Also called: Diesel Mechanic
Diagnoses and repairs diesel engines in semi-trucks, buses and heavy equipment for trucking companies, dealers and bus fleets.
You pull an engine code on a semi-truck, rebuild a turbocharger, and road-test the truck so the driver can deliver on time.
BLS May 2024 median about $61k; fleet and dealer techs with overtime earn more.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. Diesel technology program (6 months to 2 years) plus ASE and manufacturer certifications.
Ways in: Trade school, Apprenticeship, Military. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Diesel Technology (trade school).
Growing faster than average (about 6% over 10 years). BLS projection.
Low risk for 10 years. Truck telematics flag faults remotely, but fixing engines, brakes and aftertreatment stays shop work with high demand.
Classes: Auto or diesel CTE, Physics, Algebra.
Official data: O*NET occupation 49-3031.
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