Wheel alignment mechanic vs light wheel mechanic

The differences between wheel alignment mechanics and light wheel 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 light wheel mechanic. Additionally, a wheel alignment mechanic has an average salary of $41,985, which is higher than the $41,948 average annual salary of a light wheel mechanic.

The top three skills for a wheel alignment mechanic include electrical systems, troubleshoot and preventive maintenance checks. The most important skills for a light wheel mechanic are mechanical problems, electrical systems, and equipment systems.

Wheel alignment mechanic vs light wheel mechanic overview

	Wheel Alignment Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Yearly salary	$41,985	$41,948
Hourly rate	$20.19	$20.17
Growth rate	1%	4%
Number of jobs	34,558	90,297
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 41%
Average age	40	42
Years of experience	2	2

Wheel alignment mechanic vs light wheel mechanic salary

Wheel alignment mechanics and light wheel mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Wheel Alignment Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Average salary	$41,985	$41,948
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $67,000	Between $25,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between wheel alignment mechanic and light wheel mechanic education

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

	Wheel Alignment Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 41%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Wheel alignment mechanic vs light wheel mechanic demographics

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

	Wheel Alignment Mechanic	Light Wheel Mechanic
Average age	40	42
Gender ratio	Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7%	Male, 87.4% Female, 12.6%
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, 9.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 2.5% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between wheel alignment mechanic and light wheel 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.

Light wheel mechanic example responsibilities.

Manage projects dot compliance and driver logs.
DOT inspections on assign vehicles.
Install and run hydrolic lines.
Complete basic training and additional AIT training.
Assist in the diagnosis and repairs of the tractor/trailer fleet.
Maintain CDL to transport vehicles from one location to another.

Wheel alignment mechanic vs light wheel 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 light wheel mechanic skills

Mechanical Problems, 36%
Electrical Systems, 21%
Equipment Systems, 18%
MOS, 9%
Track Vehicles, 9%
AIT, 5%

Wheel Alignment Mechanic vs. similar jobs

Wheel Alignment Mechanic related careers

Wheel Alignment Mechanic related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Wheel Alignment Mechanic vs Light Wheel Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs