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The differences between generator 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 a generator 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 $41,670 average annual salary of a generator mechanic.
The top three skills for a generator mechanic include plumbing, ladders and hand tools. The most important skills for a diesel mechanic are CDL, preventative maintenance, and DOT.
| Generator Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $41,670 | $49,842 |
| Hourly rate | $20.03 | $23.96 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 85,822 | 85,684 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 47 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
Generator Mechanics are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repair generators for an organization's facility. Their duties include troubleshooting issues relating to the generator's electrical and mechanical systems through diagnostic tests, performing site testings and engine servicings, conduct preventative maintenance, and ensures all work complies with health and safety protocols. They perform housekeeping on company vehicles and customer sites, compile accurate work documentation, assist in supplies procurement, and contribute to cost and material budgeting. Generator Mechanics write a progress report and maintain activity logs.
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.
Generator mechanics and diesel mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Generator Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $41,670 | $49,842 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $59,000 | Between $37,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | Buffalo, NY | Richmond, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Sandia National Labs | Hensel Phelps |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between a generator mechanic and a diesel mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Generator Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between generator mechanics' and diesel mechanics' demographics:
| Generator Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Average age | 47 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.9% Female, 7.1% | Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.2% Asian, 4.4% White, 59.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% | 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 | 2% | 2% |