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
Median pay (national)
$60,640
$41,670–$85,980 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
287,230
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+2.4%
~26,500 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $85,980 versus $41,670 at the bottom 10% — 2.1x. The median of $60,640 leaves roughly 42% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +2.4% from 2024 to 2034 — about as fast as the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 26,500 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 52 states with released data, Hawaii pays the most for this role (median $79,010, +30% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $29,750 — a 166% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Critical Thinking, Speaking, Active Listening as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
Tailor your resume to Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Honest tailoring
See how your resume lines up with Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Refit re-angles your real experience toward this role using the skills above — and never invents skills you don't have. A no-fabrication gate checks every change before you see it.
Free. No account needed to see your first re-fit.
Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
- Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
- Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.
- Recondition and replace parts, pistons, bearings, gears, and valves.
- Repair or adjust seats, doors, or windows.
- Dismount, mount, and repair or replace tires.
Tools & technology
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- SAP software
- Computerized maintenance management system software CMMS
- Cummins INSITE
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Database software
- Engine diagnostic software
- Fleet management software
- Inventory tracking software
- Scheduling software
- Shop management software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Word
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical
- Transportation
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management