Rig mechanic vs diesel mechanic

The differences between rig 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 rig mechanic and a diesel mechanic. Additionally, a diesel mechanic has an average salary of $49,842, which is higher than the $44,088 average annual salary of a rig mechanic.

The top three skills for a rig mechanic include hand tools, troubleshoot and mechanical equipment. The most important skills for a diesel mechanic are CDL, preventative maintenance, and DOT.

Rig mechanic vs diesel mechanic overview

	Rig Mechanic	Diesel Mechanic
Yearly salary	$44,088	$49,842
Hourly rate	$21.20	$23.96
Growth rate	14%	4%
Number of jobs	89,556	85,684
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 28%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	48	42
Years of experience	2	2

Rig mechanic vs diesel mechanic salary

Rig mechanics and diesel mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Rig Mechanic	Diesel Mechanic
Average salary	$44,088	$49,842
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $66,000	Between $37,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	Richmond, CA
Highest paying state	-	Hawaii
Best paying company	-	Hensel Phelps
Best paying industry	-	Energy

Differences between rig mechanic and diesel mechanic education

There are a few differences between a rig mechanic and a diesel mechanic in terms of educational background:

	Rig Mechanic	Diesel Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 28%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Rig mechanic vs diesel mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between rig mechanics' and diesel mechanics' demographics:

	Rig 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, 8.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 3.4% White, 66.4% 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%

Differences between rig mechanic and diesel mechanic duties and responsibilities

Rig mechanic example responsibilities.

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.

Diesel mechanic example responsibilities.

Install and rebuild hydraulic systems on trucks to include cylinders, PTO pumps, and hoses.
Repair diesel engines; replace clutches, water pumps, turbo, alternators, brakes and HVAC.
Maintain and troubleshoot various kinds of heavy equipment like forklifts, graders, loaders and, buses.
Perform diagnosis and repairs to electrical systems as failures/problems occur.
Utilize CDL to test drive vehicles.
Maintain driveline and brake components of fleet trucks.

Rig mechanic vs diesel mechanic skills

Common rig mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 13%
Troubleshoot, 12%
Mechanical Equipment, 10%
Cranes, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 7%
Mud Pumps, 6%

Common diesel mechanic skills

CDL, 19%
Preventative Maintenance, 12%
DOT, 11%
Hand Tools, 9%
OSHA, 5%
Diagnosis, 4%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Rig Mechanic
Rig Mechanic vs Diesel Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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