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.

Also called: Bus Mechanic, Diesel Mechanic, Diesel Technician (Diesel Tech), Fleet Mechanic, General Repair Mechanic, Heavy Truck Mechanic, Service Technician, Trailer Mechanic, Transit Mechanic, Truck Mechanic, Biodiesel Engine Specialist, Boat Diesel Motor Mechanic, Boat Engine Installer, Boat Engine Mechanic, Boat Mechanic, Bus Engine Mechanic, Bus Garage Mechanic, Bus Motor Mechanic, Bus Overhauler, Bus Transmission Mechanic, Bus Tune-Up Mechanic, Diesel Engine Erector, Diesel Engine Fitter, Diesel Engine Mechanic, Diesel Fleet Mechanic Tech (Diesel Fleet Mechanic Technician), Diesel Machinist, Diesel Mechanic Tech (Diesel Mechanic Technician), Diesel Motor Mechanic, Diesel Service Technician, Diesel Tractor Engine Mechanic, Diesel Truck Mechanic, Diesel Truck Tech (Diesel Truck Technician), Engine Maintenance Mechanic, Engine Mechanic, Farm Equipment Engine Mechanic, Farm Implement Engine Mechanic, Farm Machinery Engine Mechanic, Fleet Technician (Fleet Tech), Heavy Diesel Mechanic, Heavy Duty Diesel Mechanic, Heavy Duty Mechanic, Heavy Equipment Diesel Mechanic, Heavy Equipment Engine Mechanic, Heavy Wheel Vehicle Mechanic, Industrial Truck Mechanic, Locomotive Mechanic, Maintenance Mechanic, Marine Diesel Mechanic, Marine Diesel Technician, Marine Engine Machinist, Marine Engine Mechanic, Mobile Diesel Mechanic, Mobile Diesel Tech (Mobile Diesel Technician), Motor Coach Mechanic, Motor Mechanic, Oil Field Equipment Mechanic, Ordnance Truck Installation Mechanic, Petrol Construction Maintenance Mechanic, Power Generation Equipment Repairer, Power Generator Equipment Repairer, Railroad Engine Mechanic, Railroad Motor Mechanic, Railroad Transmission Mechanic, Railroad Tune-Up Mechanic, School Bus Mechanic, Service Advisor, Tank Truck Engine Mechanic, Tractor Expert, Tractor Mechanic, Tractor Trailer Mechanic, Transportation Mechanic, Truck Bench Mechanic, Truck Engine Mechanic, Truck Engine Technician, Truck Garage Mechanic, Truck Motor Mechanic, Truck Overhauler, Truck Service Advisor, Truck Trailer Mechanic, Truck Transmission Mechanic, Truck Tune-Up Mechanic

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

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.

Skills, machines and equipment

Troubleshooting
Repairing
Operations Monitoring
Equipment Maintenance
Critical Thinking
Quality Control Analysis
Speaking
Equipment Selection
Judgment and Decision Making
Active Listening
Monitoring
Complex Problem Solving

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Post-Secondary Certificate (39.49% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

50,540–75,470 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 49-3031.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Develop reliable production, safety, quality, and equipment skills; explore additional processes, senior specialist, or team-lead responsibilities relevant to your workplace.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Post-Secondary Certificate (39.49% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists