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The differences between truck trailer mechanics and diesel 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 truck trailer mechanic and a diesel mechanic. Additionally, a diesel mechanic has an average salary of $49,842, which is higher than the $48,768 average annual salary of a truck trailer mechanic.
The top three skills for a truck trailer mechanic include CDL, landing gear and hand tools. The most important skills for a diesel mechanic are CDL, preventative maintenance, and DOT.
| Truck Trailer Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $48,768 | $49,842 |
| Hourly rate | $23.45 | $23.96 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 124,876 | 85,684 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 47% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Heavy-duty trucks and trailers often break down after continuous use, and that is where a mechanic's job is very important. A truck trailer mechanic inspects, troubleshoots, and repairs all sizes of trucks and trailers. They also conduct routine preventive inspections and repair brakes, tires, steering, and mobile AC refrigeration. They are responsible for ensuring that all trailers under their care meet all road safety requirements from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
A diesel mechanic is a skilled technician responsible for the checking, maintenance, and repair of diesel engines. Diesel mechanics duties also include regular inspections of vehicles upon customer's request to ensure the smooth performance of the machine, communicate on any system issue that might cause malfunctions, and provide any replacement to renovate a damaged part of the engine. A diesel mechanic must be highly-knowledgeable on everything related to diesel engines to provide the best, long-term solutions for the customers.
Truck trailer mechanics and diesel mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Truck Trailer Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $48,768 | $49,842 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $65,000 | Between $37,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Richmond, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Dairy Farmers of America | Hensel Phelps |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between a truck trailer mechanic and a diesel mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Truck Trailer Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 47% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between truck trailer mechanics' and diesel mechanics' demographics:
| Truck Trailer Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.1% Female, 3.9% | Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 2.5% White, 66.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | Black or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |