Diesel Mechanic Careers: A Comprehensive Guide

Key Points

• Diesel mechanics, also known as diesel technicians, play a crucial role in maintaining and repairing vehicles and equipment with diesel engines, including buses, trucks and agricultural machinery. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks, from consulting with customers and interpreting diagnostic tests to performing routine maintenance and repairs on mechanical and electrical components.
• The career offers a unique opportunity for individuals who enjoy problem-solving, are comfortable with technology, love learning and possess good people skills. It's suitable for those who appreciate hands-on work and are interested in continuously adapting to new technologies and methods.
• Educational requirements for diesel mechanics typically include at least a high school diploma or GED, but an increasing number of employers prefer candidates with postsecondary education. Trade schools, like Universal Technical Institute (UTI), offer specialized programs that equip graduates with strong foundational knowledge and practical skills valued by employers.¹
• Diesel mechanic careers offer the flexibility to work across various sectors due to the universal need for diesel engine maintenance and repair. This versatility allows for career growth and the exploration of different industries, including transportation, construction and agriculture, which all rely heavily on diesel-powered machinery.
• The job outlook for diesel mechanics is positive, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicting over 24,000 average annual job openings in the United States between 2022 and 2032.⁴³ Salaries for diesel mechanics are competitive, with the median annual wage reported as $58,970 in May 2023, although this is not entry-level and will vary based on experience, location, demand and industry.²⁹

A diesel mechanic career can be an exciting path to pursue, as it allows for hands-on problem-solving and countless opportunities to learn something new.

But is it a good choice? We think so! Keep reading to find out why and whether the job duties, educational path and career outlook are the right fit for you.

What Does a Diesel Mechanic Do?

Diesel mechanics, also called diesel technicians, inspect, repair and maintain buses, trucks and any vehicle or equipment with a diesel engine. They may also be responsible for the following:

• Consulting with customers.
• Reading work orders to determine what is needed.
• Reading technical charts and manuals to map out work procedures.
• Interpreting diagnostic test results.
• Inspecting steering mechanisms, brake systems, engines, transmissions and other important vehicle components and systems.
• Repairing mechanical and electrical components.
• Performing routine maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations.
• Test-driving vehicles to ensure proper operation.

From trucking and transportation to construction and agriculture, some of the largest industries in the world depend on diesel technicians. Therefore, diesel mechanics' responsibilities can also vary depending on the type of industry they’re in. We consider this one of the many benefits of becoming a diesel technician.

A diesel mechanic career can be a good fit for individuals who enjoy thinking outside the box, love learning, are comfortable with technology, enjoy math, are adaptable and have good people skills.

Read: Diesel Tech Traits

Benefits of Diesel Mechanic Careers

Because several industries rely on diesel mechanics to keep them running, mechanics have a unique opportunity to transfer their skills across sectors and try new things throughout their careers.

Diesel mechanics may also find gratification in knowing they play a critical role in our world. They have a specialized skill set that is crucial to:

• Keeping roadways safe.
• Repairing agricultural equipment that maintains our food supply.
• Ensuring materials and goods can be transported.
• Maintaining the power grid.

Diesel Mechanic Career Education Requirements

Most employers require at least a high school diploma or GED. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that an increasing number of employers prefer candidates with postsecondary education. Those who attend a trade school first can pursue the field with a strong core knowledge that employers can develop further.

The diesel mechanic school at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) was developed with the help of industry leaders to help students develop the skills many employers value in entry-level candidates.¹ Course topics include:

• Diesel engine service & repair
• Diesel truck manual transmissions
• Diesel truck brake systems & chassis
• Diesel truck steering & suspension systems
• Automotive climate control systems and repair
• Diesel hydraulic systems
• Vehicle electronic systems and technology
• Diesel truck transport refrigeration
• Diesel truck preventative maintenance

We teach our curriculum using a blended-learning model that reflects training in the professional world, further preparing students to enter the field after graduation.

Students spend their time in online instruction and practicing in labs equipped with industry-standard tools, technologies and equipment.

Diesel Mechanic Job Information

Diesel mechanics must be knowledgeable about the latest diagnostic tools and technology, as well as safety regulations and environmental standards.

The job often requires physical stamina and the ability to work in challenging environments, such as repair shops or on-site at job locations. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous learning are essential, as diesel technology is constantly evolving.

Diesel mechanics typically need formal training, often obtained through vocational programs, and may also require certifications to work on specific engine types or systems.

Diesel Mechanic Career Path Duration

The amount of time it takes to become a diesel mechanic depends on the path taken to do so.

As mentioned above, some diesel mechanics enter the field after graduating high school or obtaining a GED. These candidates often require on-the-job training that begins at square one, while candidates who have attended a trade school first can pursue the field with foundational knowledge for employers to build upon.

Shane Rodgers of Penske Truck Leasing shared, “When hiring diesel technicians at Penske Truck Leasing, we know UTI graduates come to work ready, well prepared and a step ahead. UTI graduates also come to work with an advanced level of know-how that enables them to quickly become valuable team members.”¹

UTI’s diesel mechanic school is 45 weeks long and helps prepare students to pursue entry-level roles in diesel technology once they graduate.⁷

Some eligible students can extend their education by attending one of UTI’s Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training (MSAT) programs, where they can earn brand-specific training and credentials with industry leaders like Cummins,⁴⁶ Daimler and Peterbilt.¹⁵

UTI graduates can also lean on UTI’s Career Services department — a team of specialists who have relationships with employers across the nation to locate potential career opportunities for aspiring mechanics.

Diesel Mechanic Levels and Career Outlook

Diesel mechanics can work in a variety of industries, and the BLS predicts over 24,000 estimated average annual job openings in the United States for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists between 2022 and 2032.⁴³  But what type of diesel mechanic jobs do these include?

While most technicians start out working as entry-level technicians or in other entry-level roles, as with any industry, over time, you may be able to advance in your career with experience and hard work.⁷⁷ Let’s discuss some common entry-level and advanced diesel technician jobs and their descriptions. Entry-level roles include:

• Diesel technicians often work in repair shops to inspect, repair and maintain diesel-engine vehicles like buses and trucks.
• Agriculture technicians typically work on a farm or in dealerships, servicing and repairing service equipment like tractors and planters.
• Heavy-equipment repair technicians service large diesel-powered equipment, such as cranes and bulldozers. They commonly work for construction, railway or transportation companies.

Advanced diesel technician jobs and their duties include:

• Fleet managers supervise a team of diesel technicians and oversee a fleet of diesel vehicles to facilitate proper use, maintenance and repair. They're often employed by the transportation industry and private companies.
• Shop foremen oversee a repair shop’s operations. This can include managing a team of technicians, enforcing standards, establishing proper procedures and more.
• Master technicians are diesel techs certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) — an organization that recognizes competent and experienced technicians. These techs can work for various industries but are often looked to when determining the best course of action.

Diesel mechanic salary

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the United States was $58,970 in May 2023.²⁹ This means half of diesel technicians 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.

Read more: Diesel Mechanic Career FAQs