Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
O*NET 49-3031.00 · SOC 49-3031
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialist is a solid career choice. Median pay is $62k a year with +3.6% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 24,400 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Rebuild diesel engine components including pistons and rings
- →Diagnose diesel engine faults using computerized diagnostic tools
- →Inspect and adjust air brake systems on trucks
- →Replace fuel injectors and test diesel fuel systems
- →Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on commercial truck fleets
Education & How to Get In
Most Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialist positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialist?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
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See Open Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialist Roles
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Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists is projected to grow 3.6% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·48% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialist make?
The median Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialist earns $62k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialist jobs?
Our model puts Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialist at 32 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 48% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress; industry sector with low automation exposure.
Is Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 3.6% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 24,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialist?
Most Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialist roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialist?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialist career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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