Diesel Mechanic
Quick Facts
Median Salary$58,816
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+21.85%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Diesel Mechanic repairs and rebuilds diesel engines for vehicles like trucks, ships, tractors, and buses.
Core 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.
- Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
- Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
- 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.
- Diagnose and repair vehicle heating and cooling systems.
- Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
- Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
- Inspect, repair, and maintain automotive and mechanical equipment and machinery, such as pumps and compressors.
- Inspect and verify dimensions and clearances of parts to ensure conformance to factory specifications.
- Disassemble and overhaul internal combustion engines, pumps, generators, transmissions, clutches, and differential units.
- Adjust or repair computer controlled exhaust emissions devices.
- Rebuild gas or diesel engines.
- Specialize in repairing and maintaining parts of the engine, such as fuel injection systems.
- Recondition and replace parts, pistons, bearings, gears, and valves.
- Install or repair accessories.
- Repair or adjust seats, doors, or windows.
- Dismount, mount, and repair or replace tires.
- Align front ends and suspension systems.
- Maintain or repair vehicles with alternative fuel systems, including biodiesel, hybrid, or compressed natural gas vehicles.
What to expect as a Diesel Mechanic
1Earn a High school or GED Diploma
44% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Diesel Mechanic related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
7206 openings for Diesel Mechanics
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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