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Heavy vehicle technician vs instrument technician apprentice

The differences between heavy vehicle technicians and instrument technician apprentices can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a heavy vehicle technician, becoming an instrument technician apprentice takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, an instrument technician apprentice has an average salary of $39,849, which is higher than the $38,006 average annual salary of a heavy vehicle technician.

The top three skills for a heavy vehicle technician include DOT, hand tools and CDL. The most important skills for an instrument technician apprentice are hand tools, customer satisfaction, and diagnosis.

Heavy vehicle technician vs instrument technician apprentice overview

Heavy Vehicle TechnicianInstrument Technician Apprentice
Yearly salary$38,006$39,849
Hourly rate$18.27$19.16
Growth rate1%-
Number of jobs108,284130,235
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 31%High School Diploma, 28%
Average age4050
Years of experience212

Heavy vehicle technician vs instrument technician apprentice salary

Heavy vehicle technicians and instrument technician apprentices have different pay scales, as shown below.

Heavy Vehicle TechnicianInstrument Technician Apprentice
Average salary$38,006$39,849
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $51,000Between $27,000 And $57,000
Highest paying CityFoster City, CAHayward, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaHawaii
Best paying companyBruce Transportation GroupAccenture
Best paying industryProfessionalAutomotive

Differences between heavy vehicle technician and instrument technician apprentice education

There are a few differences between a heavy vehicle technician and an instrument technician apprentice in terms of educational background:

Heavy Vehicle TechnicianInstrument Technician Apprentice
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 31%High School Diploma, 28%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Heavy vehicle technician vs instrument technician apprentice demographics

Here are the differences between heavy vehicle technicians' and instrument technician apprentices' demographics:

Heavy Vehicle TechnicianInstrument Technician Apprentice
Average age4050
Gender ratioMale, 85.4% Female, 14.6%Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.2% Asian, 5.0% White, 60.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 8.0% White, 70.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage2%8%

Differences between heavy vehicle technician and instrument technician apprentice duties and responsibilities

Heavy vehicle technician example responsibilities.

  • Hire specifically to test and troubleshoot main components and sub assemblies.
  • Work though rotation of all branches of auto troubleshooting, diagnosis, and repair.
  • Assign with diagnosis and repair of chassis, electrical, hydraulic and water pump systems.
  • Inspect, test, troubleshoot, repair and adjust electrical, hydraulic, fire control, mechanical and firing systems.
  • Demonstrate dependability and reliability by being punctual, working assign shifts, and completing responsibilities in a timely manner.
  • repair vehicles for a/c brakes, hybrid vehicles, transmissions, electronic and computer diag
  • Show more

Instrument technician apprentice example responsibilities.

  • Achieve multiple ASE certifications within first year of employment.
  • Maintain the cleanliness of the shop.
  • Train, working under ASE certification standards.
  • Wire low volt and high volt generators for caterpillar.
  • Unload vehicles by driving and by the use of cranes.
  • Install HD brand and aftermarket, chrome and billet, parts and accessories.
  • Show more

Heavy vehicle technician vs instrument technician apprentice skills

Common heavy vehicle technician skills
  • DOT, 12%
  • Hand Tools, 11%
  • CDL, 10%
  • Diagnosis, 5%
  • Electrical Troubleshooting, 4%
  • Preventive Maintenance, 4%
Common instrument technician apprentice skills
  • Hand Tools, 8%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 8%
  • Diagnosis, 7%
  • OSHA, 7%
  • Cleanliness, 7%
  • Customer Vehicles, 6%

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