Heavy truck mechanic vs lead mechanic

The differences between heavy truck mechanics and lead 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 lead mechanic takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a lead mechanic has an average salary of $54,471, which is higher than the $49,777 average annual salary of a heavy truck mechanic.

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

Heavy truck mechanic vs lead mechanic overview

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Lead Mechanic
Yearly salary	$49,777	$54,471
Hourly rate	$23.93	$26.19
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	83,972	86,668
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	Associate Degree, 31%
Average age	42	49
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 lead mechanic do?

A lead mechanic coordinates the teams of mechanics and ensures the timely completion of repairs. Lead mechanics supervise their subordinates, order mechanical parts, and inspect their work making sure that the standards are met. They are responsible for repairing, overhauling, and maintaining vehicles or farm equipment. It is their job to provide support and give advice on matters associated with repairs. They also conduct road tests and maintain the repair of equipment. They should also have leadership and strong communication skills.

Heavy truck mechanic vs lead mechanic salary

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Lead Mechanic
Average salary	$49,777	$54,471
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $66,000	Between $40,000 And $73,000
Highest paying City	Anaheim, CA	Anchorage, AK
Highest paying state	California	Alaska
Best paying company	Hunter Contracting	California Resources
Best paying industry	Automotive	Manufacturing

Differences between heavy truck mechanic and lead mechanic education

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Lead Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	Associate Degree, 31%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Heavy truck mechanic vs lead mechanic demographics

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Lead Mechanic
Average age	42	49
Gender ratio	Male, 97.6% Female, 2.4%	Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2%
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, 8.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	2%	4%

Differences between heavy truck mechanic and lead 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.

Lead mechanic example responsibilities.

Manage the repairs of electrical and mechanical components, such as power assemblies and traction motors.
Manage routine maintenance and modifications for locomotives as well as preventative maintenance for freight cars.
Complete restoration of antique motorcycles, extensive engine repair, payroll, quarterly reports, parts sales and database inventory.
Assemble and repair motor scooters.
Perform conventional welding, MIG, TIG, OxyAcet.
Ensure quality repairs are made while meeting stringent FRA guidelines.

Heavy truck mechanic vs lead mechanic skills

Common heavy truck mechanic skills

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

Common lead mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
HVAC, 6%
Electrical Systems, 4%
Mechanical Equipment, 4%
Hydraulic Systems, 4%

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Heavy Truck Mechanic
Heavy Truck Mechanic vs Lead Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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