Also called: Diesel Mechanic, Heavy Truck Technician
Diagnoses and repairs the diesel engines, brakes, and electronics on big trucks and buses.
A truck comes in with a check-engine light, so you plug in a laptop to read codes, then pull apart the fuel system to fix it. You also do brake jobs, replace tires, and work on emissions systems.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. Certificate or associate in diesel technology; ASE certifications help.
Ways in: Trade school, 2-year college, Apprenticeship, Military. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Diesel Technology, Automotive Technology.
Growing about average (about 4% over 10 years). Steady; strong demand as experienced techs retire.
Low risk for 10 years. AI diagnostics read fault codes faster; hands-on repair of engines, brakes and electronics stays human and in demand.
Classes: Auto or diesel tech CTE, Physics, Algebra I.
Official data: O*NET occupation 49-3031.
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