Heavy truck mechanic vs mechanic driver

The differences between heavy truck mechanics and mechanic drivers 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 driver. Additionally, a heavy truck mechanic has an average salary of $49,777, which is higher than the $47,243 average annual salary of a mechanic driver.

The top three skills for a heavy truck mechanic include CDL, diagnosis and OSHA. The most important skills for a mechanic driver are tractor trailer, CDL, and dump truck.

Heavy truck mechanic vs mechanic driver overview

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Mechanic Driver
Yearly salary	$49,777	$47,243
Hourly rate	$23.93	$22.71
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	83,972	116,538
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 45%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Heavy truck mechanic vs mechanic driver salary

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Mechanic Driver
Average salary	$49,777	$47,243
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $66,000	Between $34,000 And $64,000
Highest paying City	Anaheim, CA	-
Highest paying state	California	-
Best paying company	Hunter Contracting	-
Best paying industry	Automotive	-

Differences between heavy truck mechanic and mechanic driver education

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Mechanic Driver
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 45%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Heavy truck mechanic vs mechanic driver demographics

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Mechanic Driver
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 97.6% Female, 2.4%	Male, 96.9% Female, 3.1%
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, 9.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 2.5% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between heavy truck mechanic and mechanic driver 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 driver example responsibilities.

Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
DOT inspections, replacing brakes, tires, king pins shackle pins.
Repair and replace damage or worn parts and troubleshoot problems.
Metal fabrication and MIG welding to restore serviceability of equipment.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.

Heavy truck mechanic vs mechanic driver skills

Common heavy truck mechanic skills

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

Common mechanic driver skills

Tractor Trailer, 18%
CDL, 8%
Dump Truck, 8%
Preventative Maintenance, 8%
DOT, 7%
Safety Equipment, 7%

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Heavy Truck Mechanic
Heavy Truck Mechanic vs Mechanic Driver

Updated January 8, 2025

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