Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Also called: Diesel Mechanics
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.
Also called: Biodiesel Engine Specialist, Boat Diesel Motor Mechanic, Boat Engine Installer, Boat Engine Mechanic, Boat Mechanic, Bus Engine Mechanic
Median pay
$61,770
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$44,530 – $88,740
People employed
289,960
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 2.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 3.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Tight deadlines are common
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists pay by state
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists salary in every state →
What bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists do
- 01Use 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.
- 02Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
- 03Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
- 04Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
- 05Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
- 06Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Transportation
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers87% · −9%
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics85% · +4%
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door84% · +20%
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery84% · −1%
- Ship Engineers83% · +77%
Change into bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Hydroelectric Plant Technicians81% · $102,040
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics81% · $64,520
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians81% · $64,120
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers80% · $56,210
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery80% · $60,850
Majors that lead here
- Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician
- Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.