Post job

Tractor trailer mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic

The differences between tractor trailer mechanics and heavy duty 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 trailer mechanic and a heavy duty mechanic. Additionally, a heavy duty mechanic has an average salary of $49,563, which is higher than the $47,816 average annual salary of a tractor trailer mechanic.

The top three skills for a tractor trailer mechanic include DOT, hand tools and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a heavy duty mechanic are CDL, hand tools, and preventive maintenance.

Tractor trailer mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic overview

Tractor Trailer MechanicHeavy Duty Mechanic
Yearly salary$47,816$49,563
Hourly rate$22.99$23.83
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs86,89551,609
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 39%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Tractor trailer mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic salary

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

Tractor Trailer MechanicHeavy Duty Mechanic
Average salary$47,816$49,563
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $63,000Between $36,000 And $66,000
Highest paying CitySpringfield, MASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaWashington
Best paying companyXPO LogisticsGranite Construction
Best paying industryAutomotiveConstruction

Differences between tractor trailer mechanic and heavy duty mechanic education

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

Tractor Trailer MechanicHeavy Duty Mechanic
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 39%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Tractor trailer mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic demographics

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

Tractor Trailer MechanicHeavy Duty Mechanic
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 97.9% Female, 2.1%Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 2.5% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between tractor trailer mechanic and heavy duty mechanic duties and responsibilities

Tractor trailer mechanic example 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.
  • Work on all types of lawn mowers, tractors and tractor implements.
  • Perform HVAC repairs ranging from troubleshooting to retrofits to complete system replacements.
  • Show more

Heavy duty mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
  • Set up hydraulic and electrical systems and complete diagnosis and repair.
  • Dismantle devices, remove defective parts, used hoists, cranes, hand and power tools.
  • Perform preventative maintenance; FHWA / D.O.T.
  • Perform major engine and driveline service and repair.
  • Perform diagnosis and repairs to semi trucks and trailers.
  • Show more

Tractor trailer mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic skills

Common tractor trailer mechanic skills
  • DOT, 21%
  • Hand Tools, 13%
  • Troubleshoot, 9%
  • Preventive Maintenance, 6%
  • Shop Equipment, 6%
  • Electrical Systems, 6%
Common heavy duty mechanic skills
  • CDL, 13%
  • Hand Tools, 10%
  • Preventive Maintenance, 8%
  • Construction Equipment, 5%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Electrical Systems, 5%

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs