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The differences between pump 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 pump mechanic and a diesel mechanic. Additionally, a pump mechanic has an average salary of $50,382, which is higher than the $49,842 average annual salary of a diesel mechanic.
The top three skills for a pump mechanic include hand tools, DOT and mechanical problems. The most important skills for a diesel mechanic are CDL, preventative maintenance, and DOT.
A pump mechanic is someone who inspects, diagnoses, and does minor and major repair work on pumps. Pump mechanics perform mechanical works on hydraulic equipment, valves, compressors, motors, controls, and associated equipment. The mechanics repair wastewater lift stations, water transfer pumps, and storm drain stations. They examine the pumps for possible malfunctioning and find the wear or damage, such as blowout packing. Among the tools they use during their mechanical tasks are high torque drills, basic hand tools, sandblasters, torches, and precision measurement tools.
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.
Pump mechanics and diesel mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pump Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $50,382 | $49,842 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $68,000 | Between $37,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | Richmond, CA | Richmond, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | United Rentals | Hensel Phelps |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Energy |
There are a few differences between a pump mechanic and a diesel mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Pump Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 53% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pump mechanics' and diesel mechanics' demographics:
| Pump Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Average age | 48 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7% | Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 3.3% White, 66.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | 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% |