Heavy truck mechanic vs mechanic

The differences between heavy truck mechanics and 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 mechanic. Additionally, a heavy truck mechanic has an average salary of $49,777, which is higher than the $47,149 average annual salary of a mechanic.

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

Heavy truck mechanic vs mechanic overview

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Mechanic
Yearly salary	$49,777	$47,149
Hourly rate	$23.93	$22.67
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	83,972	100,534
Job satisfaction	-	4.25
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 42%
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 mechanic do?

Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.

Heavy truck mechanic vs mechanic salary

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Mechanic
Average salary	$49,777	$47,149
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $66,000	Between $35,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	Anaheim, CA	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	California	Connecticut
Best paying company	Hunter Contracting	Anheuser-Busch
Best paying industry	Automotive	Manufacturing

Differences between heavy truck mechanic and mechanic education

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Heavy truck mechanic vs mechanic demographics

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 97.6% Female, 2.4%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
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, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between heavy truck mechanic and 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.

Mechanic example responsibilities.

Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and hand tools, such as transfer cases, hydraulic cylinders, bell housings.
Identify issues with wire feeder and power source, break press, overhead cranes , 2 ton to 25 ton hoists.
chain saws, trimmers, tractors, push mowers, blowers, generators, cut saws, power washers, etc.
Work with networking, plumbing, troubleshooting electrical and performing mechanical repairs.
Monitor HVAC systems and operations, and ensure that routine preventive maintenance are performed according to establish schedules.
Complete repair of low-boy style trailers, and tractors with wet line PTO systems.

Heavy truck mechanic vs mechanic skills

Common heavy truck mechanic skills

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

Common mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
Customer Service, 7%
Customer Vehicles, 7%
Diagnosis, 6%
Electrical Systems, 5%

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Heavy Truck Mechanic
Heavy Truck Mechanic vs Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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