How To Become A Trailer Mechanic: What It Is and Career Path

What is a trailer mechanic and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Trailer mechanics are skilled tradespeople who specialize in inspecting, repairing, and maintaining the components and systems of trailers, tractors, and other vehicles used for hauling large goods. They are trained in heavy truck technology and have the ability to identify and diagnose mechanical and electrical issues in large hauling vehicles.

Some of the duties and responsibilities that they bear in this capacity include inspecting, troubleshooting, and repairing semi-truck and trailer bodies, systems, and components; assembling and dissembling vehicle engines and cleaning the fuel tanks; ensuring that trailers meet the U.S. Department of Transportation's road safety requirements; and compiling inspection reports, documenting repairs, and reporting all findings to management. Educational requirements include an associate's degree in heavy truck technology, though this is optional. Certifications from organizations, such as National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, can prove beneficial. Prior work experience in a similar role is also desirable.

The average hourly pay for the position is $19.36, which amounts to $40,259. The career is expected to grow in the near future and create new opportunities across the United States.

ScoreTrailer MechanicUS Average

Salary

3.3

Avg. Salary $42,569

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.3

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

10.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.07%

Asian 2.48%

Black or African American 9.03%

Hispanic or Latino 17.28%

Unknown 5.02%

White 65.12%

Gender

female 2.03%

male 97.97%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress level

6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

5.8

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a trailer mechanic

Explore trailer mechanic education requirements

Most common trailer mechanic degrees

High School Diploma

52.4 %

Associate

19.3 %

Diploma

15.5 %

Start to develop specific trailer mechanic skills

Skills	Percentages
CDL	18.85%
Hand Tools	12.84%
Work Ethic	11.46%
DOT	11.15%
Safety Inspections	7.35%

Complete relevant trailer mechanic training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New trailer mechanics learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a trailer mechanic based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real trailer mechanic resumes.

Research trailer mechanic duties and responsibilities

Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
Repair equipment in accordance with manufacturer and FMCSA guidelines.use a variety of hand tools pneumatic and hydraulic.
Perform PMs on tractors and trailers, brake jobs, wheels seals, A/C repairs, starting system repair.
Build croton, core drill, solder, brazing.

Prepare your trailer mechanic resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your trailer mechanic resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a trailer mechanic resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable trailer mechanic resume templates

Build a professional trailer mechanic resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your trailer mechanic resume.