Wheel alignment mechanic vs trailer mechanic

The differences between wheel alignment mechanics and trailer 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 trailer mechanic. Additionally, a trailer mechanic has an average salary of $42,569, 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 trailer mechanic are CDL, hand tools, and work ethic.

Wheel alignment mechanic vs trailer mechanic overview

	Wheel Alignment Mechanic	Trailer Mechanic
Yearly salary	$41,985	$42,569
Hourly rate	$20.19	$20.47
Growth rate	1%	4%
Number of jobs	34,558	86,057
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 52%
Average age	40	42
Years of experience	2	2

Wheel alignment mechanic vs trailer mechanic salary

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

	Wheel Alignment Mechanic	Trailer Mechanic
Average salary	$41,985	$42,569
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $67,000	Between $32,000 And $55,000
Highest paying City	-	Billerica, MA
Highest paying state	-	Massachusetts
Best paying company	-	Dayton Freight
Best paying industry	-	Transportation

Differences between wheel alignment mechanic and trailer mechanic education

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

	Wheel Alignment Mechanic	Trailer Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 52%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Wheel alignment mechanic vs trailer mechanic demographics

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

	Wheel Alignment Mechanic	Trailer Mechanic
Average age	40	42
Gender ratio	Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7%	Male, 98.0% Female, 2.0%
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, 17.3% Asian, 2.5% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between wheel alignment mechanic and trailer 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.

Trailer mechanic example responsibilities.

Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
Repair equipment in accordance with manufacturer and FMCSA guidelines.use a variety of hand tools pneumatic and hydraulic.
Perform PMs on tractors and trailers, brake jobs, wheels seals, A/C repairs, starting system repair.
Build croton, core drill, solder, brazing.
Install, black iron, cast iron, galvanize, fire sprinkle, gas, copper, & PVC pipe.
Experience in small engine lawn mowers.

Wheel alignment mechanic vs trailer 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 trailer mechanic skills

CDL, 19%
Hand Tools, 13%
Work Ethic, 11%
DOT, 11%
Safety Inspections, 7%
Perform Routine Maintenance, 7%

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

Updated January 8, 2025

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