Tractor mechanic vs light wheel mechanic

The differences between tractor mechanics and light wheel 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 light wheel mechanic. Additionally, a tractor mechanic has an average salary of $49,150, which is higher than the $41,948 average annual salary of a light wheel mechanic.

The top three skills for a tractor mechanic include routine maintenance, hydraulic systems and hand tools. The most important skills for a light wheel mechanic are mechanical problems, electrical systems, and equipment systems.

Tractor mechanic vs light wheel mechanic overview

	Tractor Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Yearly salary	$49,150	$41,948
Hourly rate	$23.63	$20.17
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	90,088	90,297
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 46%	High School Diploma, 41%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Tractor mechanic vs light wheel mechanic salary

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

	Tractor Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Average salary	$49,150	$41,948
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $65,000	Between $25,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between tractor mechanic and light wheel mechanic education

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

	Tractor Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 46%	High School Diploma, 41%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Tractor mechanic vs light wheel mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between tractor mechanics' and light wheel mechanics' demographics:

	Tractor Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 98.4% Female, 1.6%	Male, 87.4% Female, 12.6%
Race ratio	Black 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, 9.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 2.5% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between tractor mechanic and light wheel 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.

Light wheel mechanic example responsibilities.

Manage projects dot compliance and driver logs.
DOT inspections on assign vehicles.
Install and run hydrolic lines.
Complete basic training and additional AIT training.
Assist in the diagnosis and repairs of the tractor/trailer fleet.
Maintain CDL to transport vehicles from one location to another.

Tractor mechanic vs light wheel mechanic skills

Common tractor mechanic skills

Routine Maintenance, 17%
Hydraulic Systems, 16%
Hand Tools, 14%
Troubleshoot, 10%
Electrical Problems, 5%
FHWA, 5%

Common light wheel mechanic skills

Mechanical Problems, 36%
Electrical Systems, 21%
Equipment Systems, 18%
MOS, 9%
Track Vehicles, 9%
AIT, 5%

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Tractor Mechanic
Tractor Mechanic vs Light Wheel Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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