Career: Diesel Technicians
Diesel engines are more powerful than gasoline engines and last longer. That’s why they’re used for vehicles -- such as buses, trucks, bulldozers, and tractors -- that need hardworking combustion to get the job done.
Diesel technicians keep these heavy vehicles in safe working condition and routinely check brakes, steering, and wheels. While the work can sometimes be messy, diesel technicians enjoy solving mechanical problems and keeping up with new technology and equipment.
Diesel technicians maintain and repair the diesel engines that power equipment ranging from heavy trucks to road graders and combines.
Did You Know?
- Diesel technicians spend a lot of their time on preventive maintenance -- that is, making sure that vehicles don’t break down in the first place.
Are You Ready To...?
- Use a handheld computer to adjust engines
- Use lathes and grinding machines to rebuild brakes
- Get a commercial driver’s license so you can test-drive trucks and buses
- Attend manufacturer training sessions
It Helps to Be...
Flexible. One day you may be working on a truck’s electrical system; the next you may be making major repairs to its engine. You’ll also need to be something of a detective, putting clues together to discover what’s wrong with a vehicle.
Make High School Count
- Sign up for auto shop and electronics.
- Find out if your high school participates in a training program such as the Automotive Youth Education Services.
- Make the most of English classes and build up your reading skills. You’ll need to understand service manuals and written instructions.
Did You Know?
- Manufacturers now use computer chips to manage fuel timing, which increases the engine’s efficiency.
Outlook
Government economists expect jobs for diesel technicians to grow as fast as the average for all careers through 2016.
As freight transportation by truck increases, the need for technicians to repair trucks will also increase. Another reason for job growth is that more buses, trucks, and even cars are being built with diesel engines instead of gasoline engines. Why? With gasoline prices going up, diesel fuel is cheaper to use. And diesel engines are cleaner and more efficient than ever.
Compensation
The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the average yearly salary in 2008 for diesel technicians was $40,710.
