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Tractor trailer mechanic vs truck mechanic

The differences between tractor trailer mechanics and truck 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 truck mechanic. Additionally, a truck mechanic has an average salary of $50,169, 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 truck mechanic are CDL, customer service, and electrical systems.

Tractor trailer mechanic vs truck mechanic overview

Tractor Trailer MechanicTruck Mechanic
Yearly salary$47,816$50,169
Hourly rate$22.99$24.12
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs86,89580,942
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 37%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Tractor trailer mechanic vs truck mechanic salary

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

Tractor Trailer MechanicTruck Mechanic
Average salary$47,816$50,169
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $63,000Between $37,000 And $67,000
Highest paying CitySpringfield, MANewark, NJ
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNevada
Best paying companyXPO LogisticsAllan A. Myers
Best paying industryAutomotiveEnergy

Differences between tractor trailer mechanic and truck mechanic education

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

Tractor Trailer MechanicTruck Mechanic
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 37%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Tractor trailer mechanic vs truck mechanic demographics

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

Tractor Trailer MechanicTruck Mechanic
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 97.9% Female, 2.1%Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
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, 9.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 2.5% White, 66.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between tractor trailer mechanic and truck 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.
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Truck mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
  • Detail completion in writing of diagnosis and repair on company repair order.
  • Raise trucks, buses and heavy parts and equipment using hydraulic jacks and hoists.
  • Service air system and troubleshoot, repair, and service air conditioning systems on trucks.
  • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
  • Perform all FHWA and D.O.T.
  • Show more

Tractor trailer mechanic vs truck mechanic skills

Common tractor trailer mechanic skills
  • DOT, 21%
  • Hand Tools, 13%
  • Troubleshoot, 9%
  • Preventive Maintenance, 6%
  • Shop Equipment, 6%
  • Electrical Systems, 6%
Common truck mechanic skills
  • CDL, 18%
  • Customer Service, 12%
  • Electrical Systems, 6%
  • Diesel Engines, 4%
  • DOT, 4%
  • Hand Tools, 4%

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