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Field mechanic vs truck mechanic

The differences between field mechanics 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 field mechanic and a truck mechanic. Additionally, a truck mechanic has an average salary of $50,169, which is higher than the $46,395 average annual salary of a field mechanic.

The top three skills for a field mechanic include CDL, construction equipment and cranes. The most important skills for a truck mechanic are CDL, customer service, and electrical systems.

Field mechanic vs truck mechanic overview

Field MechanicTruck Mechanic
Yearly salary$46,395$50,169
Hourly rate$22.31$24.12
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs135,48280,942
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%High School Diploma, 37%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

What does a field mechanic do?

The primary job of a field mechanic is to manage on-site installation, maintenance, test, and repair tasks. Field mechanics diagnose technical problems or errors and identify the appropriate solutions. They deliver heavy equipment, facility maintenance, and load and unload equipment. They work on transmissions, electrical systems, hydraulics, engines, and welding repairs. Their duties involve service truck maintenance to keep service truck inventory. Also, they maintain enough materials and supplies on a service truck for common repairs.

What does a truck mechanic do?

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.

Field mechanic vs truck mechanic salary

Field mechanics and truck mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Field MechanicTruck Mechanic
Average salary$46,395$50,169
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $63,000Between $37,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City-Newark, NJ
Highest paying state-Nevada
Best paying company-Allan A. Myers
Best paying industry-Energy

Differences between field mechanic and truck mechanic education

There are a few differences between a field mechanic and a truck mechanic in terms of educational background:

Field MechanicTruck Mechanic
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%High School Diploma, 37%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Field mechanic vs truck mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between field mechanics' and truck mechanics' demographics:

Field MechanicTruck Mechanic
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 97.3% Female, 2.7%Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.4% 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 Percentage2%2%

Differences between field mechanic and truck mechanic duties and responsibilities

Field mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Have visited various locations and have accomplished field preventive maintenance on compressors.
  • Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and handtools.
  • Supervise mechanics in the diagnosis and repair of technical difficulties, installation and in mechanical failures of military equipment.
  • Construct and assemble sub- assemblies and assemble components including shafts, pulley, bearings, gearboxes and conveyor components.
  • Repair and maintain the tar kettles and up keep of all compressors, and push behind blowers.
  • Perform all levels of repair and maintenance for school buses, vans, pickups, trailers, mowers and snow blowers.
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Truck mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
  • Detail completion in writing of diagnosis and repair on company repair order.
  • Raise trucks, buses and heavy parts and equipment using hydraulic jacks and hoists.
  • Service air system and troubleshoot, repair, and service air conditioning systems on trucks.
  • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
  • Perform all FHWA and D.O.T.
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Field mechanic vs truck mechanic skills

Common field mechanic skills
  • CDL, 13%
  • Construction Equipment, 10%
  • Cranes, 7%
  • Hydraulic Systems, 6%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Asphalt, 4%
Common truck mechanic skills
  • CDL, 18%
  • Customer Service, 12%
  • Electrical Systems, 6%
  • Diesel Engines, 4%
  • DOT, 4%
  • Hand Tools, 4%

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