Heavy truck mechanic vs heavy equipment mechanic

The differences between heavy truck mechanics and heavy equipment mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a heavy truck mechanic, becoming a heavy equipment mechanic takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a heavy truck mechanic has an average salary of $49,777, which is higher than the $49,018 average annual salary of a heavy equipment mechanic.

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

Heavy truck mechanic vs heavy equipment mechanic overview

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Yearly salary	$49,777	$49,018
Hourly rate	$23.93	$23.57
Growth rate	4%	8%
Number of jobs	83,972	98,464
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 39%
Average age	42	44
Years of experience	2	4

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 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.

Heavy truck mechanic vs heavy equipment mechanic salary

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Average salary	$49,777	$49,018
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $66,000	Between $36,000 And $65,000
Highest paying City	Anaheim, CA	Oakland, CA
Highest paying state	California	Vermont
Best paying company	Hunter Contracting	BNSF Railway
Best paying industry	Automotive	Transportation

Differences between heavy truck mechanic and heavy equipment mechanic education

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Heavy Equipment 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 equipment mechanic demographics

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Average age	42	44
Gender ratio	Male, 97.6% Female, 2.4%	Male, 96.6% Female, 3.4%
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, 5.2% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 1.7% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	2%	1%

Differences between heavy truck mechanic and heavy equipment 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 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.

Heavy truck mechanic vs heavy equipment mechanic skills

Common heavy truck mechanic skills

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

Common heavy equipment mechanic skills

CDL, 8%
Hand Tools, 7%
Loaders, 6%
Cranes, 6%
Electrical Systems, 4%
End Loaders, 4%

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Heavy Truck Mechanic vs Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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