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The differences between mechanics and trailer 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 trailer mechanic. Additionally, a mechanic has an average salary of $47,149, which is higher than the $42,569 average annual salary of a trailer mechanic.
The top three skills for a mechanic include hand tools, preventive maintenance and customer service. The most important skills for a trailer mechanic are CDL, hand tools, and work ethic.
| Mechanic | Trailer Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $47,149 | $42,569 |
| Hourly rate | $22.67 | $20.47 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 100,534 | 86,057 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.25 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 52% |
| 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 trailer mechanic specializes in providing repair services on large vehicles such as trailers, semi-trucks, and tractors. Their responsibilities revolve around liaising with clients to identify their needs, inspecting machinery and electrical systems, diagnosing issues, conducting fixes and replacements, and explaining the extent of damage or repairs to clients. There are also instances where they must devise testing strategies, ensuring compliance with the government's policies. Furthermore, a trailer mechanic must maintain regular maintenance checks on vehicles to ensure the safety of operators and the efficiency of workflow.
Mechanics and trailer mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanic | Trailer Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $47,149 | $42,569 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $63,000 | Between $32,000 And $55,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | Billerica, MA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Anheuser-Busch | Dayton Freight |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a mechanic and a trailer mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Mechanic | Trailer Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 52% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between mechanics' and trailer mechanics' demographics:
| Mechanic | Trailer Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 98.0% Female, 2.0% |
| 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, 9.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.3% Asian, 2.5% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |