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The differences between trailer mechanics and senior 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 senior mechanic takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a senior mechanic has an average salary of $51,569, 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 senior mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.
| Trailer Mechanic | Senior Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $42,569 | $51,569 |
| Hourly rate | $20.47 | $24.79 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 86,057 | 85,706 |
| 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 senior mechanic builds machines or mechanical components based on client specifications and requirements. As a senior mechanic, you will perform a variety of duties that include performing technical inspections on corrective maintenance, vehicle armor and services, monitoring and supporting day-to-day facility and production operations, and troubleshooting problems. Additionally, you will perform preventative maintenance on equipment, generators, and vehicles, and conducting research on parts repair. You will also perform various custodial and maintenance duties as requested.
Trailer mechanics and senior mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Trailer Mechanic | Senior Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $42,569 | $51,569 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $55,000 | Between $37,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | Billerica, MA | Roseville, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Dayton Freight | Orange County Sanitation District |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Energy |
There are a few differences between a trailer mechanic and a senior mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Trailer Mechanic | Senior 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 senior mechanics' demographics:
| Trailer Mechanic | Senior Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 49 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 98.0% Female, 2.0% | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% |
| 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, 8.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.6% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 4% |