Heavy truck mechanic vs vehicle mechanic

The differences between heavy truck mechanics and vehicle 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 vehicle mechanic. Additionally, a heavy truck mechanic has an average salary of $49,777, which is higher than the $42,628 average annual salary of a vehicle mechanic.

The top three skills for a heavy truck mechanic include CDL, diagnosis and OSHA. The most important skills for a vehicle mechanic are hand tools, electrical systems, and diesel engines.

Heavy truck mechanic vs vehicle mechanic overview

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Vehicle Mechanic
Yearly salary	$49,777	$42,628
Hourly rate	$23.93	$20.49
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	83,972	37,592
Job satisfaction	-	-
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 vehicle mechanic do?

A vehicle mechanic is responsible for the maintenance of the vehicle's engine, running diagnostic tests, and performing repairs for any inconsistencies to ensure the vehicle's reliability and efficiency upon use. Vehicle mechanics coordinate with clients with their specifications and special requests, such as installing upgraded components to improve the engine's optimal performance. They create an organized report of vehicle assessments, as well as forecasting expenses to discuss with the clients, especially on meeting their budget goals.

Heavy truck mechanic vs vehicle mechanic salary

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Vehicle Mechanic
Average salary	$49,777	$42,628
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $66,000	Between $29,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City	Anaheim, CA	Adelanto, CA
Highest paying state	California	Alaska
Best paying company	Hunter Contracting	Google
Best paying industry	Automotive	Manufacturing

Differences between heavy truck mechanic and vehicle mechanic education

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Vehicle 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 vehicle mechanic demographics

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Vehicle Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 97.6% Female, 2.4%	Male, 91.8% Female, 8.2%
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, 8.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between heavy truck mechanic and vehicle 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.

Vehicle mechanic example responsibilities.

Experience in the repairs of HMMWV, MTV/LMTV, PLS, and HEMMT classes.
Maintain HEMTT, heat, PLS, LHS, FMTV, MTV, and HMMWV.
Analyze blueprints and FAA technical publications for FAA audits and create innovative ways to manufacture products and save man hours.
Inspect, repair and adjust traders, trenching machines, diesel tractors, pan, scrapers and earth moving bulldozers.
Perform services, troubleshoot, inspect and repair mechanical/electrical and hydraulic systems and subsystems.
Perform automotive diagnosis, routine maintenance, exhaust fabrication and service repairs daily/as need.

Heavy truck mechanic vs vehicle mechanic skills

Common heavy truck mechanic skills

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

Common vehicle mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Electrical Systems, 7%
Diesel Engines, 6%
Troubleshoot, 6%
Shop Safety, 5%
Combat, 5%

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Heavy Truck Mechanic vs Vehicle Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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