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The differences between locomotive 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 locomotive mechanic and a diesel mechanic. Additionally, a diesel mechanic has an average salary of $49,842, which is higher than the $41,991 average annual salary of a locomotive mechanic.
The top three skills for a locomotive mechanic include locomotives, hand tools and FRA. The most important skills for a diesel mechanic are CDL, preventative maintenance, and DOT.
| Locomotive Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $41,991 | $49,842 |
| Hourly rate | $20.19 | $23.96 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 34,178 | 85,684 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 33% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Locomotive mechanics and diesel mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Locomotive Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $41,991 | $49,842 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $55,000 | Between $37,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Richmond, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | - | Hensel Phelps |
| Best paying industry | - | Energy |
There are a few differences between a locomotive mechanic and a diesel mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Locomotive Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 33% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between locomotive mechanics' and diesel mechanics' demographics:
| Locomotive Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8% | Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 2.5% White, 67.5% 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% |