Heavy equipment mechanic vs truck mechanic

The differences between heavy 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 a heavy 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 $49,018 average annual salary of a heavy equipment mechanic.

The top three skills for a heavy equipment mechanic include CDL, hand tools and loaders. The most important skills for a truck mechanic are CDL, customer service, and electrical systems.

Heavy equipment mechanic vs truck mechanic overview

	Heavy Equipment Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Yearly salary	$49,018	$50,169
Hourly rate	$23.57	$24.12
Growth rate	8%	4%
Number of jobs	98,464	80,942
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 39%	High School Diploma, 37%
Average age	44	42
Years of experience	4	2

What does a heavy equipment mechanic do?

A heavy equipment mechanic is responsible for operating the heavy machinery used in the production of various industries, inspecting inconsistencies, running diagnostic tests, and replacing defective components to ensure its operational safety and efficiency. Heavy equipment mechanics also upgrade engine systems to boost optimal performance, analyze damage costs, and repair equipment parts with the assistance of other mechanical staff. They work closely with the management, create maintenance reports, and suggesting resolutions to avoid delays in production and customer service.

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.

Heavy equipment mechanic vs truck mechanic salary

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

	Heavy Equipment Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Average salary	$49,018	$50,169
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $65,000	Between $37,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	Oakland, CA	Newark, NJ
Highest paying state	Vermont	Nevada
Best paying company	BNSF Railway	Allan A. Myers
Best paying industry	Transportation	Energy

Differences between heavy equipment mechanic and truck mechanic education

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

	Heavy Equipment Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 39%	High School Diploma, 37%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Heavy equipment mechanic vs truck mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between heavy equipment mechanics' and truck mechanics' demographics:

	Heavy Equipment Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Average age	44	42
Gender ratio	Male, 96.6% Female, 3.4%	Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 5.2% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 1.7% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	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%

Differences between heavy equipment mechanic and truck mechanic duties and responsibilities

Heavy equipment mechanic example responsibilities.

Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
Operate grinders, vises, jacks, cranes, drill presses, pallet lifts, wheel lifts, and solvent tank.
Perform corrosion control and painting procedures on equipment using grinders, sanders, respirators and paint guns.
Fix and maintain all types of heavy equipment such as backhoe, excavator, bull dozer and grader.
Analyze and diagnose problems, troubleshoot electrical systems and their mechanical components.
Perform queries into competitor technology to maintain ability to perform accurate diagnosis on equipment not produce by caterpillar.

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.

Heavy equipment mechanic vs truck mechanic skills

Common heavy equipment mechanic skills

CDL, 8%
Hand Tools, 7%
Loaders, 6%
Cranes, 6%
Electrical Systems, 4%
End Loaders, 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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Heavy Equipment Mechanic vs Truck Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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