How To Become A Tractor Trailer Mechanic: What It Is and Career Path

What is a tractor trailer mechanic and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a tractor trailer mechanic. For example, did you know that they make an average of $22.99 an hour? That's $47,816 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 4% and produce 12,600 job opportunities across the U.S.

ScoreTractor Trailer MechanicUS Average

Salary

3.7

Avg. Salary $47,816

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.3

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

10.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.08%

Asian 2.52%

Black or African American 9.49%

Hispanic or Latino 14.72%

Unknown 5.03%

White 67.16%

Gender

female 2.13%

male 97.87%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress level

6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

5.8

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a tractor trailer mechanic

Explore tractor trailer mechanic education requirements

Most common tractor trailer mechanic degrees

High School Diploma

46.0 %

Associate

23.0 %

Diploma

19.8 %

Start to develop specific tractor trailer mechanic skills

Skills	Percentages
DOT	20.68%
Hand Tools	12.74%
Troubleshoot	9.23%
Preventive Maintenance	6.32%
Shop Equipment	6.11%

Complete relevant tractor trailer mechanic training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New tractor trailer mechanics learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a tractor trailer mechanic based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real tractor trailer mechanic resumes.

Research tractor trailer mechanic duties and responsibilities

Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
Dot inspections, drive line component service.
Maintain trailers, overhead doors, lift gates & dollies
Stick welding and MIG welding equipment to fabricate & repair metal parts.

Prepare your tractor trailer mechanic resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your tractor trailer mechanic resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a tractor trailer mechanic resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable tractor trailer mechanic resume templates

Build a professional tractor trailer mechanic resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your tractor trailer mechanic resume.