Track mechanic vs diesel mechanic

The differences between track mechanics and diesel 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 track mechanic, becoming a diesel mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a track mechanic has an average salary of $170,731, which is higher than the $49,842 average annual salary of a diesel mechanic.

The top three skills for a track mechanic include track vehicles, diesel engines and electrical systems. The most important skills for a diesel mechanic are CDL, preventative maintenance, and DOT.

Track mechanic vs diesel mechanic overview

	Track Mechanic	Diesel Mechanic
Yearly salary	$170,731	$49,842
Hourly rate	$82.08	$23.96
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	34,390	85,684
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	49	42
Years of experience	4	2

Track mechanic vs diesel mechanic salary

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

	Track Mechanic	Diesel Mechanic
Average salary	$170,731	$49,842
Salary range	Between $88,000 And $328,000	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 track mechanic and diesel mechanic education

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

	Track Mechanic	Diesel Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	General Studies	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Track mechanic vs diesel mechanic demographics

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

	Track Mechanic	Diesel Mechanic
Average age	49	42
Gender ratio	Male, 91.4% Female, 8.6%	Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%	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	4%	2%

Differences between track mechanic and diesel mechanic duties and responsibilities

Track mechanic example responsibilities.

Conduct PMCS and perform sustainment maintenance in accordance with COSIS standards.
Dismantle and reassemble heavy track vehicle components using hoists and hand tools.
Inspect and troubleshoot track vehicle automotive systems, wheel vehicles and classify equipment.
Practice preventive maintenance with electrical and mechanical equipment to assure combat readiness.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Inspect MHE systems, subsystems and components.

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.

Track mechanic vs diesel mechanic skills

Common track mechanic skills

Track Vehicles, 31%
Diesel Engines, 11%
Electrical Systems, 10%
Field Maintenance, 6%
Combat, 5%
Technical Manuals, 5%

Common diesel mechanic skills

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

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Track Mechanic vs Diesel Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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