The lead mechanic who diagnoses and rebuilds the biggest, most complex machines.
You diagnose a hydraulic problem on a 100-ton mining truck, rebuild its transmission, and train younger mechanics.
Field mechanics with overtime can earn more.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 8 years after high school. Diesel/heavy equipment program plus years of dealer training.
Ways in: Trade school, Apprenticeship. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Heavy Equipment Technology, Diesel Technology.
Growing faster than average (about 6% over 10 years).
Low risk for 10 years. Machines report fault codes remotely, but rebuilding engines and hydraulics on giant equipment stays expert work.
Classes: Diesel CTE, Physics, Welding.
Official data: O*NET occupation 49-3042.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.