Bus & Truck Mechanics & Diesel Engine Specialists

Also Called: Bus Mechanic, Diesel Mechanic, Diesel Technician, Mechanic

High School Diploma/GED

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$39,020

Entry Salary

Average

Job outlook

What Bus & Truck Mechanics & 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.

  • 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.
Industry Areas:

Automotive & Machine Repair • Transportation

Training Program Areas:

Auto Collision • Automobile Technician • Heavy Equipment Mechanic • Heavy Equipment Operations • OCT-Only Automotive & Machine Repair • OCT-Only Transportation • Stationary Engineering

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  • Exposed to Contaminants
  • Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  • Face-to-Face Discussions

Tools

  • Specialty wrenches
  • Calipers
  • Portable data input terminals
  • Drill press or radial drill
  • Blow torch

Technology

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Facilities management software
Computerized maintenance management system software CMMS
Shop management software
Analytical or scientific software
Cummins Insite
Engine diagnostic software

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Repairing
  • Troubleshooting
  • Operation and Control
  • Operation Monitoring
  • Critical Thinking

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
mechanical
product and service development
Transportation
movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road
Business
customer service
management
Safety and Government
public safety and security

Education

  • 40% High school diploma or equivalent
  • 30% Less than high school diploma
  • 18% Post-secondary certificate

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Bus & Truck Mechanics & Diesel Engine Specialists Currently Selected

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

Signal & Track Switch Repairers

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

 Job Training Match

Sales Representatives, Wholesale & Manufacturing, Technical & Scientific Products

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

  • Clearfield - Job Corps

    Clearfield, Utah

  • Earle C. Clements - Job Corps

    Morganfield, Kentucky

ACT & College

  • Academy of Careers and Technology

    Beckley, WV

  • Acadiana Technical College-Lafayette Campus

    Lafayette, LA

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn. Apprenticeships combines paid training & specialized classes to help workers enter highly skilled occupations. Click here for to locate an apprenticeship near you.

Military

The Military offers exciting career opportunities that align with your interests. Click here to explore military careers and find a recruiter near you.

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Conventional (Organizer)
    • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Integrity

Values

  • Support
  • Relationships
  • Achievement

Abilities

  • Hand and Finger Use
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Controlled Movement
  • Hearing and Speech

This is what Bus & Truck Mechanics & Diesel Engine Specialists across the country typically make.

$18.76 / hour
$39,020 /year

Entry Level

$28.35 / hour
$58,970 /year

Median Level

$39.63 / hour
$82,430 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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