Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics

Summary

Diesel service technicians and mechanics repair diesel engine vehicles, such as buses and trucks.

Quick Facts: Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics
2010 Median Pay	$40,850 per year $19.64 per hour
Entry-Level Education	High school diploma or equivalent
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	Long-term on-the-job training
Number of Jobs, 2010	242,200
Job Outlook, 2010-20	15% (About as fast as average)
Employment Change, 2010-20	35,200

What Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics Do

Diesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair, or overhaul buses, trucks, and anything else with a diesel engine.

Work Environment

Diesel service technicians and mechanics usually work in well-ventilated and sometimes noisy repair shops. Some, however, repair vehicles on roadsides or at worksites. Most diesel mechanics work full time, and overtime and evening shifts are also common.

How to Become a Diesel Service Technician or Mechanic

Many diesel service technicians and mechanics learn informally on the job, but employers increasingly prefer applicants who have completed postsecondary training programs in diesel engine repair. Though not required, industry certification is important for diesel mechanics.

Pay

The median annual wage of diesel service technicians and mechanics was $40,850 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Employment of diesel service technicians and mechanics is expected to grow 15 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job opportunities should be best for those who have completed postsecondary training in diesel engine repair.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of diesel service technicians and mechanics with similar occupations.

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Contacts for More Information

Learn more about diesel service technicians and mechanics by contacting these additional resources.

What Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics Do

Diesel service technicians and mechanics may work on a vehicle’s electrical system, make major engine repairs, or retrofit engines with emission control systems to comply with pollution regulations.

Diesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair, or overhaul buses, trucks, and anything else with a diesel engine.

Duties

Diesel service technicians and mechanics typically do the following:

• Follow a checklist of inspection procedures
• Test drive vehicles to diagnose malfunctions
• Read and interpret diagnostic test results, often by using dials, gauges, and other computer equipment
• Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment by using hydraulic jacks or hoists
• Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, transmissions, engines, and other parts of vehicles
• Do routine maintenance, such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and parts
• Adjust and align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and attach system components
• Repair or replace malfunctioning components, parts, and other mechanical or electrical equipment
• Disassemble and reassemble equipment and parts
• Test drive vehicles to ensure that they run smoothly

Because of their efficiency and durability, diesel engines have become the standard in powering our nation’s trucks and buses. Other heavy vehicles and mobile equipment, including bulldozers and cranes, also are powered by diesel engines, as are many commercial boats, passenger vehicles, pickups, and other work trucks. Diesel service technicians who service and repair these engines are commonly known as diesel mechanics.

Diesel mechanics handle many kinds of repairs. They may work on a vehicle’s electrical system, make major engine repairs, or retrofit engines with emission control systems to comply with pollution regulations.

Diesel engine maintenance is becoming increasingly complex as engines and other components use more electronic systems to control their operation. For example, fuel injection and engine timing systems rely heavily on microprocessors to maximize fuel efficiency. In most shops, workers often use hand-held or laptop computers to diagnose problems and adjust engine functions. 

In addition to computerized diagnostic equipment, diesel mechanics use a variety of power and machine tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, grinding machines, and welding equipment. Handtools, including pliers, wrenches, and screwdrivers, are also commonly used.

Employers typically provide expensive power tools and computerized equipment, but workers generally acquire their own hand tools over time.

For information on technicians and mechanics who work primarily on automobiles, see the profile on automotive service technicians and mechanics.

For information on technicians and mechanics who work primarily on farm equipment, construction vehicles, and rail cars, see the profile on heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians.

For information on technicians and mechanics who primarily work on motorboats, motorcycles, and small all-terrain vehicles, see the profile on small engine mechanics.

Work Environment

A mechanic conducts diagnostic tests on a diesel engine.

Diesel service technicians and mechanics held about 242,200 jobs in 2010. The majority worked for private companies, but about 11 percent worked for government. About 18 percent belonged to a union.

In 2010, industries employing the largest numbers of diesel service technicians and mechanics were as follows:

Diesel mechanics usually work in well-ventilated and sometimes noisy repair shops. Occasionally, they repair vehicles on roadsides or at worksites.

Work Schedules

Most diesel mechanics work full time. Overtime is common as many repair shops extend their service hours during evenings and weekends. In addition, some truck and bus repair shops provide 24-hour maintenance and repair services.

Injuries

Diesel service technicians and mechanics have a rate of injuries and illnesses that is much higher than the national average. Diesel mechanics often lift heavy parts and tools, handle greasy or dirty equipment, and work in uncomfortable positions. Although cuts or burns are common, the work is generally not hazardous when workers follow basic safety precautions.

