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Tractor trailer mechanic vs vehicle mechanic

The differences between tractor trailer mechanics and vehicle 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 vehicle mechanic. Additionally, a tractor trailer mechanic has an average salary of $47,816, which is higher than the $42,628 average annual salary of a vehicle mechanic.

The top three skills for a tractor trailer mechanic include DOT, hand tools and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a vehicle mechanic are hand tools, electrical systems, and diesel engines.

Tractor trailer mechanic vs vehicle mechanic overview

Tractor Trailer MechanicVehicle Mechanic
Yearly salary$47,816$42,628
Hourly rate$22.99$20.49
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs86,89537,592
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 42%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Tractor trailer mechanic vs vehicle mechanic salary

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

Tractor Trailer MechanicVehicle Mechanic
Average salary$47,816$42,628
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $63,000Between $29,000 And $62,000
Highest paying CitySpringfield, MAAdelanto, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaAlaska
Best paying companyXPO LogisticsGoogle
Best paying industryAutomotiveManufacturing

Differences between tractor trailer mechanic and vehicle mechanic education

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

Tractor Trailer MechanicVehicle Mechanic
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 46%High School Diploma, 42%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Tractor trailer mechanic vs vehicle mechanic demographics

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

Tractor Trailer MechanicVehicle Mechanic
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 97.9% Female, 2.1%Male, 91.8% Female, 8.2%
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, 8.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between tractor trailer mechanic and vehicle 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

Vehicle mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Experience in the repairs of HMMWV, MTV/LMTV, PLS, and HEMMT classes.
  • Maintain HEMTT, heat, PLS, LHS, FMTV, MTV, and HMMWV.
  • Analyze blueprints and FAA technical publications for FAA audits and create innovative ways to manufacture products and save man hours.
  • Inspect, repair and adjust traders, trenching machines, diesel tractors, pan, scrapers and earth moving bulldozers.
  • Perform services, troubleshoot, inspect and repair mechanical/electrical and hydraulic systems and subsystems.
  • Perform automotive diagnosis, routine maintenance, exhaust fabrication and service repairs daily/as need.
  • Show more

Tractor trailer mechanic vs vehicle mechanic skills

Common tractor trailer mechanic skills
  • DOT, 21%
  • Hand Tools, 13%
  • Troubleshoot, 9%
  • Preventive Maintenance, 6%
  • Shop Equipment, 6%
  • Electrical Systems, 6%
Common vehicle mechanic skills
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Electrical Systems, 7%
  • Diesel Engines, 6%
  • Troubleshoot, 6%
  • Shop Safety, 5%
  • Combat, 5%

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