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The differences between truck trailer mechanics and vehicle 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 vehicle mechanic. Additionally, a truck trailer mechanic has an average salary of $48,768, which is higher than the $42,628 average annual salary of a vehicle mechanic.
The top three skills for a truck trailer mechanic include CDL, landing gear and hand tools. The most important skills for a vehicle mechanic are hand tools, electrical systems, and diesel engines.
| Truck Trailer Mechanic | Vehicle Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $48,768 | $42,628 |
| Hourly rate | $23.45 | $20.49 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 124,876 | 37,592 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| 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 vehicle mechanic is responsible for the maintenance of the vehicle's engine, running diagnostic tests, and performing repairs for any inconsistencies to ensure the vehicle's reliability and efficiency upon use. Vehicle mechanics coordinate with clients with their specifications and special requests, such as installing upgraded components to improve the engine's optimal performance. They create an organized report of vehicle assessments, as well as forecasting expenses to discuss with the clients, especially on meeting their budget goals.
Truck trailer mechanics and vehicle mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Truck Trailer Mechanic | Vehicle Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $48,768 | $42,628 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $65,000 | Between $29,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Adelanto, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Dairy Farmers of America | |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a truck trailer mechanic and a vehicle mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Truck Trailer Mechanic | Vehicle 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 vehicle mechanics' demographics:
| Truck Trailer Mechanic | Vehicle Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.1% Female, 3.9% | Male, 91.8% Female, 8.2% |
| 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, 8.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |