Bus & Truck Mechanics & Diesel Engine Specialists 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.
You will need to be skilled in near vision, problem sensitivity, manual dexterity, finger dexterity, deductive reasoning, arm-hand steadiness, control precision, multilimb coordination, and hearing sensitivity.
Annual Wage
Entry - $31,071
Mean - $42,667
Experienced - $48,465
Hourly Wage
Entry - $15
Mean - $20
Experienced - $23
Although most diesel technicians learn on the job after a high school education, employers are increasingly preferring applicants who have completed post-secondary training programs in diesel engine repair. In addition, obtaining industry certification may be helpful because certification demonstrates a diesel technician’s competence and experience.
Certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is the standard credential for diesel and other automotive service technicians and mechanics. Although not required, this certification demonstrates a diesel technician’s competence and experience to potential employers and clients, and often brings higher pay.
Diesel technicians may be certified in specific repair areas, such as drivetrains, electronic systems, and preventative maintenance and inspection. To earn certification, technicians must have 2 years of work experience and pass one or more ASE exams. To remain certified, diesel technicians must pass a recertification exam every 5 years.
Many diesel technicians are required to have a commercial driver’s license so that they may test-drive buses and large trucks.
There are 3,400 projected job openings in Texas this year!
