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Truck trailer mechanic vs diesel truck driver

The differences between truck trailer mechanics and diesel truck drivers 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 truck driver. Additionally, a truck trailer mechanic has an average salary of $48,768, which is higher than the $43,702 average annual salary of a diesel truck driver.

The top three skills for a truck trailer mechanic include CDL, landing gear and hand tools. The most important skills for a diesel truck driver are CDL, cranes, and OTR.

Truck trailer mechanic vs diesel truck driver overview

Truck Trailer MechanicDiesel Truck Driver
Yearly salary$48,768$43,702
Hourly rate$23.45$21.01
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs124,876684,748
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 40%
Average age4248
Years of experience22

Truck trailer mechanic vs diesel truck driver salary

Truck trailer mechanics and diesel truck drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Truck Trailer MechanicDiesel Truck Driver
Average salary$48,768$43,702
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $65,000Between $32,000 And $59,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MA-
Highest paying stateMassachusetts-
Best paying companyDairy Farmers of America-
Best paying industryManufacturing-

Differences between truck trailer mechanic and diesel truck driver education

There are a few differences between a truck trailer mechanic and a diesel truck driver in terms of educational background:

Truck Trailer MechanicDiesel Truck Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 40%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Truck trailer mechanic vs diesel truck driver demographics

Here are the differences between truck trailer mechanics' and diesel truck drivers' demographics:

Truck Trailer MechanicDiesel Truck Driver
Average age4248
Gender ratioMale, 96.1% Female, 3.9%Male, 99.6% Female, 0.4%
Race ratioBlack 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, 11.6% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 3.8% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage2%4%

Differences between truck trailer mechanic and diesel truck driver duties and responsibilities

Truck trailer mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
  • Perform PMs, A/C repair , 12 Volta electrical diagnosis and repairs.
  • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
  • Assign duties and examine work for cleanliness, presentation, neatness and conformance to store policies and procedures.
  • Apply advanced mechanical skills to rebuild/repair trailers: used TIG welder, air tools, scanning devices and monitoring instruments
  • Maintain cleanliness and safety of working environment.
  • Show more

Diesel truck driver example responsibilities.

  • Complete delivery and pickup paperwork promptly and accurately, returning say paperwork to the appropriate facility personnel.
  • Keep track of logs, miles, and bol's.

Truck trailer mechanic vs diesel truck driver skills

Common truck trailer mechanic skills
  • CDL, 30%
  • Landing Gear, 10%
  • Hand Tools, 10%
  • Safety Devices, 9%
  • Diagnostics, 5%
  • Oil Changes, 4%
Common diesel truck driver skills
  • CDL, 19%
  • Cranes, 15%
  • OTR, 14%
  • Hand Tools, 13%
  • Hoists, 8%
  • DOT, 7%

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