Wheel alignment mechanic vs truck mechanic

The differences between wheel alignment 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 wheel alignment mechanic and a truck mechanic. Additionally, a truck mechanic has an average salary of $50,169, 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 truck mechanic are CDL, customer service, and electrical systems.

Wheel alignment mechanic vs truck mechanic overview

	Wheel Alignment Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Yearly salary	$41,985	$50,169
Hourly rate	$20.19	$24.12
Growth rate	1%	4%
Number of jobs	34,558	80,942
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 37%
Average age	40	42
Years of experience	2	2

Wheel alignment mechanic vs truck mechanic salary

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

	Wheel Alignment Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Average salary	$41,985	$50,169
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $67,000	Between $37,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	Newark, NJ
Highest paying state	-	Nevada
Best paying company	-	Allan A. Myers
Best paying industry	-	Energy

Differences between wheel alignment mechanic and truck mechanic education

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

	Wheel Alignment Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 40%	High School Diploma, 37%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Wheel alignment mechanic vs truck mechanic demographics

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

	Wheel Alignment Mechanic	Truck Mechanic
Average age	40	42
Gender ratio	Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7%	Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
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, 9.1% 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%

Differences between wheel alignment mechanic and truck 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.

Truck mechanic example responsibilities.

Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
Detail completion in writing of diagnosis and repair on company repair order.
Raise trucks, buses and heavy parts and equipment using hydraulic jacks and hoists.
Service air system and troubleshoot, repair, and service air conditioning systems on trucks.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Perform all FHWA and D.O.T.

Wheel alignment mechanic vs truck 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 truck mechanic skills

CDL, 18%
Customer Service, 12%
Electrical Systems, 6%
Diesel Engines, 4%
DOT, 4%
Hand Tools, 4%

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

Updated January 8, 2025

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