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Skilled Trades

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

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.

Median salary

$60,640

Typical range

$42k – $86k

Job outlook

+2% (about average)

AI exposure

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Education

Typical entry: No degree (trade/license)

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Typical progression

  1. Junior Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

    Entry / Junior

    $41,670

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

    Established

    $60,640

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

    Senior

    $73,310

Key skills

A typical day

  • 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.

Fields of study

Any field

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