Mechanic, welder, truck driver vs heavy duty mechanic

The differences between mechanics, welder truck driver and heavy duty mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a mechanic, welder, truck driver, becoming a heavy duty mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a heavy duty mechanic has an average salary of $49,563, which is higher than the $39,947 average annual salary of a mechanic, welder, truck driver.

The top three skills for a mechanic, welder, truck driver include CDL, diesel trucks and . The most important skills for a heavy duty mechanic are CDL, hand tools, and preventive maintenance.

Mechanic, welder, truck driver vs heavy duty mechanic overview

	Mechanic, Welder, Truck Driver	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Yearly salary	$39,947	$49,563
Hourly rate	$19.21	$23.83
Growth rate	2%	4%
Number of jobs	97,738	51,609
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 59%	High School Diploma, 39%
Average age	40	42
Years of experience	4	2

Mechanic, welder, truck driver vs heavy duty mechanic salary

Mechanics, welder truck driver and heavy duty mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Mechanic, Welder, Truck Driver	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Average salary	$39,947	$49,563
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $55,000	Between $36,000 And $66,000
Highest paying City	-	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	-	Washington
Best paying company	-	Granite Construction
Best paying industry	-	Construction

Differences between mechanic, welder, truck driver and heavy duty mechanic education

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

	Mechanic, Welder, Truck Driver	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 59%	High School Diploma, 39%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Mechanic, welder, truck driver vs heavy duty mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between mechanics, welder truck driver' and heavy duty mechanics' demographics:

	Mechanic, Welder, Truck Driver	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Average age	40	42
Gender ratio	Male, 100.0% Female, 0.0%	Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 3.1% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.8%	Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	3%	2%

Differences between mechanic, welder, truck driver and heavy duty mechanic duties and responsibilities

Mechanic, welder, truck driver example responsibilities.

Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.

Heavy duty mechanic example responsibilities.

Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
Set up hydraulic and electrical systems and complete diagnosis and repair.
Dismantle devices, remove defective parts, used hoists, cranes, hand and power tools.
Perform preventative maintenance; FHWA / D.O.T.
Perform major engine and driveline service and repair.
Perform diagnosis and repairs to semi trucks and trailers.

Mechanic, welder, truck driver vs heavy duty mechanic skills

Common mechanic, welder, truck driver skills

CDL, 55%
Diesel Trucks, 45%

Common heavy duty mechanic skills

CDL, 13%
Hand Tools, 10%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
Construction Equipment, 5%
OSHA, 5%
Electrical Systems, 5%

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Mechanic, Welder, Truck Driver
Mechanic, Welder, Truck Driver vs Heavy Duty Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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