Heavy truck mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic

The differences between heavy truck mechanics and heavy duty 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 heavy duty mechanic. Additionally, a heavy truck mechanic has an average salary of $49,777, which is higher than the $49,563 average annual salary of a heavy duty mechanic.

The top three skills for a heavy truck mechanic include CDL, diagnosis and OSHA. The most important skills for a heavy duty mechanic are CDL, hand tools, and preventive maintenance.

Heavy truck mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic overview

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Yearly salary	$49,777	$49,563
Hourly rate	$23.93	$23.83
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	83,972	51,609
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 39%
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 heavy duty mechanic do?

Heavy-duty mechanics are skilled employees who are responsible for providing repairs and maintenance of mobile heavy-duty construction equipment. These mechanics must perform inspections on equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, and other heavy construction equipment to detect faults and malfunctions to ensure proper performance. They must test the repaired equipment to ensure that the repair works meet the specifications of the manufacturers. Heavy-duty mechanics must also provide a safe working environment and take special precautions to protect themselves against work-related injuries.

Heavy truck mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic salary

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Average salary	$49,777	$49,563
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $66,000	Between $36,000 And $66,000
Highest paying City	Anaheim, CA	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	California	Washington
Best paying company	Hunter Contracting	Granite Construction
Best paying industry	Automotive	Construction

Differences between heavy truck mechanic and heavy duty mechanic education

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 39%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Heavy truck mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic demographics

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 97.6% Female, 2.4%	Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2%
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, 7.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between heavy truck mechanic and heavy duty 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.

Heavy duty mechanic example responsibilities.

Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
Set up hydraulic and electrical systems and complete diagnosis and repair.
Dismantle devices, remove defective parts, used hoists, cranes, hand and power tools.
Perform preventative maintenance; FHWA / D.O.T.
Perform major engine and driveline service and repair.
Perform diagnosis and repairs to semi trucks and trailers.

Heavy truck mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic skills

Common heavy truck mechanic skills

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

Common heavy duty mechanic skills

CDL, 13%
Hand Tools, 10%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
Construction Equipment, 5%
OSHA, 5%
Electrical Systems, 5%

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Heavy Truck Mechanic vs Heavy Duty Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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