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Mechanic driver vs diesel mechanic

The differences between mechanic drivers 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 mechanic driver and a diesel mechanic. Additionally, a diesel mechanic has an average salary of $49,842, which is higher than the $47,243 average annual salary of a mechanic driver.

The top three skills for a mechanic driver include tractor trailer, CDL and dump truck. The most important skills for a diesel mechanic are CDL, preventative maintenance, and DOT.

Mechanic driver vs diesel mechanic overview

Mechanic DriverDiesel Mechanic
Yearly salary$47,243$49,842
Hourly rate$22.71$23.96
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs116,53885,684
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 42%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Mechanic driver vs diesel mechanic salary

Mechanic drivers and diesel mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Mechanic DriverDiesel Mechanic
Average salary$47,243$49,842
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $64,000Between $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 mechanic driver and diesel mechanic education

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

Mechanic DriverDiesel Mechanic
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 42%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Mechanic driver vs diesel mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between mechanic drivers' and diesel mechanics' demographics:

Mechanic DriverDiesel Mechanic
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 96.9% Female, 3.1%Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 2.5% White, 66.4% 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 Percentage2%2%

Differences between mechanic driver and diesel mechanic duties and responsibilities

Mechanic driver example responsibilities.

  • Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
  • DOT inspections, replacing brakes, tires, king pins shackle pins.
  • Repair and replace damage or worn parts and troubleshoot problems.
  • Metal fabrication and MIG welding to restore serviceability of equipment.
  • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
  • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.

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.
  • Show more

Mechanic driver vs diesel mechanic skills

Common mechanic driver skills
  • Tractor Trailer, 18%
  • CDL, 8%
  • Dump Truck, 8%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 8%
  • DOT, 7%
  • Safety Equipment, 7%
Common diesel mechanic skills
  • CDL, 19%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 12%
  • DOT, 11%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Diagnosis, 4%

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