Mechanic driver vs truck driver

The differences between mechanic drivers and truck drivers 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 truck driver. Additionally, a truck driver has an average salary of $60,326, 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 truck driver are CDL, OTR, and DOT.

Mechanic driver vs truck driver overview

	Mechanic Driver	Truck Driver
Yearly salary	$47,243	$60,326
Hourly rate	$22.71	$29.00
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	116,538	827,858
Job satisfaction	-	4
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 45%	High School Diploma, 48%
Average age	42	48
Years of experience	2	2

Mechanic driver vs truck driver salary

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

	Mechanic Driver	Truck Driver
Average salary	$47,243	$60,326
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $64,000	Between $40,000 And $90,000
Highest paying City	-	Wilmington, DE
Highest paying state	-	Delaware
Best paying company	-	W. R. Grace & Co
Best paying industry	-	Retail

Differences between mechanic driver and truck driver education

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

	Mechanic Driver	Truck Driver
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 45%	High School Diploma, 48%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Business
Most common college	-	-

Mechanic driver vs truck driver demographics

Here are the differences between mechanic drivers' and truck drivers' demographics:

	Mechanic Driver	Truck Driver
Average age	42	48
Gender ratio	Male, 96.9% Female, 3.1%	Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4%
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, 12.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 3.4% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	2%	4%

Differences between mechanic driver and truck driver 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.

Truck driver example responsibilities.

Manage and expedite the secure transportation and accountability of logistic materials and HAZMAT chemicals to commercial, state and government facilities.
Flatb loads including steel and specialty metals, pipe, refractory brick, commercial building materials, lumber and equipment.
Follow all HAZMAT regulations while transporting hazardous materials.
Utilize appropriate PPE at all times.
Dedicate run from Tennessee to California with LTL.
Used proper PPE and safety equipment when need.

Mechanic driver vs truck driver skills

Common mechanic driver skills

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

Common truck driver skills

CDL, 47%
OTR, 12%
DOT, 10%
PET, 6%
Hazmat, 4%
Customer Service, 4%

Mechanic Driver vs. similar jobs

Mechanic Driver related careers

Mechanic Driver related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Mechanic Driver
Mechanic Driver vs Truck Driver

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs