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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

Median Salary
58,970
Job Outlook
+3%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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 sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

77%

State and local government

9%

Self-employed

9%

Federal Government

2%

Private not for profit

2%

What is the job outlook?

Employment of diesel service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 25,600 openings for diesel service technicians and mechanics are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$26,260

10%

$58,970

Median

$72,080

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Post-secondary certificate

    39%

  • High school

    36%

  • Some college

    21%

  • Less than high school

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician
  • Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Mechanical
  • Transportation
  • Education and Training
  • Computers and Electronics
  • English Language

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test