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Tractor mechanic vs shop technician

The differences between tractor mechanics and shop technicians 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 shop technician. Additionally, a tractor mechanic has an average salary of $49,150, which is higher than the $36,798 average annual salary of a shop technician.

The top three skills for a tractor mechanic include routine maintenance, hydraulic systems and hand tools. The most important skills for a shop technician are preventative maintenance, routine maintenance, and diagnosis.

Tractor mechanic vs shop technician overview

Tractor MechanicShop Technician
Yearly salary$49,150$36,798
Hourly rate$23.63$17.69
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs90,088150,349
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 30%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Tractor mechanic vs shop technician salary

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

Tractor MechanicShop Technician
Average salary$49,150$36,798
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $65,000Between $25,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City-San Leandro, CA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Los Alamos National Laboratory
Best paying industry-Energy

Differences between tractor mechanic and shop technician education

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

Tractor MechanicShop Technician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 30%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Tractor mechanic vs shop technician demographics

Here are the differences between tractor mechanics' and shop technicians' demographics:

Tractor MechanicShop Technician
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 98.4% Female, 1.6%Male, 91.9% Female, 8.1%
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, 8.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between tractor mechanic and shop technician 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.

Shop technician example responsibilities.

  • Work with a recording POS sheets to be transfer to companies expenses.
  • Maintain cleanliness of shop to promote organization which contribute to safety for other employees.
  • Contribute to the overall cleanliness of the fabrication lab by sweeping, cleaning machinery and arranging scrap materials.
  • Assist management with inventory, receiving, POS, window and screen repairs and to assemble power equipment.
  • Shop technician and foreman responsible for timely repair and diagnosis of medium to large heavy duty diesel trucks and equipment.
  • Diagnose, adjust, repair, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, and conveyors used in shop.
  • Show more

Tractor mechanic vs shop technician skills

Common tractor mechanic skills
  • Routine Maintenance, 17%
  • Hydraulic Systems, 16%
  • Hand Tools, 14%
  • Troubleshoot, 10%
  • Electrical Problems, 5%
  • FHWA, 5%
Common shop technician skills
  • Preventative Maintenance, 12%
  • Routine Maintenance, 9%
  • Diagnosis, 7%
  • Cranes, 7%
  • Electrical Systems, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%

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