Lift truck mechanic vs light wheel mechanic

The differences between lift truck mechanics and light wheel 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 light wheel mechanic. Additionally, a light wheel mechanic has an average salary of $41,948, 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 light wheel mechanic are mechanical problems, electrical systems, and equipment systems.

Lift truck mechanic vs light wheel mechanic overview

	Lift Truck Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Yearly salary	$40,376	$41,948
Hourly rate	$19.41	$20.17
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	69,664	90,297
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 43%	High School Diploma, 41%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Lift truck mechanic vs light wheel mechanic salary

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

	Lift Truck Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Average salary	$40,376	$41,948
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $56,000	Between $25,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between lift truck mechanic and light wheel mechanic education

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

	Lift Truck Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 43%	High School Diploma, 41%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Lift truck mechanic vs light wheel mechanic demographics

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

	Lift Truck Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7%	Male, 87.4% Female, 12.6%
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, 9.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 2.5% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between lift truck mechanic and light wheel 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.

Light wheel mechanic example responsibilities.

Manage projects dot compliance and driver logs.
DOT inspections on assign vehicles.
Install and run hydrolic lines.
Complete basic training and additional AIT training.
Assist in the diagnosis and repairs of the tractor/trailer fleet.
Maintain CDL to transport vehicles from one location to another.

Lift truck mechanic vs light wheel mechanic skills

Common lift truck mechanic skills

Electrical Systems, 100%

Common light wheel mechanic skills

Mechanical Problems, 36%
Electrical Systems, 21%
Equipment Systems, 18%
MOS, 9%
Track Vehicles, 9%
AIT, 5%

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 Light Wheel Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs