Head mechanic vs truck mechanic

The differences between head 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 a head mechanic, becoming a truck mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a head mechanic has an average salary of $116,841, which is higher than the $50,169 average annual salary of a truck mechanic.

The top three skills for a head mechanic include preventive maintenance, R and air compressors. The most important skills for a truck mechanic are CDL, customer service, and electrical systems.

Head mechanic vs truck mechanic overview

	Head Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Yearly salary	$116,841	$50,169
Hourly rate	$56.17	$24.12
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	42,612	80,942
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 37%
Average age	49	42
Years of experience	4	2

Head mechanic vs truck mechanic salary

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

	Head Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Average salary	$116,841	$50,169
Salary range	Between $86,000 And $158,000	Between $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 head mechanic and truck mechanic education

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

	Head Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 37%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	SUNY College of Technology at Alfred	-

Head mechanic vs truck mechanic demographics

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

	Head Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Average age	49	42
Gender ratio	Male, 97.2% Female, 2.8%	Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
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, 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	4%	2%

Differences between head mechanic and truck mechanic duties and responsibilities

Head mechanic example responsibilities.

Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
Weld (Mig, arc, Oxy/Acet . )
Assist lead mechanics with diagnosis and repair of all units and systems.
Involve in all aspects of center maintenance from roof repairs and HVAC to lanes and pinspotters.
Perform plan maintenance and repairs on HVAC equipment to include boilers, large air handlers, and roof top units.
Perform any necessary repairs and diagnosis (electrical, hydraulics, engine, drivetrain, suspension, etc .).

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.

Head mechanic vs truck mechanic skills

Common head mechanic skills

Preventive Maintenance, 6%
R, 6%
Air Compressors, 5%
Diesel Engines, 5%
Brake Systems, 5%
DOT, 5%

Common truck mechanic skills

CDL, 18%
Customer Service, 12%
Electrical Systems, 6%
Diesel Engines, 4%
DOT, 4%
Hand Tools, 4%

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Head Mechanic
Head Mechanic vs Truck Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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