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Tractor mechanic vs diesel mechanic

The differences between tractor 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 tractor mechanic and a diesel mechanic. Additionally, a diesel mechanic has an average salary of $49,842, which is higher than the $49,150 average annual salary of a tractor mechanic.

The top three skills for a tractor mechanic include routine maintenance, hydraulic systems and hand tools. The most important skills for a diesel mechanic are CDL, preventative maintenance, and DOT.

Tractor mechanic vs diesel mechanic overview

Tractor MechanicDiesel Mechanic
Yearly salary$49,150$49,842
Hourly rate$23.63$23.96
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs90,08885,684
Job satisfaction55
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 42%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Tractor mechanic vs diesel mechanic salary

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

Tractor MechanicDiesel Mechanic
Average salary$49,150$49,842
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $65,000Between $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 tractor mechanic and diesel mechanic education

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

Tractor MechanicDiesel Mechanic
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 42%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Tractor mechanic vs diesel mechanic demographics

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

Tractor MechanicDiesel Mechanic
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 98.4% Female, 1.6%Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 2.5% White, 66.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%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 Percentage2%2%

Differences between tractor mechanic and diesel mechanic duties and responsibilities

Tractor mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
  • Remove and disassemble engine, transmission and clutches, using hoists, jacks and mechanic's handtools.
  • 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.

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.
  • Show more

Tractor mechanic vs diesel mechanic skills

Common tractor mechanic skills
  • Routine Maintenance, 17%
  • Hydraulic Systems, 16%
  • Hand Tools, 14%
  • Troubleshoot, 10%
  • Electrical Problems, 5%
  • FHWA, 5%
Common diesel mechanic skills
  • CDL, 19%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 12%
  • DOT, 11%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Diagnosis, 4%

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