Locomotive mechanic vs truck mechanic

The differences between locomotive mechanics and truck 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 truck mechanic. Additionally, a truck mechanic has an average salary of $50,169, 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 truck mechanic are CDL, customer service, and electrical systems.

Locomotive mechanic vs truck mechanic overview

	Locomotive Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Yearly salary	$41,991	$50,169
Hourly rate	$20.19	$24.12
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	34,178	80,942
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 33%	High School Diploma, 37%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Locomotive mechanic vs truck mechanic salary

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

	Locomotive Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Average salary	$41,991	$50,169
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $55,000	Between $37,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	Newark, NJ
Highest paying state	-	Nevada
Best paying company	-	Allan A. Myers
Best paying industry	-	Energy

Differences between locomotive mechanic and truck mechanic education

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

	Locomotive Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 33%	High School Diploma, 37%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Locomotive mechanic vs truck mechanic demographics

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

	Locomotive Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8%	Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
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, 9.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 2.5% White, 66.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between locomotive mechanic and truck 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

Truck mechanic example responsibilities.

Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
Detail completion in writing of diagnosis and repair on company repair order.
Raise trucks, buses and heavy parts and equipment using hydraulic jacks and hoists.
Service air system and troubleshoot, repair, and service air conditioning systems on trucks.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Perform all FHWA and D.O.T.

Locomotive mechanic vs truck mechanic skills

Common locomotive mechanic skills

Locomotives, 28%
Hand Tools, 14%
FRA, 13%
DOT, 13%
Torches, 8%
Traction, 8%

Common truck mechanic skills

CDL, 18%
Customer Service, 12%
Electrical Systems, 6%
Diesel Engines, 4%
DOT, 4%
Hand Tools, 4%

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Locomotive Mechanic
Locomotive Mechanic vs Truck Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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