Mechanic driver vs light wheel mechanic

The differences between mechanic drivers 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 mechanic driver and a light wheel mechanic. Additionally, a mechanic driver has an average salary of $47,243, which is higher than the $41,948 average annual salary of a light wheel mechanic.

The top three skills for a mechanic driver include tractor trailer, CDL and dump truck. The most important skills for a light wheel mechanic are mechanical problems, electrical systems, and equipment systems.

Mechanic driver vs light wheel mechanic overview

	Mechanic Driver	Light Wheel Mechanic
Yearly salary	$47,243	$41,948
Hourly rate	$22.71	$20.17
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	116,538	90,297
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 45%	High School Diploma, 41%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Mechanic driver vs light wheel mechanic salary

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

	Mechanic Driver	Light Wheel Mechanic
Average salary	$47,243	$41,948
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $64,000	Between $25,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between mechanic driver and light wheel mechanic education

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

	Mechanic Driver	Light Wheel Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 45%	High School Diploma, 41%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Mechanic driver vs light wheel mechanic demographics

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

	Mechanic Driver	Light Wheel Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 96.9% Female, 3.1%	Male, 87.4% Female, 12.6%
Race ratio	Black 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, 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 mechanic driver and light wheel 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.

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.

Mechanic driver vs light wheel mechanic skills

Common mechanic driver skills

Tractor Trailer, 18%
CDL, 8%
Dump Truck, 8%
Preventative Maintenance, 8%
DOT, 7%
Safety Equipment, 7%

Common light wheel mechanic skills

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

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
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Mechanic Driver vs Light Wheel Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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