Junior mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic

The differences between junior mechanics and heavy duty 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 junior mechanic and a heavy duty mechanic. Additionally, a heavy duty mechanic has an average salary of $49,563, which is higher than the $39,809 average annual salary of a junior mechanic.

The top three skills for a junior mechanic include hand tools, electrical systems and OSHA. The most important skills for a heavy duty mechanic are CDL, hand tools, and preventive maintenance.

Junior mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic overview

	Junior Mechanic	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Yearly salary	$39,809	$49,563
Hourly rate	$19.14	$23.83
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	44,920	51,609
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 39%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Junior mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic salary

Junior mechanics and heavy duty mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Junior Mechanic	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Average salary	$39,809	$49,563
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $55,000	Between $36,000 And $66,000
Highest paying City	Fremont, CA	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Washington
Best paying company	WestRock	Granite Construction
Best paying industry	Construction	Construction

Differences between junior mechanic and heavy duty mechanic education

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

	Junior Mechanic	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 39%
Most common major	Electrical Engineering Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Junior mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between junior mechanics' and heavy duty mechanics' demographics:

	Junior Mechanic	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 96.6% Female, 3.4%	Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 2.3% White, 64.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between junior mechanic and heavy duty mechanic duties and responsibilities

Junior mechanic example responsibilities.

Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
Assist technicians in the installation and repair HVAC system units, including electronic and mechanical components.
Measure, cut, thread and bond pipes and tubing to feeding water, gas or refrigerant to various HVAC equipment.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.

Heavy duty mechanic example responsibilities.

Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
Set up hydraulic and electrical systems and complete diagnosis and repair.
Dismantle devices, remove defective parts, used hoists, cranes, hand and power tools.
Perform preventative maintenance; FHWA / D.O.T.
Perform major engine and driveline service and repair.
Perform diagnosis and repairs to semi trucks and trailers.

Junior mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic skills

Common junior mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 20%
Electrical Systems, 11%
OSHA, 10%
Ladders, 7%
Light Fixtures, 6%
Preventive Maintenance, 5%

Common heavy duty mechanic skills

CDL, 13%
Hand Tools, 10%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
Construction Equipment, 5%
OSHA, 5%
Electrical Systems, 5%

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Junior Mechanic vs Heavy Duty Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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