Tractor mechanic vs mechanic driver

The differences between tractor mechanics and mechanic drivers 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 mechanic driver. Additionally, a tractor mechanic has an average salary of $49,150, which is higher than the $47,243 average annual salary of a mechanic driver.

The top three skills for a tractor mechanic include routine maintenance, hydraulic systems and hand tools. The most important skills for a mechanic driver are tractor trailer, CDL, and dump truck.

Tractor mechanic vs mechanic driver overview

	Tractor Mechanic	Mechanic Driver
Yearly salary	$49,150	$47,243
Hourly rate	$23.63	$22.71
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	90,088	116,538
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 46%	High School Diploma, 45%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Tractor mechanic vs mechanic driver salary

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

	Tractor Mechanic	Mechanic Driver
Average salary	$49,150	$47,243
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $65,000	Between $34,000 And $64,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between tractor mechanic and mechanic driver education

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

	Tractor Mechanic	Mechanic Driver
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 46%	High School Diploma, 45%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Tractor mechanic vs mechanic driver demographics

Here are the differences between tractor mechanics' and mechanic drivers' demographics:

	Tractor Mechanic	Mechanic Driver
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 98.4% Female, 1.6%	Male, 96.9% Female, 3.1%
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, 9.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 2.5% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between tractor mechanic and mechanic driver 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.

Mechanic driver example responsibilities.

Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
DOT inspections, replacing brakes, tires, king pins shackle pins.
Repair and replace damage or worn parts and troubleshoot problems.
Metal fabrication and MIG welding to restore serviceability of equipment.
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.

Tractor mechanic vs mechanic driver skills

Common tractor mechanic skills

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

Common mechanic driver skills

Tractor Trailer, 18%
CDL, 8%
Dump Truck, 8%
Preventative Maintenance, 8%
DOT, 7%
Safety Equipment, 7%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Tractor Mechanic
Tractor Mechanic vs Mechanic Driver

Updated January 8, 2025

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