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The differences between trailer mechanics and lead mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a trailer mechanic, becoming a lead mechanic takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a lead mechanic has an average salary of $54,471, 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 lead mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.
| Trailer Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $42,569 | $54,471 |
| Hourly rate | $20.47 | $26.19 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 86,057 | 86,668 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 52% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 42 | 49 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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.
A lead mechanic coordinates the teams of mechanics and ensures the timely completion of repairs. Lead mechanics supervise their subordinates, order mechanical parts, and inspect their work making sure that the standards are met. They are responsible for repairing, overhauling, and maintaining vehicles or farm equipment. It is their job to provide support and give advice on matters associated with repairs. They also conduct road tests and maintain the repair of equipment. They should also have leadership and strong communication skills.
Trailer mechanics and lead mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Trailer Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $42,569 | $54,471 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $55,000 | Between $40,000 And $73,000 |
| Highest paying City | Billerica, MA | Anchorage, AK |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Dayton Freight | California Resources |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a trailer mechanic and a lead mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Trailer Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 52% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred |
Here are the differences between trailer mechanics' and lead mechanics' demographics:
| Trailer Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 49 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 98.0% Female, 2.0% | Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 8.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 4% |