How to Become a Diesel Service Technician or Mechanic

A mechanic replaces a chain on a diesel engine.

Many diesel mechanics learn informally on the job, but employers increasingly prefer applicants who have completed postsecondary training programs in diesel engine repair. Although not required, industry certification is important for diesel mechanics.

Education

Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. High school or postsecondary courses in automotive repair, electronics, and mathematics provide a strong educational background for a career as a diesel mechanic.

Many employers look for workers with postsecondary training in diesel engine repair. A large number of community colleges and trade and vocational schools offer programs in diesel engine repair. These programs usually last 6 months to 2 years and may lead to a certificate of completion or an associate’s degree.

Programs mix classroom instruction with hands-on training, including the basics of diesel technology, repair techniques and equipment, and practical exercises. Students also learn how to interpret technical manuals and electronic diagnostic reports.

Graduates usually advance to journey-worker status, where they may then work with minimal supervision.

Training

Some diesel mechanics begin working without postsecondary education and are trained on the job. Trainees are assigned basic tasks, such as cleaning parts, checking fuel and oil levels, and driving vehicles in and out of the shop.

After they learn routine maintenance and repair tasks and demonstrate competence, trainees move on to more complicated jobs. This process can last from 3 to 4 years, at which point a trainee is usually considered a journey-level diesel mechanic.

Over the course of their careers, diesel mechanics must learn new techniques and equipment. Employers often send experienced mechanics to special training classes conducted by manufacturers and vendors to learn about the latest diesel technology.

Certification

Certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is the recognized industry credential for diesel and other automotive service technicians and mechanics. Although not required, this certification shows a diesel mechanic’s competence, experience, and value to potential employers and clients.

Diesel mechanics may be certified in specific repair areas, such as drive trains, electronic systems, or preventative maintenance and inspection. To earn certification, mechanics must have 2 years’ work experience and pass one or more ASE exams. To remain certified, diesel mechanics must pass the test again every 5 years.

Licenses

Some diesel mechanics may be required to have a commercial driver’s license if their job duties include test driving buses or large trucks.

Important Qualities

Customer-service skills. Diesel mechanics frequently talk to their customers about automotive problems and work that they have planned, started, or completed. They must be courteous, good listeners, and ready to answer customers’ questions.

Dexterity. Mechanics need a steady hand and good hand-and-eye coordination for many tasks, such as disassembling engine parts, connecting or attaching components, or using hand tools.

Mechanical skills. Diesel mechanics must be familiar with parts and components of engines, transmissions, braking mechanisms, and other complex systems. They must also be able to disassemble, work on, and reassemble parts and machinery.

Technical skills. Modern diesel engines rely heavily on electronic systems to function. Diesel mechanics must be familiar with how the electronic systems operate and with the tools needed to work on them.

Troubleshooting skills. Diesel mechanics must be able to identify mechanical and electronic problems, make repairs, and offer a proper maintenance strategy.

Pay

The median annual wage of diesel service technicians and mechanics was $40,850 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,550, and the top 10 percent earned more than $60,830.

In May 2010, median annual wages in industries employing the largest numbers of diesel service technicians and mechanics were as follows:

Many diesel mechanics, especially those employed by truck fleet dealers and repair shops, receive a commission in addition to their base salary. 

Most diesel mechanics work full time. Overtime is common as many repair shops extend their service hours during evenings and weekends. In addition, some truck and bus repair shops provide 24-hour maintenance and repair services.

Job Outlook

Employment of diesel mechanics is expected to grow 15 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

As more freight is shipped across the country, additional diesel-powered trucks will be needed. As a result, diesel mechanics will be needed to maintain and repair the nation’s truck fleet. Demand for new workers in the freight trucking and automotive repair and maintenance industries is expected to drive overall diesel mechanic job growth.

Some older vehicles will need to be retrofitted and modernized to comply with environmental regulations, creating additional jobs for diesel mechanics.

Overall employment growth, however, may be dampened due to increasing durability of new truck and bus diesel engines. Continuing advances in repair technology, including computerized diagnostic equipment, also will result in fewer mechanics doing the same amount of work, further reducing demand for mechanics.

Job Prospects

Job opportunities should be good for those who have completed formal postsecondary education and have strong technical skills, as employers sometimes report difficulty finding qualified workers.

Workers without formal training often require more supervision and on-the-job instruction than others—an expensive and time-consuming process for employers. Because of this, untrained candidates will face strong competition for jobs.

Contacts for More Information

For general information about careers, education, or certification, visit

Association of Diesel Specialists

National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence

National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation