Truck trailer mechanic vs mechanic

The differences between truck trailer mechanics and 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 mechanic. Additionally, a truck trailer mechanic has an average salary of $48,768, which is higher than the $47,149 average annual salary of a mechanic.

The top three skills for a truck trailer mechanic include CDL, landing gear and hand tools. The most important skills for a mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.

Truck trailer mechanic vs mechanic overview

	Truck Trailer Mechanic	Mechanic
Yearly salary	$48,768	$47,149
Hourly rate	$23.45	$22.67
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	124,876	100,534
Job satisfaction	-	4.25
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

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 mechanic do?

Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.

Truck trailer mechanic vs mechanic salary

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

	Truck Trailer Mechanic	Mechanic
Average salary	$48,768	$47,149
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $65,000	Between $35,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	Boston, MA	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	Connecticut
Best paying company	Dairy Farmers of America	Anheuser-Busch
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Manufacturing

Differences between truck trailer mechanic and mechanic education

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

	Truck Trailer Mechanic	Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Truck trailer mechanic vs mechanic demographics

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

	Truck Trailer Mechanic	Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 96.1% Female, 3.9%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
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, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between truck trailer mechanic and 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.

Mechanic example responsibilities.

Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and hand tools, such as transfer cases, hydraulic cylinders, bell housings.
Identify issues with wire feeder and power source, break press, overhead cranes , 2 ton to 25 ton hoists.
chain saws, trimmers, tractors, push mowers, blowers, generators, cut saws, power washers, etc.
Work with networking, plumbing, troubleshooting electrical and performing mechanical repairs.
Monitor HVAC systems and operations, and ensure that routine preventive maintenance are performed according to establish schedules.
Complete repair of low-boy style trailers, and tractors with wet line PTO systems.

Truck trailer mechanic vs mechanic skills

Common truck trailer mechanic skills

CDL, 30%
Landing Gear, 10%
Hand Tools, 10%
Safety Devices, 9%
Diagnostics, 5%
Oil Changes, 4%

Common mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
Customer Service, 7%
Customer Vehicles, 7%
Diagnosis, 6%
Electrical Systems, 5%

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Truck Trailer Mechanic
Truck Trailer Mechanic vs Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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