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.

What you'd actually do

• 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.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors; time pressure is a real part of the job. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 6.8% of bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, organized and detail-focused and analytical.

Related careers

• Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
• Industrial Machinery Mechanics
• Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
• Millwrights
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
• Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers

Quick questions

How much does a bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialist make?

The median pay is $29.70 per hour — roughly $62,000 a year, with the real range running from about $21.41/hr (10th percentile) to $42.66/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialist?

The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

What does a bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialist actually do all day?

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.