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Tractor trailer mechanic vs mechanic driver

The differences between tractor trailer 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 trailer mechanic and a mechanic driver. Additionally, a tractor trailer mechanic has an average salary of $47,816, which is higher than the $47,243 average annual salary of a mechanic driver.

The top three skills for a tractor trailer mechanic include DOT, hand tools and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a mechanic driver are tractor trailer, CDL, and dump truck.

Tractor trailer mechanic vs mechanic driver overview

Tractor Trailer MechanicMechanic Driver
Yearly salary$47,816$47,243
Hourly rate$22.99$22.71
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs86,895116,538
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 45%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Tractor trailer mechanic vs mechanic driver salary

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

Tractor Trailer MechanicMechanic Driver
Average salary$47,816$47,243
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $63,000Between $34,000 And $64,000
Highest paying CitySpringfield, MA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyXPO Logistics-
Best paying industryAutomotive-

Differences between tractor trailer mechanic and mechanic driver education

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

Tractor Trailer MechanicMechanic Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 45%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Tractor trailer mechanic vs mechanic driver demographics

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

Tractor Trailer MechanicMechanic Driver
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 97.9% Female, 2.1%Male, 96.9% Female, 3.1%
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, 9.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 2.5% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between tractor trailer mechanic and mechanic driver 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

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 trailer mechanic vs mechanic driver skills

Common tractor trailer mechanic skills
  • DOT, 21%
  • Hand Tools, 13%
  • Troubleshoot, 9%
  • Preventive Maintenance, 6%
  • Shop Equipment, 6%
  • Electrical Systems, 6%
Common mechanic driver skills
  • Tractor Trailer, 18%
  • CDL, 8%
  • Dump Truck, 8%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 8%
  • DOT, 7%
  • Safety Equipment, 7%

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