Occupations/49-3031.00

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

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.

Certificate or two-year

Usually a certificate, vocational program, or associate degree — not a bachelor’s.

AI automation risk

30%

More resilient

Human characteristics

62%

Balanced human and task mix

Task orientation

64%

Higher automation risk

A day in this job

  • Mostly human

    Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.

  • Mostly routine

    Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.

  • Task

    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.

Split from the wording of these tasks, shown next to the occupation’s AI risk. It is not a separate score for each task, and it is not a forecast that the job disappears.

Core tasks

  1. 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.
  2. 02Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
  3. 03Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
  4. 04Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
  5. 05Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
  6. 06Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.

Model drivers (O*NET 1–5)

  • Repeating same tasks3.20
  • Degree of automation1.55
  • Time sitting1.76
  • Originality (ability)2.62
  • Conflict situations2.39
  • Hands-on objects/tools4.79
  • Outdoors / weather4.29
  • Disease exposure1.65
  • Decision freedom4.07

Top abilities

  • Near Vision4.00
  • Manual Dexterity3.88
  • Finger Dexterity3.88
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.88
  • Hearing Sensitivity3.75
  • Control Precision3.75
  • Problem Sensitivity3.62
  • Multilimb Coordination3.62

Essential skills

  • Reading Comprehension2.88
  • Active Listening3.00
  • Writing2.62
  • Speaking3.12
  • Mathematics2.00
  • Science1.75
  • Critical Thinking3.25
  • Active Learning2.75
  • Learning Strategies2.75
  • Monitoring3.00

CIP matches

47.0605Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician47.0613Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician

Schools offering related programs

12 of 14 shown

Earnings are College Scorecard medians for that program, 1 and 2 years after completion. A dash means the Department suppressed the cell or the campus is not in the field file.

InstitutionProgramTuitionAdmitGrad 6-yrEarnings

Minneapolis Community and Technical College

Minneapolis, MN · Public

Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician

47.0605

$5,900100%28%

1 yr $106,421

2 yr —

Associate · CIP 47.06

Northern Virginia Community College

Annandale, VA · Public

Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician

47.0605

$5,700100%35%

1 yr $38,289

2 yr $33,993

Associate · CIP 47.06

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Moorhead, MN · Public

Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician

47.0605

$9,80071%61%

1 yr $35,060

2 yr $30,409

Certificate · CIP 47.06

Century College

White Bear Lake, MN · Public

Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician

47.0605

$6,000100%31%

1 yr —

2 yr $30,520

Associate · CIP 47.06

Saint Paul College

St. Paul, MN · Public

Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician

47.0605

$6,100100%29%

1 yr $29,685

2 yr $36,560

Certificate · CIP 47.06

University of Minnesota-Rochester

Rochester, MN · Public

Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician

47.0605

$14,20072%73%

1 yr —

2 yr —

Associate · CIP 47.06

Anoka-Ramsey Community College

Coon Rapids, MN · Public

Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician

47.0605

$5,800100%33%

1 yr —

2 yr —

Associate · CIP 47.06

Rochester Community and Technical College

Rochester, MN · Public

Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician

47.0605

$6,200100%33%

1 yr —

2 yr —

Not reported

Hennepin Technical College

Brooklyn Park, MN · Public

Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician

47.0605

$6,200100%38%

1 yr —

2 yr —

Not reported

Ridgewater College

Willmar, MN · Public

Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician

47.0605

$6,100100%36%

1 yr —

2 yr —

Not reported

Minnesota West Community and Technical College

Granite Falls, MN · Public

Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician

47.0605

$6,000100%37%

1 yr —

2 yr —

Not reported

Anoka Technical College

Anoka, MN · Public

Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician

47.0605

$6,300100%48%

1 yr —

2 yr —

Not reported