Truck trailer mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic

The differences between truck trailer mechanics and wheel alignment 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 wheel alignment mechanic. Additionally, a truck trailer mechanic has an average salary of $48,768, which is higher than the $41,985 average annual salary of a wheel alignment mechanic.

The top three skills for a truck trailer mechanic include CDL, landing gear and hand tools. The most important skills for a wheel alignment mechanic are electrical systems, troubleshoot, and preventive maintenance checks.

Truck trailer mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic overview

	Truck Trailer Mechanic	Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Yearly salary	$48,768	$41,985
Hourly rate	$23.45	$20.19
Growth rate	4%	1%
Number of jobs	124,876	34,558
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	High School Diploma, 40%
Average age	42	40
Years of experience	2	2

Truck trailer mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic salary

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

	Truck Trailer Mechanic	Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Average salary	$48,768	$41,985
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $65,000	Between $26,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	Boston, MA	-
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	-
Best paying company	Dairy Farmers of America	-
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	-

Differences between truck trailer mechanic and wheel alignment mechanic education

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

	Truck Trailer Mechanic	Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	High School Diploma, 40%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Truck trailer mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic demographics

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

	Truck Trailer Mechanic	Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Average age	42	40
Gender ratio	Male, 96.1% Female, 3.9%	Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7%
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, 10.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 21.1% Asian, 5.1% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between truck trailer mechanic and wheel alignment 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.

Wheel alignment mechanic example responsibilities.

Service and repair for Porsche, Audi, and Volkswagen automobiles.
Raise trucks, vehicles, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
Work in there fleet department repairing and diagnosis on all emergency apparatuses and ambulances and police vehicles also include maintenance schedules.
Perform maintenance on M113, M88, M1A1, and M578 track vehicles.
Diagnose and repair M113 family of vehicles.
Diagnose electrical, air, hydraulics, and fuel problems on a variety of vehicles such as AVLB and M88 tanks.

Truck trailer mechanic vs wheel alignment mechanic skills

Common truck trailer mechanic skills

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

Common wheel alignment mechanic skills

Electrical Systems, 10%
Troubleshoot, 7%
Preventive Maintenance Checks, 5%
Hydraulic Systems, 5%
Equipment Systems, 5%
Routine Maintenance, 5%

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

Updated January 8, 2025

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