Lift truck mechanic vs diesel mechanic

The differences between lift truck mechanics and diesel 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 lift truck mechanic and a diesel mechanic. Additionally, a diesel mechanic has an average salary of $49,842, which is higher than the $40,376 average annual salary of a lift truck mechanic.

The top three skills for a lift truck mechanic include electrical systems, and . The most important skills for a diesel mechanic are CDL, preventative maintenance, and DOT.

Lift truck mechanic vs diesel mechanic overview

	Lift Truck Mechanic	Diesel Mechanic
Yearly salary	$40,376	$49,842
Hourly rate	$19.41	$23.96
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	69,664	85,684
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 43%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Lift truck mechanic vs diesel mechanic salary

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

	Lift Truck Mechanic	Diesel Mechanic
Average salary	$40,376	$49,842
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $56,000	Between $37,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	Richmond, CA
Highest paying state	-	Hawaii
Best paying company	-	Hensel Phelps
Best paying industry	-	Energy

Differences between lift truck mechanic and diesel mechanic education

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

	Lift Truck Mechanic	Diesel Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 43%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Lift truck mechanic vs diesel mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between lift truck mechanics' and diesel mechanics' demographics:

	Lift Truck Mechanic	Diesel Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7%	Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 2.5% White, 69.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	Black or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between lift truck mechanic and diesel mechanic duties and responsibilities

Lift truck mechanic example responsibilities.

Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.

Diesel mechanic example responsibilities.

Install and rebuild hydraulic systems on trucks to include cylinders, PTO pumps, and hoses.
Repair diesel engines; replace clutches, water pumps, turbo, alternators, brakes and HVAC.
Maintain and troubleshoot various kinds of heavy equipment like forklifts, graders, loaders and, buses.
Perform diagnosis and repairs to electrical systems as failures/problems occur.
Utilize CDL to test drive vehicles.
Maintain driveline and brake components of fleet trucks.

Lift truck mechanic vs diesel mechanic skills

Common lift truck mechanic skills

Electrical Systems, 100%

Common diesel mechanic skills

CDL, 19%
Preventative Maintenance, 12%
DOT, 11%
Hand Tools, 9%
OSHA, 5%
Diagnosis, 4%

Lift Truck Mechanic vs. similar jobs

Lift Truck Mechanic related careers

Lift Truck Mechanic related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Lift Truck Mechanic
Lift Truck Mechanic vs Diesel Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs