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Becoming a Diesel Fleet Mechanic

4/18/2024

Diesel Fleet Mechanic: The Roadmap Toward an Exciting Career  

A fleet is any group of vehicles used by a professional organization to complete their day-to-day operations. And, that’s where diesel mechanics come in! From police vehicles to construction vehicles, they play a role in maintaining the equipment our society relies on. 

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a diesel fleet mechanic, keep reading. In this blog post, we’ll cover what these mechanics do, their career outlook and how to become one!  

What Is a Diesel Fleet Mechanic?

A diesel fleet mechanic maintains, diagnoses and repairs diesel vehicles used by: 

  • Government agencies, such as police or fire departments
  • Businesses that offer chauffeur, delivery or moving services 
  • Commercial companies that specialize in trucking and transportation or construction 
  • Public utility companies 
  • Non-profit organizations 

These are just a few examples. Fleet mechanics can work at any organization that uses diesel vehicles to keep things running. This can be exciting for aspiring mechanics intrigued by an industry other than diesel! 

Diesel Fleet Mechanic Job Description 

Diesel fleet mechanic duties vary by industry. Still, a job description for most mechanics might include:  

  • Perform scheduled maintenance, including oil changes, filter changes and fluid checks 
  • Evaluate vehicle parts and systems related to the transmission, engine, brakes and more 
  • Read and interpret technical manuals to plan work 
  • Use diagnostic tools to identify engine malfunctions
  • Replace malfunctioning components
  • Travel to broken-down vehicles and come up with a plan for repair
  • Maintain detailed records of repair
  • Adhere to safety protocols and regulatory standards

Diesel Fleet Mechanic Skills 

Fleet mechanics are focused and proactive. They understand the fleet they work on. They should know the history and specific requirements of each vehicle.  

Fleet mechanics should also be mechanically apt and comfortable using various diesel mechanic tools. Today’s diesel engine calls for comfort with technology as well. Engines include electrical components and computer programs, requiring knowledge of electronic diagnostic equipment. 

As diesel technology advances, so do those mechanics with a growth mindset and strong desire to learn. These qualities can help keep them ahead as they contribute to their workplaces, possibly leading to career opportunities. 

Diesel Fleet Mechanic Career Outlook 

Diesel fleet mechanic salary can differ by industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the United States was $54,360 in May 2022.29 This means half earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

Public and private organizations rely on diesel fleets, offering a potentially varied career path for fleet mechanics. Their specialized skill set and employer-valued traits are valuable and transferrable across industries. 

How to Become a Diesel Fleet Mechanic 

Practical training, hard work and professional development form the roadmap toward becoming a fleet mechanic. Whether you’re a high school student or a career changer, there are a few steps you can take to prepare for this role.

1. Start in high school 

Most employers require a high school diploma or GED. Some high schools offer car repair and electronics classes that can help students prepare for a career as a diesel mechanic.

If your high school doesn't have these classes, look for summer programs at nearby trade schools like Universal Technical Institute (UTI). UTI has a Summer Ignite program for high school juniors and seniors. Participants explore STEM career training while dipping their toes into UTI’s courses.

They’re taught in hands-on labs using the same tools and technologies techs in the field do!

2. Attend diesel mechanic school 

Once you’ve obtained a high school diploma or GED, research diesel mechanic schools near you. Many employers prefer candidates with post-secondary training because they have theoretical knowledge as well as hands-on practice.

UTI’s Diesel Technology program blends instructor-led online learning with hands-on lab work so students can graduate with the fundamental skills diesel employers value.1,18

3. Pursue entry-level diesel mechanic roles 

Once you complete formal diesel mechanic training, you can pursue entry-level roles in the field. Entry-level diesel positions might include agricultural technician, heavy equipment repair technician, or power generation technician. 

Entry-level diesel technicians can learn from senior technicians and gain valuable knowledge. Eventually, new technicians have the experience and confidence to pursue a more advanced position like diesel fleet mechanic. 

David Bret Galloway, service manager for Florida Detroit Diesel-Allision said it best: “When you don’t know, say you don’t know. We get that. When you don’t know, take it on and do it and ask questions along the way. Retain the knowledge and what you learned in the process to help you in the next job you do.” 

4. Obtain certification 

Certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) validates expertise and may improve job prospects for skilled technicians. UTI graduates can substitute their training for one of the two years of experience required to test for ASE certification. 

FAQs

What factors affect diesel fleet mechanic salary? 

Several factors can influence a diesel mechanic's salary, including location, experience level, and the specific industry they work in. For instance, mechanics employed in metropolitan areas or within specialized industries might earn higher salaries due to the increased demand for their skills.

What growth opportunities do diesel fleet mechanics have? 

Experienced mechanics may find themselves in fleet manager roles. This position oversees a team of technicians and the overall use of each vehicle in the fleet. They coordinate maintenance schedules and repairs to optimize the fleet’s productivity and performance. 

How long does it take to become a fleet mechanic? 

The journey to becoming a diesel fleet mechanic can vary by person. It generally takes a year to complete a post-secondary diesel certificate or degree program. At UTI, aspiring diesel mechanics can graduate in just 45 weeks!7 A few additional years of work experience may be required to sharpen their skills. 

Train at UTI 

Gain the skills to pursue a diesel fleet mechanic role at UTI. We offer hands-on training with industry-standard equipment and guidance from expert instructors. Request more information to speak with an Admissions Representative about your career goals, or find a campus near you and schedule a tour!  

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1 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2 ) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
7 ) Some programs may require longer than one year to complete.
18 ) UTI now offers all of its automotive, diesel, motorcycle and marine technician training in a blended-learning format consisting of online lecture courses along with in-person, hands-on lab training.
29 ) UTI’s Diesel Technology Program prepares graduates for entry-level positions using the provided training, primarily as diesel technicians. Estimated annual salary shown above is for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists as published in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages. Entry-level salaries are lower for UTI graduates. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on economic factors, personal credentials, work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer, and their compensation programs. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than as diesel truck technicians, including in industries such as heavy equipment repair, power generation, and agriculture. Salary information for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: The average annual entry-level salary range for persons employed as Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists (49-3031) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is $48,980 (Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development, May 2022 data https://lmi.dua.eol.mass.gov/lmi/OccupationalEmploymentAndWageAllIndustries/OEWResult?A=01&GA=000025&OG=493031&Dopt=TEXT). Salary information for North Carolina: The U.S. Department of Labor estimates the hourly median wage for skilled diesel technicians in North Carolina is $25.28 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages, Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists). The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish entry-level salary data. However, the 25th and 10th percentile of hourly earnings in North Carolina are $21.55 and $18.00, respectively.

Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

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