Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
SOC Code: 49-3031Also known as:
Biodiesel Engine Specialist, Boat Diesel Motor Mechanic, Boat Engine Installer, Boat Engine Mechanic, Boat Mechanic
Median Annual Salary
$60,640
+2.4% growth (2024-2034)
27K
Openings/Year
320K
Current Jobs
What Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists 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.
💰 Salary
$60,640
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+2.4%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
27K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
319,900
Projected Employment (2034)
327,700
Related Careers
Automotive service technicians and mechanics
$49,670 •
+4.2% growth
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
$63,980 •
+5.8% growth
Rail car repairers
$65,680 •
+2.8% growth
Motorboat mechanics and service technicians
$54,950 •
+6.0% growth
Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics
$46,560 •
+2.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Troubleshooting
Repairing
Operations Monitoring
Equipment Maintenance
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, or pressure gauges.
- Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
- Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists:
Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician
9,859 degrees awarded •
303 colleges offer this program
Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician
2,100 degrees awarded •
86 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists make?
The median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists is $60,640.
What education do bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists need?
Most bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician, Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician.
Is becoming bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists a good career choice?
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists is projected to see +2.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 26,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists?
Top colleges for aspiring bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists include
State Technical College of Missouri, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton, WyoTech, Texas State Technical College, Somerset Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists?
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists may also be known as: 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, Diesel Fleet Mechanic Tech (Diesel Fleet Mechanic Technician), Diesel Machinist, Diesel Mechanic, Diesel Mechanic Tech (Diesel Mechanic Technician), Diesel Motor Mechanic.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.