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Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
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Median pay

$60,640
Median annual pay for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

2.4%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

26,500
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

319,900
Estimated U.S. employment for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+7,800
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Long-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Speaking
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Monitoring
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mechanical
  2. 2Transportation
  3. 3Education and Training
  4. 4English Language
  5. 5Public Safety and Security
  6. 6Mathematics

Abilities

  1. 1Near Vision
  2. 2Arm-Hand Steadiness
  3. 3Finger Dexterity
  4. 4Manual Dexterity
  5. 5Control Precision
  6. 6Hearing Sensitivity

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Perseverance
  5. 5Stress Tolerance
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
  2. 2Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  3. 3Getting Information
  4. 4Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  5. 5Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  6. 6Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment

Work context

  1. 1Exposed to Contaminants
  2. 2Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  3. 3Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  4. 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  5. 5In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
  6. 6Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

Representative 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.
  • 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.

Software and tools

Autodesk AutoCAD · hot technologyDassault Systemes SolidWorks · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyComputerized maintenance management system software CMMSCummins INSITEDassault Systemes CATIADatabase softwareEngine diagnostic softwareFleet management software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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