Bus & Truck Mechanics & Diesel Engine Specialists

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

What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
  • 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.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical
  • computers and electronics

Transportation

  • movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road

Education and Training

  • teaching and course design

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Skills

Basic Skills

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • talking to others

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • keep your arm or hand steady

Controlled Movement

  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • use rules to solve problems

Hearing and Speech

  • tell the difference between sounds

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Initiative
  • Integrity
  • Self Control

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Autodesk AutoCAD Hot Technology
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks Hot Technology

Facilities management software

  • Computerized maintenance management system software CMMS
  • Shop management software

Analytical or scientific software

  • Cummins INSITE
  • Engine diagnostic software

Education

certificate after high school or
high school diploma/GED
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training
Find Certifications
Find Licenses
Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.

Salary:

$54,360
$37,030
$78,340
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists.