Heavy truck mechanic vs trailer mechanic

The differences between heavy truck mechanics and trailer 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 trailer mechanic. Additionally, a heavy truck mechanic has an average salary of $49,777, which is higher than the $42,569 average annual salary of a trailer mechanic.

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

Heavy truck mechanic vs trailer mechanic overview

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Trailer Mechanic
Yearly salary	$49,777	$42,569
Hourly rate	$23.93	$20.47
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	83,972	86,057
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 52%
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 trailer mechanic do?

A trailer mechanic specializes in providing repair services on large vehicles such as trailers, semi-trucks, and tractors. Their responsibilities revolve around liaising with clients to identify their needs, inspecting machinery and electrical systems, diagnosing issues, conducting fixes and replacements, and explaining the extent of damage or repairs to clients. There are also instances where they must devise testing strategies, ensuring compliance with the government's policies. Furthermore, a trailer mechanic must maintain regular maintenance checks on vehicles to ensure the safety of operators and the efficiency of workflow.

Heavy truck mechanic vs trailer mechanic salary

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Trailer Mechanic
Average salary	$49,777	$42,569
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $66,000	Between $32,000 And $55,000
Highest paying City	Anaheim, CA	Billerica, MA
Highest paying state	California	Massachusetts
Best paying company	Hunter Contracting	Dayton Freight
Best paying industry	Automotive	Transportation

Differences between heavy truck mechanic and trailer mechanic education

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Trailer Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 52%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Heavy truck mechanic vs trailer mechanic demographics

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Trailer Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 97.6% Female, 2.4%	Male, 98.0% Female, 2.0%
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, 17.3% Asian, 2.5% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between heavy truck mechanic and trailer 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.

Trailer mechanic example responsibilities.

Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
Repair equipment in accordance with manufacturer and FMCSA guidelines.use a variety of hand tools pneumatic and hydraulic.
Perform PMs on tractors and trailers, brake jobs, wheels seals, A/C repairs, starting system repair.
Build croton, core drill, solder, brazing.
Install, black iron, cast iron, galvanize, fire sprinkle, gas, copper, & PVC pipe.
Experience in small engine lawn mowers.

Heavy truck mechanic vs trailer mechanic skills

Common heavy truck mechanic skills

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

Common trailer mechanic skills

CDL, 19%
Hand Tools, 13%
Work Ethic, 11%
DOT, 11%
Safety Inspections, 7%
Perform Routine Maintenance, 7%

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Heavy Truck Mechanic
Heavy Truck Mechanic vs Trailer Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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