Heavy truck mechanic vs field mechanic

The differences between heavy truck mechanics and field 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 heavy truck mechanic and a field mechanic. Additionally, a heavy truck mechanic has an average salary of $49,777, which is higher than the $46,395 average annual salary of a field mechanic.

The top three skills for a heavy truck mechanic include CDL, diagnosis and OSHA. The most important skills for a field mechanic are CDL, construction equipment, and cranes.

Heavy truck mechanic vs field mechanic overview

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Field Mechanic
Yearly salary	$49,777	$46,395
Hourly rate	$23.93	$22.31
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	83,972	135,482
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 36%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

What does a heavy truck mechanic do?

Heavy truck mechanics repair and maintain trucks. They are responsible for the inspection, diagnosis, and repair of brake systems. They may work on include engines, transmissions, electrical components, or steering systems. Typically, they work for freight companies, truck manufacturers, local government agencies, or repair shops. To be a heavy truck mechanic, they must be physically strong and have the ability to be able to work in noisy environments.

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.

Heavy truck mechanic vs field mechanic salary

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Field Mechanic
Average salary	$49,777	$46,395
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $66,000	Between $33,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	Anaheim, CA	-
Highest paying state	California	-
Best paying company	Hunter Contracting	-
Best paying industry	Automotive	-

Differences between heavy truck mechanic and field mechanic education

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Field Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 36%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Heavy truck mechanic vs field mechanic demographics

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Field Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 97.6% Female, 2.4%	Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 2.5% White, 69.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	Black 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%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between heavy truck mechanic and field mechanic duties and responsibilities

Heavy truck mechanic example responsibilities.

Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
Comply with all dot regulations.Skills usedrepair vehicles right before being put on street.
Have committed myself to working safely base on OSHA standard to avoid personal injuries.
Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulicjacks or hoists.
Light warranty work include wheel seals and break replacement, HVAC, window replacement and body components.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.

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.

Heavy truck mechanic vs field mechanic skills

Common heavy truck mechanic skills

CDL, 23%
Diagnosis, 18%
OSHA, 12%
Service Calls, 7%
Troubleshoot, 4%
DOT, 4%

Common field mechanic skills

CDL, 13%
Construction Equipment, 10%
Cranes, 7%
Hydraulic Systems, 6%
Hand Tools, 5%
Asphalt, 4%

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Heavy Truck Mechanic vs Field Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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