Wheel alignment mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic

The differences between wheel alignment mechanics and heavy duty 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 wheel alignment mechanic and a heavy duty mechanic. Additionally, a heavy duty mechanic has an average salary of $49,563, which is higher than the $41,985 average annual salary of a wheel alignment mechanic.

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

Wheel alignment mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic overview

	Wheel Alignment Mechanic	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Yearly salary	$41,985	$49,563
Hourly rate	$20.19	$23.83
Growth rate	1%	4%
Number of jobs	34,558	51,609
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 39%
Average age	40	42
Years of experience	2	2

Wheel alignment mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic salary

Wheel alignment mechanics and heavy duty mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Wheel Alignment Mechanic	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Average salary	$41,985	$49,563
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $67,000	Between $36,000 And $66,000
Highest paying City	-	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	-	Washington
Best paying company	-	Granite Construction
Best paying industry	-	Construction

Differences between wheel alignment mechanic and heavy duty mechanic education

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

	Wheel Alignment Mechanic	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 39%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Wheel alignment mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between wheel alignment mechanics' and heavy duty mechanics' demographics:

	Wheel Alignment Mechanic	Heavy Duty Mechanic
Average age	40	42
Gender ratio	Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7%	Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between wheel alignment mechanic and heavy duty mechanic duties and responsibilities

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.

Heavy duty mechanic example responsibilities.

Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
Set up hydraulic and electrical systems and complete diagnosis and repair.
Dismantle devices, remove defective parts, used hoists, cranes, hand and power tools.
Perform preventative maintenance; FHWA / D.O.T.
Perform major engine and driveline service and repair.
Perform diagnosis and repairs to semi trucks and trailers.

Wheel alignment mechanic vs heavy duty mechanic skills

Common wheel alignment mechanic skills

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

Common heavy duty mechanic skills

CDL, 13%
Hand Tools, 10%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
Construction Equipment, 5%
OSHA, 5%
Electrical Systems, 5%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Wheel Alignment Mechanic vs Heavy Duty Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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