Diesel Mechanic

Diesel Mechanic Career Overview

Diesel Mechanics are mechanics who specialize in maintenance and repair of the diesel engines that power trains, trucks, buses, boats, and other large vehicles and heavy equipment. Diesel engines are also becoming more commonly used in light vehicles such as vans, private cars and light trucks, so it is important for Diesel Mechanics to be able to adapt their skills to working on both small and large diesel vehicles.

Diesel Mechanics must have highly flexible skills, as they may work on various different tasks such as fine-tuning a vehicle’s electrical system, performing major engine repairs, or replacing worn-out engine parts. Manual dexterity and physical agility are important physical attributes for Diesel Mechanics, who may spend long hours working beneath a vehicle, and lying or standing in awkward positions. Good mechanical aptitude, strong troubleshooting skills, and good problem-solving skills are also important for Diesel Mechanics.

Diesel Mechanic Training & Education

Some Diesel Mechanics may not require more than a high school education or GED, and instead may obtain their education while on the job. In these situations, trainees begin their career by carrying out minor routine tasks such as cleaning engine parts, before beginning to learn the more complex aspects of the trade.

However, it is increasingly common for Diesel Mechanics to complete formal education at a community college or vocational school before obtaining a position. Courses typically run for between six months and two years, with the potential to obtain an Associate’s degree at the end of a two year course.

Regardless of how they begin their career, most Diesel Mechanics will need to attend training courses and seminars throughout their working life, to ensure they remain current with the latest techniques, technologies and products.

Diesel Mechanic Career Outlook & Salary

Employment opportunities for Diesel Mechanics are expected to grow at an average rate throughout to the year 2016, according to the US Department of Labor. This approximates to a growth rate of around 11%. Most growth in the industry will be due to an increased requirement for cleaner burning diesel engines in both heavy and light vehicles.

Diesel Mechanics typically earn between $25,000 and $55,000, with the average Diesel Mechanic earning a salary of around $37,000. The actual salary is largely dependent on the Diesel Mechanic’s level of education and work experience. New entrants to the profession will tend to earn $30,000 or less, while experienced Diesel Mechanics will earn more than $45,000.

Career Fields/Specializations

Transmission Technician Career

Transmission technicians are specialized automotive technicians that work predominantly on the components of a vehicle that make up the transmission. They work on

• gear trains
• couplings
• hydraulic pumps
• other parts of transmissions

Transmission technicians must have extensive knowledge of computer controls, the ability to diagnose electrical and hydraulic problems, and other specialized skills in order to work on these complex components. A profession as a transmission technician is challenging because it requires expert knowledge about transmissions, which employ some of the most sophisticated technology used in vehicles. Transmission technicians must have excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills and must also stay up to date on technology and improvements in the field of transmission maintenance and repair.

Diesel Service Technician Career

Diesel service technicians are responsible for repairing and maintaining the diesel engines that power transportation equipment such as heavy trucks, buses, and locomotives. When performing a routine maintenance check on a vehicle, technicians follow a checklist and repair or adjust parts that do not work properly or remove and replace parts that cannot be fixed.

Diesel maintenance is becoming increasingly complex, as more electronic components are used to control the operation of an engine. Also, new emissions standards are requiring mechanics to retrofit engines to comply with pollution regulations. In modern shops, diesel service technicians use hand-held or laptop computers to diagnose problems and adjust engine functions. Due to continual advances in automotive technology, technicians must regularly learn new techniques to repair vehicles.

Brake Repairer Career

Yet another specialty as an automotive technician is that of a brake repairer. Brake repairers must be able to diagnose and repair problems with the break system in a vehicle.

They adjust brakes, replace brake linings and pads, and make other repairs on brake systems. Even though electronics and electronic systems in automobiles were a specialty in the past, electronics are now so common that it is essential for all types of service technicians to be familiar with at least the basic principles of electronics. Brake repairers must stay up to date on automotive technology in order to best perform their job. They must have:

• technical
• computer
• critical thinking skills