Truck trailer mechanic vs truck mechanic

The differences between truck 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 truck trailer mechanic and a truck mechanic. Additionally, a truck mechanic has an average salary of $50,169, 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 truck mechanic are CDL, customer service, and electrical systems.

Truck trailer mechanic vs truck mechanic overview

	Truck Trailer Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Yearly salary	$48,768	$50,169
Hourly rate	$23.45	$24.12
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	124,876	80,942
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	High School Diploma, 37%
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 truck mechanic do?

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.

Truck trailer mechanic vs truck mechanic salary

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

	Truck Trailer Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Average salary	$48,768	$50,169
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $65,000	Between $37,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	Boston, MA	Newark, NJ
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	Nevada
Best paying company	Dairy Farmers of America	Allan A. Myers
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Energy

Differences between truck trailer mechanic and truck mechanic education

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

	Truck Trailer Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	High School Diploma, 37%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Truck trailer mechanic vs truck mechanic demographics

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

	Truck Trailer Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 96.1% Female, 3.9%	Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
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, 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%

Differences between truck trailer mechanic and truck 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.

Truck mechanic example responsibilities.

Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
Detail completion in writing of diagnosis and repair on company repair order.
Raise trucks, buses and heavy parts and equipment using hydraulic jacks and hoists.
Service air system and troubleshoot, repair, and service air conditioning systems on trucks.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Perform all FHWA and D.O.T.

Truck trailer mechanic vs truck mechanic skills

Common truck trailer mechanic skills

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

Common truck mechanic skills

CDL, 18%
Customer Service, 12%
Electrical Systems, 6%
Diesel Engines, 4%
DOT, 4%
Hand Tools, 4%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Truck Trailer Mechanic
Truck Trailer Mechanic vs Truck Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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