Heavy truck mechanic vs light wheel mechanic

The differences between heavy truck mechanics and light wheel 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 light wheel mechanic. Additionally, a heavy truck mechanic has an average salary of $49,777, which is higher than the $41,948 average annual salary of a light wheel mechanic.

The top three skills for a heavy truck mechanic include CDL, diagnosis and OSHA. The most important skills for a light wheel mechanic are mechanical problems, electrical systems, and equipment systems.

Heavy truck mechanic vs light wheel mechanic overview

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Yearly salary	$49,777	$41,948
Hourly rate	$23.93	$20.17
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	83,972	90,297
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 41%
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 light wheel mechanic do?

A light wheel mechanic is responsible for maintaining the optimal performance and efficiency of light-wheeled vehicles used for industrial operations, especially in a military setting. Light wheel mechanics inspect the condition of the vehicle's engine, perform preventive maintenance, replace defective components, assemble upgrade systems based on schematics and blueprints, and create resolution reports for reference. They must have excellent knowledge of the auto-mechanic industry to determine faults and identify repairs, avoiding delays, complications, and hazards during operations.

Heavy truck mechanic vs light wheel mechanic salary

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Average salary	$49,777	$41,948
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $66,000	Between $25,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	Anaheim, CA	-
Highest paying state	California	-
Best paying company	Hunter Contracting	-
Best paying industry	Automotive	-

Differences between heavy truck mechanic and light wheel mechanic education

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 41%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Heavy truck mechanic vs light wheel mechanic demographics

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 97.6% Female, 2.4%	Male, 87.4% Female, 12.6%
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, 9.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 2.5% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between heavy truck mechanic and light wheel 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.

Light wheel mechanic example responsibilities.

Manage projects dot compliance and driver logs.
DOT inspections on assign vehicles.
Install and run hydrolic lines.
Complete basic training and additional AIT training.
Assist in the diagnosis and repairs of the tractor/trailer fleet.
Maintain CDL to transport vehicles from one location to another.

Heavy truck mechanic vs light wheel mechanic skills

Common heavy truck mechanic skills

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

Common light wheel mechanic skills

Mechanical Problems, 36%
Electrical Systems, 21%
Equipment Systems, 18%
MOS, 9%
Track Vehicles, 9%
AIT, 5%

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Heavy Truck Mechanic
Heavy Truck Mechanic vs Light Wheel Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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