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Trailer mechanic vs field mechanic

The differences between trailer mechanics and field 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 trailer mechanic and a field mechanic. Additionally, a field mechanic has an average salary of $46,395, which is higher than the $42,569 average annual salary of a trailer mechanic.

The top three skills for a trailer mechanic include CDL, hand tools and work ethic. The most important skills for a field mechanic are CDL, construction equipment, and cranes.

Trailer mechanic vs field mechanic overview

Trailer MechanicField Mechanic
Yearly salary$42,569$46,395
Hourly rate$20.47$22.31
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs86,057135,482
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 52%High School Diploma, 36%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

What does a trailer mechanic do?

A trailer mechanic specializes in providing repair services on large vehicles such as trailers, semi-trucks, and tractors. Their responsibilities revolve around liaising with clients to identify their needs, inspecting machinery and electrical systems, diagnosing issues, conducting fixes and replacements, and explaining the extent of damage or repairs to clients. There are also instances where they must devise testing strategies, ensuring compliance with the government's policies. Furthermore, a trailer mechanic must maintain regular maintenance checks on vehicles to ensure the safety of operators and the efficiency of workflow.

What does a field mechanic do?

The primary job of a field mechanic is to manage on-site installation, maintenance, test, and repair tasks. Field mechanics diagnose technical problems or errors and identify the appropriate solutions. They deliver heavy equipment, facility maintenance, and load and unload equipment. They work on transmissions, electrical systems, hydraulics, engines, and welding repairs. Their duties involve service truck maintenance to keep service truck inventory. Also, they maintain enough materials and supplies on a service truck for common repairs.

Trailer mechanic vs field mechanic salary

Trailer mechanics and field mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Trailer MechanicField Mechanic
Average salary$42,569$46,395
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $55,000Between $33,000 And $63,000
Highest paying CityBillerica, MA-
Highest paying stateMassachusetts-
Best paying companyDayton Freight-
Best paying industryTransportation-

Differences between trailer mechanic and field mechanic education

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

Trailer MechanicField Mechanic
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 52%High School Diploma, 36%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Trailer mechanic vs field mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between trailer mechanics' and field mechanics' demographics:

Trailer MechanicField Mechanic
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 98.0% Female, 2.0%Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.3% Asian, 2.5% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between trailer mechanic and field mechanic duties and responsibilities

Trailer mechanic example 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.
  • Install, black iron, cast iron, galvanize, fire sprinkle, gas, copper, & PVC pipe.
  • Experience in small engine lawn mowers.
  • Show more

Field mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Have visited various locations and have accomplished field preventive maintenance on compressors.
  • Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and handtools.
  • Supervise mechanics in the diagnosis and repair of technical difficulties, installation and in mechanical failures of military equipment.
  • Construct and assemble sub- assemblies and assemble components including shafts, pulley, bearings, gearboxes and conveyor components.
  • Repair and maintain the tar kettles and up keep of all compressors, and push behind blowers.
  • Perform all levels of repair and maintenance for school buses, vans, pickups, trailers, mowers and snow blowers.
  • Show more

Trailer mechanic vs field mechanic skills

Common trailer mechanic skills
  • CDL, 19%
  • Hand Tools, 13%
  • Work Ethic, 11%
  • DOT, 11%
  • Safety Inspections, 7%
  • Perform Routine Maintenance, 7%
Common field mechanic skills
  • CDL, 13%
  • Construction Equipment, 10%
  • Cranes, 7%
  • Hydraulic Systems, 6%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Asphalt, 4%

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