Tractor trailer mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic

The differences between tractor trailer mechanics and wheel alignment 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 wheel alignment mechanic. Additionally, a tractor trailer mechanic has an average salary of $47,816, which is higher than the $41,985 average annual salary of a wheel alignment mechanic.

The top three skills for a tractor trailer mechanic include DOT, hand tools and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a wheel alignment mechanic are electrical systems, troubleshoot, and preventive maintenance checks.

Tractor trailer mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic overview

	Tractor Trailer Mechanic	Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Yearly salary	$47,816	$41,985
Hourly rate	$22.99	$20.19
Growth rate	4%	1%
Number of jobs	86,895	34,558
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 46%	High School Diploma, 40%
Average age	42	40
Years of experience	2	2

Tractor trailer mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic salary

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

	Tractor Trailer Mechanic	Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Average salary	$47,816	$41,985
Salary range	Between $35,000 And $63,000	Between $26,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	Springfield, MA	-
Highest paying state	California	-
Best paying company	XPO Logistics	-
Best paying industry	Automotive	-

Differences between tractor trailer mechanic and wheel alignment mechanic education

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

	Tractor Trailer Mechanic	Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 46%	High School Diploma, 40%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Tractor trailer mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic demographics

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

	Tractor Trailer Mechanic	Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Average age	42	40
Gender ratio	Male, 97.9% Female, 2.1%	Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7%
Race ratio	Black 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, 10.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 21.1% Asian, 5.1% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between tractor trailer mechanic and wheel alignment 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.

Wheel alignment mechanic example responsibilities.

Service and repair for Porsche, Audi, and Volkswagen automobiles.
Raise trucks, vehicles, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
Work in there fleet department repairing and diagnosis on all emergency apparatuses and ambulances and police vehicles also include maintenance schedules.
Perform maintenance on M113, M88, M1A1, and M578 track vehicles.
Diagnose and repair M113 family of vehicles.
Diagnose electrical, air, hydraulics, and fuel problems on a variety of vehicles such as AVLB and M88 tanks.

Tractor trailer mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic skills

Common tractor trailer mechanic skills

DOT, 21%
Hand Tools, 13%
Troubleshoot, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 6%
Shop Equipment, 6%
Electrical Systems, 6%

Common wheel alignment mechanic skills

Electrical Systems, 10%
Troubleshoot, 7%
Preventive Maintenance Checks, 5%
Hydraulic Systems, 5%
Equipment Systems, 5%
Routine Maintenance, 5%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Tractor Trailer Mechanic
Tractor Trailer Mechanic vs Wheel Alignment Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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