Heavy vehicle mechanics are professionals who specialize in the maintenance and repair of heavy duty vehicles, like trucks, bulldozers and others. The job is both similar and very different from that of a regular auto mechanic in some aspects – for example, even though the inner workings of most heavy machines share common parts and ideas with those of normal cars, they also have some very intricate specifics which the mechanic needs to be well-familiar with, in order to be able to provide a good service. It’s not uncommon for heavy vehicle mechanics to work in teams, especially when a more complicated piece of machinery is involved.
To get a job as a heavy vehicle mechanic, it can be of great benefit to have specialized in something related to mechanics during high school education. In areas where this is not applicable, candidates may be required to take extra mechanics courses, in order to learn the specifics of the job. Additionally, on-the-job training is provided by most companies, though it’s mostly reserved to prospective candidates who’ve already displayed a keen attitude towards working with mechanics.
A heavy vehicle mechanic won’t necessarily earn more than those who specialize in regular vehicles, though their potential for increased earnings is definitely there. The median salary for 2009 for the job was $43,000, and the job can be somewhat easier than that of a regular mechanic as well – despite the more complex nature of the machinery involved. This is due to the aforementioned fact that heavy vehicle mechanics commonly work together in teams.