Bus and Truck Mechanics and 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.

Median Annual Wage: $43,630

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (40%); Less than high school diploma (30%); Post-secondary certificate (18%)

Projected Growth: Average (8% to 14%)

Related Job Titles: Service Technician; Mechanic; Diesel Mechanic; Bus Mechanic; General Repair Mechanic; Diesel Technician; Trailer Mechanic; Transit Mechanic; Truck Mechanic; Fleet Mechanic

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists.

More Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Careers

  • Use handtools such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, and precision instruments, as well as power tools such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding equipment, and 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.
  • Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
  • Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
  • Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
  • Inspect and verify dimensions and clearances of parts to ensure conformance to factory specifications.
  • Inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, and pressure gauges.
  • Rebuild gas or diesel engines.
  • Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
  • Recondition and replace parts, pistons, bearings, gears, and valves.
  • Specialize in repairing and maintaining parts of the engine, such as fuel injection systems.
  • Align front ends and suspension systems.
  • Inspect, repair, and maintain automotive and mechanical equipment and machinery such as pumps and compressors.
  • Install or repair accessories.
  • Disassemble and overhaul internal combustion engines, pumps, generators, transmissions, clutches, and differential units.
  • Diagnose and repair vehicle heating and cooling systems.
  • Repair or adjust seats, doors, or windows.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists.

  • Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  • Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists.

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