Heavy truck mechanic vs truck mechanic

The differences between heavy truck mechanics and truck 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 truck mechanic. Additionally, a truck mechanic has an average salary of $50,169, 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 truck mechanic are CDL, customer service, and electrical systems.

Heavy truck mechanic vs truck mechanic overview

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Yearly salary	$49,777	$50,169
Hourly rate	$23.93	$24.12
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	83,972	80,942
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 37%
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 truck mechanic do?

Also known as diesel services technicians, truck mechanics perform various heavy-duty truck tasks. The technicians work on large vehicles, tractor-trailers, and buses. It is their duty to inspect, make diagnoses, and repair the brake systems and other electrical components. They conduct routine maintenance work, which aims for longevity and functionality. It is also important for them to have skills in communication, organization, computer system, and administrative tasks.

Heavy truck mechanic vs truck mechanic salary

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Average salary	$49,777	$50,169
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $66,000	Between $37,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	Anaheim, CA	Newark, NJ
Highest paying state	California	Nevada
Best paying company	Hunter Contracting	Allan A. Myers
Best paying industry	Automotive	Energy

Differences between heavy truck mechanic and truck mechanic education

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 37%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Heavy truck mechanic vs truck mechanic demographics

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 97.6% Female, 2.4%	Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
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, 9.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 2.5% White, 66.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between heavy truck mechanic and truck 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.

Truck mechanic example responsibilities.

Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
Detail completion in writing of diagnosis and repair on company repair order.
Raise trucks, buses and heavy parts and equipment using hydraulic jacks and hoists.
Service air system and troubleshoot, repair, and service air conditioning systems on trucks.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Perform all FHWA and D.O.T.

Heavy truck mechanic vs truck mechanic skills

Common heavy truck mechanic skills

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

Common truck mechanic skills

CDL, 18%
Customer Service, 12%
Electrical Systems, 6%
Diesel Engines, 4%
DOT, 4%
Hand Tools, 4%

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Heavy Truck Mechanic
Heavy Truck Mechanic vs Truck Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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