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Locomotive mechanic vs trailer mechanic

The differences between locomotive mechanics and trailer 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 trailer mechanic. Additionally, a trailer mechanic has an average salary of $42,569, 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 trailer mechanic are CDL, hand tools, and work ethic.

Locomotive mechanic vs trailer mechanic overview

Locomotive MechanicTrailer Mechanic
Yearly salary$41,991$42,569
Hourly rate$20.19$20.47
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs34,17886,057
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 33%High School Diploma, 52%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Locomotive mechanic vs trailer mechanic salary

Locomotive mechanics and trailer mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Locomotive MechanicTrailer Mechanic
Average salary$41,991$42,569
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $55,000Between $32,000 And $55,000
Highest paying City-Billerica, MA
Highest paying state-Massachusetts
Best paying company-Dayton Freight
Best paying industry-Transportation

Differences between locomotive mechanic and trailer mechanic education

There are a few differences between a locomotive mechanic and a trailer mechanic in terms of educational background:

Locomotive MechanicTrailer Mechanic
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 33%High School Diploma, 52%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Locomotive mechanic vs trailer mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between locomotive mechanics' and trailer mechanics' demographics:

Locomotive MechanicTrailer Mechanic
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 96.2% Female, 3.8%Male, 98.0% Female, 2.0%
Race ratioBlack 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, 9.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.3% Asian, 2.5% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between locomotive mechanic and trailer mechanic duties and responsibilities

Locomotive mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Provide routine maintenance, troubleshooting and repair to EMD and G.E.
  • Repair running gears: wheels, springs, hangers, and brake rigging traction motors.
  • weld with arc and mig welding.
  • Preform overhauls on EMD 12V645E diesel electric engines.
  • Work closely with contractors, FRA, OSHA and safety officers
  • Operate cutting torches or welding equipment to cut or join metal parts
  • Show more

Trailer mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
  • Repair equipment in accordance with manufacturer and FMCSA guidelines.use a variety of hand tools pneumatic and hydraulic.
  • Perform PMs on tractors and trailers, brake jobs, wheels seals, A/C repairs, starting system repair.
  • Build croton, core drill, solder, brazing.
  • Install, black iron, cast iron, galvanize, fire sprinkle, gas, copper, & PVC pipe.
  • Experience in small engine lawn mowers.
  • Show more

Locomotive mechanic vs trailer mechanic skills

Common locomotive mechanic skills
  • Locomotives, 28%
  • Hand Tools, 14%
  • FRA, 13%
  • DOT, 13%
  • Torches, 8%
  • Traction, 8%
Common trailer mechanic skills
  • CDL, 19%
  • Hand Tools, 13%
  • Work Ethic, 11%
  • DOT, 11%
  • Safety Inspections, 7%
  • Perform Routine Maintenance, 7%

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