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The differences between vehicle 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 vehicle mechanic and a truck mechanic. Additionally, a truck mechanic has an average salary of $50,169, which is higher than the $42,628 average annual salary of a vehicle mechanic.
The top three skills for a vehicle mechanic include hand tools, electrical systems and diesel engines. The most important skills for a truck mechanic are CDL, customer service, and electrical systems.
| Vehicle Mechanic | Truck Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $42,628 | $50,169 |
| Hourly rate | $20.49 | $24.12 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 37,592 | 80,942 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
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.
Vehicle mechanics and truck mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Vehicle Mechanic | Truck Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $42,628 | $50,169 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $62,000 | Between $37,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | Adelanto, CA | Newark, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Nevada |
| Best paying company | Allan A. Myers | |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between a vehicle mechanic and a truck mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Vehicle Mechanic | Truck Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between vehicle mechanics' and truck mechanics' demographics:
| Vehicle Mechanic | Truck Mechanic | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.8% Female, 8.2% | Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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% |