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Tractor mechanic vs trailer mechanic

The differences between tractor mechanics and trailer 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 trailer mechanic. Additionally, a tractor mechanic has an average salary of $49,150, which is higher than the $42,569 average annual salary of a trailer mechanic.

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

Tractor mechanic vs trailer mechanic overview

Tractor MechanicTrailer Mechanic
Yearly salary$49,150$42,569
Hourly rate$23.63$20.47
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs90,08886,057
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 52%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Tractor mechanic vs trailer mechanic salary

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

Tractor MechanicTrailer Mechanic
Average salary$49,150$42,569
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $65,000Between $32,000 And $55,000
Highest paying City-Billerica, MA
Highest paying state-Massachusetts
Best paying company-Dayton Freight
Best paying industry-Transportation

Differences between tractor mechanic and trailer mechanic education

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

Tractor MechanicTrailer Mechanic
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 52%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Tractor mechanic vs trailer mechanic demographics

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

Tractor MechanicTrailer Mechanic
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 98.4% Female, 1.6%Male, 98.0% Female, 2.0%
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, 9.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.3% Asian, 2.5% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between tractor mechanic and trailer 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.

Trailer mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
  • Repair equipment in accordance with manufacturer and FMCSA guidelines.use a variety of hand tools pneumatic and hydraulic.
  • Perform PMs on tractors and trailers, brake jobs, wheels seals, A/C repairs, starting system repair.
  • Build croton, core drill, solder, brazing.
  • Install, black iron, cast iron, galvanize, fire sprinkle, gas, copper, & PVC pipe.
  • Experience in small engine lawn mowers.
  • Show more

Tractor mechanic vs trailer mechanic skills

Common tractor mechanic skills
  • Routine Maintenance, 17%
  • Hydraulic Systems, 16%
  • Hand Tools, 14%
  • Troubleshoot, 10%
  • Electrical Problems, 5%
  • FHWA, 5%
Common trailer mechanic skills
  • CDL, 19%
  • Hand Tools, 13%
  • Work Ethic, 11%
  • DOT, 11%
  • Safety Inspections, 7%
  • Perform Routine Maintenance, 7%

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