My day is spent fixing any trucks that come into our shop in order to sell them or rent them out.
CAREER
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$50,200
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+3.4% (slower than the average)
Most Common Level of Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Do
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.
Other Job Titles Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists May Have
Bus Mechanic, Diesel Mechanic, Diesel Technician, Fleet Mechanic, General Repair Mechanic, Mechanic, Service Technician, Trailer Mechanic, Transit Mechanic, Truck Mechanic
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Five days a week for four hours a day, I teach a cohort of students theory of diesel technology. I lecture and then we apply the theory in lab through hands-on practice. After class, I grade papers, create new lab tasks and lesson plans, or attend meetings. I'm a CWI senator for the diesel department. This allows me to voice the department's concerns or needs to school officials. I also visit high schools or meet with programs, like LatinX, to share the career opportunities our program offers.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
- Use handtools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, or precision instruments, as well as power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding equipment, or jacks and hoists.
- Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
- Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.
- Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Most common level of education among people in
this career: High school diploma or equivalent (47%)
Less than high school diploma
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
You need to understand the basic set up of a diesel engine whether you learn that in school or in life. You also need to have confidence and dedication to learn everything that goes into being a mechanic.
I was a mechanic in the military, which gave me the opportunity to get experience in this field. If you can't or don't want to go to school or join the military, familiarize yourself with the basics of mechanics. A lot of companies like to train you according to their needs and ways, so go in with an open mind and be willing to learn.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
Do your research on the schools you are interested in. You don't always want to take the cheap way out when it comes to your education, especially with technical skills. I didn't have great teachers, so it took me a lot longer to learn things.
Community college is a great option for technical programs. It was the best option for me as I pursued diesel technology, but you can find so many other good programs as well, including mechanics, welding, autobody, and nursing. It's a lot more affordable than some other options, you can graduate with a degree, and it can open doors to careers with great pay.
College Students
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
