mechanics' and truck mechanics' demographics:
| Equipment Mechanic | Truck Mechanic | |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.5% Female, 3.5% | Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7% |
| 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, 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 | 1% | 2% |