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The differences between trailer mechanics and truck 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 truck mechanic. Additionally, a truck mechanic has an average salary of $50,169, 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 truck mechanic are CDL, customer service, and electrical systems.
| Trailer Mechanic | Truck Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $42,569 | $50,169 |
| Hourly rate | $20.47 | $24.12 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 86,057 | 80,942 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 52% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
Also known as diesel services technicians, truck mechanics perform various heavy-duty truck tasks. The technicians work on large vehicles, tractor-trailers, and buses. It is their duty to inspect, make diagnoses, and repair the brake systems and other electrical components. They conduct routine maintenance work, which aims for longevity and functionality. It is also important for them to have skills in communication, organization, computer system, and administrative tasks.
Trailer mechanics and truck mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Trailer Mechanic | Truck Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $42,569 | $50,169 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $55,000 | Between $37,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | Billerica, MA | Newark, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Nevada |
| Best paying company | Dayton Freight | Allan A. Myers |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Energy |
There are a few differences between a trailer mechanic and a truck mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Trailer Mechanic | Truck Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 52% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between trailer mechanics' and truck mechanics' demographics:
| Trailer Mechanic | Truck Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 98.0% Female, 2.0% | Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7% |
| 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, 9.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 2.5% White, 66.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |