Heavy truck mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic

The differences between heavy truck mechanics and wheel alignment 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 wheel alignment mechanic. Additionally, a heavy truck mechanic has an average salary of $49,777, which is higher than the $41,985 average annual salary of a wheel alignment mechanic.

The top three skills for a heavy truck mechanic include CDL, diagnosis and OSHA. The most important skills for a wheel alignment mechanic are electrical systems, troubleshoot, and preventive maintenance checks.

Heavy truck mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic overview

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Yearly salary	$49,777	$41,985
Hourly rate	$23.93	$20.19
Growth rate	4%	1%
Number of jobs	83,972	34,558
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 40%
Average age	42	40
Years of experience	2	2

Heavy truck mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic salary

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Average salary	$49,777	$41,985
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $66,000	Between $26,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	Anaheim, CA	-
Highest paying state	California	-
Best paying company	Hunter Contracting	-
Best paying industry	Automotive	-

Differences between heavy truck mechanic and wheel alignment mechanic education

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 40%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Heavy truck mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic demographics

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

	Heavy Truck Mechanic	Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Average age	42	40
Gender ratio	Male, 97.6% Female, 2.4%	Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7%
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, 10.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 21.1% Asian, 5.1% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between heavy truck mechanic and wheel alignment 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.

Wheel alignment mechanic example responsibilities.

Service and repair for Porsche, Audi, and Volkswagen automobiles.
Raise trucks, vehicles, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
Work in there fleet department repairing and diagnosis on all emergency apparatuses and ambulances and police vehicles also include maintenance schedules.
Perform maintenance on M113, M88, M1A1, and M578 track vehicles.
Diagnose and repair M113 family of vehicles.
Diagnose electrical, air, hydraulics, and fuel problems on a variety of vehicles such as AVLB and M88 tanks.

Heavy truck mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic skills

Common heavy truck mechanic skills

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

Common wheel alignment mechanic skills

Electrical Systems, 10%
Troubleshoot, 7%
Preventive Maintenance Checks, 5%
Hydraulic Systems, 5%
Equipment Systems, 5%
Routine Maintenance, 5%

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Heavy Truck Mechanic vs Wheel Alignment Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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