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.
This is a specialization of
Vehicle & Mobile Equipment MechanicsCareer Overview Video
AI Impact Assessment
AI Resilience Score
Score 4/6: low AI task exposure means AI will assist but humans remain essential
How we calculated this:
0% of tasks can be accelerated by AI
+2% projected (2024-2034)
EPOCH score: 17/25
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
- Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
- 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.
- Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
- Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
Education & Training
Typical Entry Education
Post-secondary certificate
Time to Job Ready
1-3 years
Based on Job Zone 3. For formal education duration only, see education_duration.
Technology Skills
Key Abilities
Ready to Start Your Career?
Find jobs and training programs for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists- Median salary: $59K/year
Find Jobs
Search positions from LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and more. Get up to 50 relevant job listings with salary info.
- Real-time results
- Export to Excel
Find Training
Discover training programs, certifications, and educational resources to help you get started or advance your career.
- Local programs
- DOL verified
Compensation Details
Based on 285,030 employed workers
Also Known As
Data from O*NET 30.1 and BLS Occupational Employment Statistics
O*NET Code: 49-3031.00