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Truck trailer mechanic vs field mechanic

The differences between truck trailer mechanics and field 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 field mechanic. Additionally, a truck trailer mechanic has an average salary of $48,768, which is higher than the $46,395 average annual salary of a field mechanic.

The top three skills for a truck trailer mechanic include CDL, landing gear and hand tools. The most important skills for a field mechanic are CDL, construction equipment, and cranes.

Truck trailer mechanic vs field mechanic overview

Truck Trailer MechanicField Mechanic
Yearly salary$48,768$46,395
Hourly rate$23.45$22.31
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs124,876135,482
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 36%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

What does a truck trailer mechanic do?

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.

What does a field mechanic do?

The primary job of a field mechanic is to manage on-site installation, maintenance, test, and repair tasks. Field mechanics diagnose technical problems or errors and identify the appropriate solutions. They deliver heavy equipment, facility maintenance, and load and unload equipment. They work on transmissions, electrical systems, hydraulics, engines, and welding repairs. Their duties involve service truck maintenance to keep service truck inventory. Also, they maintain enough materials and supplies on a service truck for common repairs.

Truck trailer mechanic vs field mechanic salary

Truck trailer mechanics and field mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Truck Trailer MechanicField Mechanic
Average salary$48,768$46,395
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $65,000Between $33,000 And $63,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MA-
Highest paying stateMassachusetts-
Best paying companyDairy Farmers of America-
Best paying industryManufacturing-

Differences between truck trailer mechanic and field mechanic education

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

Truck Trailer MechanicField Mechanic
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 36%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Truck trailer mechanic vs field mechanic demographics

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

Truck Trailer MechanicField Mechanic
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 96.1% Female, 3.9%Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
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, 7.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between truck trailer mechanic and field mechanic 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

Field mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Have visited various locations and have accomplished field preventive maintenance on compressors.
  • Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and handtools.
  • Supervise mechanics in the diagnosis and repair of technical difficulties, installation and in mechanical failures of military equipment.
  • Construct and assemble sub- assemblies and assemble components including shafts, pulley, bearings, gearboxes and conveyor components.
  • Repair and maintain the tar kettles and up keep of all compressors, and push behind blowers.
  • Perform all levels of repair and maintenance for school buses, vans, pickups, trailers, mowers and snow blowers.
  • Show more

Truck trailer mechanic vs field mechanic skills

Common truck trailer mechanic skills
  • CDL, 30%
  • Landing Gear, 10%
  • Hand Tools, 10%
  • Safety Devices, 9%
  • Diagnostics, 5%
  • Oil Changes, 4%
Common field mechanic skills
  • CDL, 13%
  • Construction Equipment, 10%
  • Cranes, 7%
  • Hydraulic Systems, 6%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Asphalt, 4%

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