Mechanic driver vs wheel alignment mechanic

The differences between mechanic drivers and wheel alignment 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 wheel alignment mechanic. Additionally, a mechanic driver has an average salary of $47,243, which is higher than the $41,985 average annual salary of a wheel alignment mechanic.

The top three skills for a mechanic driver include tractor trailer, CDL and dump truck. The most important skills for a wheel alignment mechanic are electrical systems, troubleshoot, and preventive maintenance checks.

Mechanic driver vs wheel alignment mechanic overview

	Mechanic Driver	Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Yearly salary	$47,243	$41,985
Hourly rate	$22.71	$20.19
Growth rate	4%	1%
Number of jobs	116,538	34,558
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 45%	High School Diploma, 40%
Average age	42	40
Years of experience	2	2

Mechanic driver vs wheel alignment mechanic salary

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

	Mechanic Driver	Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Average salary	$47,243	$41,985
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $64,000	Between $26,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between mechanic driver and wheel alignment mechanic education

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

	Mechanic Driver	Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 45%	High School Diploma, 40%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Mechanic driver vs wheel alignment mechanic demographics

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

	Mechanic Driver	Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Average age	42	40
Gender ratio	Male, 96.9% Female, 3.1%	Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7%
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, 10.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 21.1% Asian, 5.1% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between mechanic driver and wheel alignment 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.

Wheel alignment mechanic example responsibilities.

Service and repair for Porsche, Audi, and Volkswagen automobiles.
Raise trucks, vehicles, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
Work in there fleet department repairing and diagnosis on all emergency apparatuses and ambulances and police vehicles also include maintenance schedules.
Perform maintenance on M113, M88, M1A1, and M578 track vehicles.
Diagnose and repair M113 family of vehicles.
Diagnose electrical, air, hydraulics, and fuel problems on a variety of vehicles such as AVLB and M88 tanks.

Mechanic driver vs wheel alignment mechanic skills

Common mechanic driver skills

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

Common wheel alignment mechanic skills

Electrical Systems, 10%
Troubleshoot, 7%
Preventive Maintenance Checks, 5%
Hydraulic Systems, 5%
Equipment Systems, 5%
Routine Maintenance, 5%

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

Updated January 8, 2025

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