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The differences between head 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 head mechanic, becoming a diesel mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a head mechanic has an average salary of $116,841, which is higher than the $49,842 average annual salary of a diesel mechanic.
The top three skills for a head mechanic include preventive maintenance, R and air compressors. The most important skills for a diesel mechanic are CDL, preventative maintenance, and DOT.
| Head Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $116,841 | $49,842 |
| Hourly rate | $56.17 | $23.96 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 42,612 | 85,684 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 49 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
Head mechanics and diesel mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Head Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $116,841 | $49,842 |
| Salary range | Between $86,000 And $158,000 | Between $37,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Richmond, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | - | Hensel Phelps |
| Best paying industry | - | Energy |
There are a few differences between a head mechanic and a diesel mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Head Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | - |
Here are the differences between head mechanics' and diesel mechanics' demographics:
| Head Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Average age | 49 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.2% Female, 2.8% | Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.1% White, 67.7% 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 | 4% | 2% |