Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

Career Overview

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.

Also Known As

• Bus Mechanic
• Diesel Mechanic
• Diesel Technician (Diesel Tech)
• Truck Mechanic

Alternate Job Titles

• Biodiesel Engine Specialist
• Boat Diesel Motor Mechanic
• Boat Engine Installer
• Boat Engine Mechanic
• Boat Mechanic
• Bus Engine Mechanic
• Bus Garage Mechanic
• Bus Mechanic
• Bus Motor Mechanic
• Bus Overhauler
• Bus Transmission Mechanic
• Bus Tune-Up Mechanic
• Diesel Engine Erector
• Diesel Engine Fitter
• Diesel Engine Mechanic

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

• 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.
• Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
• Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
• Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
• Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
• Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
• Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

• Mechanical
• Transportation
• Education and Training
• English Language

Essential Skills

Success in this career requires strong skills in:

1. Troubleshooting
2. Repairing

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

• Near Vision
• Finger Dexterity
• Manual Dexterity
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Control Precision
• Hearing Sensitivity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Multilimb Coordination
• Problem Sensitivity
• Extent Flexibility

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

• Dependability
• Attention to Detail
• Cautiousness
• Perseverance
• Stress Tolerance

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

• Support
• Relationships
• Achievement
• Independence
• Working Conditions

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)

Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years

On-the-Job Training: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years

Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience Required: 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.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software
• Microsoft Word
• SAP software

Tools & Equipment

• Acetylene torches
• Adjustable crescent wrenches
• Adjustable widemouth pliers
• Adjustable wrenches
• Ball peen hammers
• Battery chargers
• Bearing heating ovens
• Blast cleaning cabinets
• Bleeder wrenches
• Blow guns
• Bore gauges
• Boring bars
• Boring tools
• Box end wrenches
• Brake shoe adjusting tools

Work Environment

• Exposed to Contaminants
• 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
• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
• In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

Salary & Job Market

Salary Percentile	Annual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)	$41,670
Median	$60,640
Top Earners (90th percentile)	$85,980

Workers Employed Nationally: 287,230

Related Careers

If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:

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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.