Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between mechanics 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 and a diesel mechanic. Additionally, a diesel mechanic has an average salary of $49,842, which is higher than the $47,149 average annual salary of a mechanic.
The top three skills for a mechanic include hand tools, preventive maintenance and customer service. The most important skills for a diesel mechanic are CDL, preventative maintenance, and DOT.
| Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $47,149 | $49,842 |
| Hourly rate | $22.67 | $23.96 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 100,534 | 85,684 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.25 | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.
A diesel mechanic is a skilled technician responsible for the checking, maintenance, and repair of diesel engines. Diesel mechanics duties also include regular inspections of vehicles upon customer's request to ensure the smooth performance of the machine, communicate on any system issue that might cause malfunctions, and provide any replacement to renovate a damaged part of the engine. A diesel mechanic must be highly-knowledgeable on everything related to diesel engines to provide the best, long-term solutions for the customers.
Mechanics and diesel mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $47,149 | $49,842 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $63,000 | Between $37,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | Richmond, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Anheuser-Busch | Hensel Phelps |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between a mechanic and a diesel mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between mechanics' and diesel mechanics' demographics:
| Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% 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 Percentage | 2% | 2% |