Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

At a Glance

Median Salary
$46,296

Local Jobs
494

Entry-Level Education
Certification

Occupation Profile

Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition. Use 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. Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment. Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices. Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.

By The Numbers

Median Annual Earnings

$46,296

Median Annual Earnings are the midpoint earned by 50 percent of workers who are the lowest paid and 50 percent of workers who are the highest paid in a particular occupation

Local Jobs

494

Jobs are any position in which a worker provides labor in exchange for monetary compensation (note: one individual may hold multiple jobs)

Entry-Level Education

Certification

This is the most common education level requested in entry-level job listings.

Daily Tasks

Use 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.
Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.
Inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, or pressure gauges.
Diagnose and repair vehicle heating and cooling systems.
Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
Inspect, repair, and maintain automotive and mechanical equipment and machinery, such as pumps and compressors.
Inspect and verify dimensions and clearances of parts to ensure conformance to factory specifications.
Disassemble and overhaul internal combustion engines, pumps, generators, transmissions, clutches, and differential units.
Adjust or repair computer controlled exhaust emissions devices.
Rebuild gas or diesel engines.
Specialize in repairing and maintaining parts of the engine, such as fuel injection systems.
Recondition and replace parts, pistons, bearings, gears, and valves.
Install or repair accessories.
Repair or adjust seats, doors, or windows.
Dismount, mount, and repair or replace tires.
Align front ends and suspension systems.
Maintain or repair vehicles with alternative fuel systems, including biodiesel, hybrid, or compressed natural gas vehicles.

Occupational Skills

What skills are necessary for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists?

Hard Skills

Brakes
Diesel Engines
Electrical Systems
Heavy Equipment
HVAC
Hydraulics
Mechanics
Power Tool Operation
Preventive Maintenance
Suspension (Vehicle)

Soft Skills

Communications
Computer Literacy
Customer Service
Good Driving Record
Lifting Ability
Management
Operations
Troubleshooting (Problem Solving)
Valid Driver's License
Writing

Hard skills are specific, learnable, measurable, often industry- or occupation-specific abilities related to a position.

Soft skills can be self-taught and usually do not necessitate a certain completed level of education. They are essential in many industries and occupations.

Education Programs

Del Mar College

Commercial Truck Drivers

John Rojas

Del Mar College

361-698-2707

jrojas@delmar.edu

Program Type	Credential Type	Level	Required Hours	Online	Finanical Aid
CTE	CE		200	Some	Yes

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