Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
At a glance
- Median Salary$47,838
- Local Jobs532

Occupation Profile
By the Numbers
Median annual earnings$47,838
Median Annual Earnings are the midpoint earned by 50 percent of workers who are the lowest paid and 50 percent of workers who are the highest paid in a particular occupationLocal Jobs532
Median Annual Earnings are the midpoint earned by 50 percent of workers who are the lowest paid and 50 percent of workers who are the highest paid in a particular occupationEntry-level educationCertification
Median Annual Earnings are the midpoint earned by 50 percent of workers who are the lowest paid and 50 percent of workers who are the highest paid in a particular occupation
Daily Tasks
- 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.
- Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
- Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
- 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.
- Diagnose and repair vehicle heating and cooling systems.
- Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
- Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
- Inspect, repair, and maintain automotive and mechanical equipment and machinery, such as pumps and compressors.
- Inspect and verify dimensions and clearances of parts to ensure conformance to factory specifications.
- Disassemble and overhaul internal combustion engines, pumps, generators, transmissions, clutches, and differential units.
- Adjust or repair computer controlled exhaust emissions devices.
- Rebuild gas or diesel engines.
- Specialize in repairing and maintaining parts of the engine, such as fuel injection systems.
- Recondition and replace parts, pistons, bearings, gears, and valves.
- Install or repair accessories.
- Repair or adjust seats, doors, or windows.
- Dismount, mount, and repair or replace tires.
- Align front ends and suspension systems.
- Maintain or repair vehicles with alternative fuel systems, including biodiesel, hybrid, or compressed natural gas vehicles.
Occupational Skills
Hard Skills
- Brakes
- Diesel Engines
- Electrical Systems
- Heavy Equipment
- HVAC
- Hydraulics
- Mechanics
- Power Tool Operation
- Preventive Maintenance
- Suspension (Vehicle)
Soft Skills
- Communications
- Computer Literacy
- Customer Service
- Good Driving Record
- Lifting Ability
- Management
- Operations
- Troubleshooting (Problem Solving)
- Valid Driver's License
- Writing
Hard skills are specific, learnable, measurable, often industry- or occupation-specific abilities related to a position.
Soft skills can be self-taught and usually do not necessitate a certain completed level of education. They are essential in many industries and occupations.
Educational Programs
Diesel Engine Specialist
Type | Credential | Hrs | Online | Financial Aid |
Credit | AAS Degree/L1/L2 | 60/52/37 | No | Yes |
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Type | Credential | Hrs | Online | Financial Aid |
Credit | AAS Degree, Level II Cert, Level I Cert | 60/52/35 | No | Yes |
Learn more aboutBus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
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