Diesel Mechanic and Diesel Technician Careers

You’ll need to have a high school diploma for an entry-level job. While most employers offer on-the-job training lasting three to four years, some prefer workers with knowledge of repairing diesel engines. High school courses such as automotive repair, electronics, engineering and math can help anyone interested in this career to get ahead.

Boost your qualifications out of high school by completing training in these areas.

Many mechanics test-drive vehicles, so earning a commercial driver’s license can be worthwhile.

LEARN MORE: Read how, why and where to get great training in How To Become a Diesel Mechanic.

By getting certified by the National Institute for Automotive Excellence (ASE) you’ll elevate your career potential, improve your chances of getting noticed by an employer and earn more.

Working as a diesel mechanic in specific repair areas, such as electronic systems or drivetrains, you’ll need to earn a certification. After two years of on-the-job work experience, you’ll be required to pass one or more ASE exam. This type of certification needs to be revisited every five years to keep you up to date.

Get certified or earn your associate degree at one of the top training schools in the country. Community colleges and trade schools offer degree programs for diesel mechanics that typically last about 24 months. You’ll get a mix of hands-on experience, including learning the basics of diesel tech, repair and equipment, while also learning how to read technical manuals and diagnostic reports.

Find a diesel mechanic or diesel technician apprenticeship through an employer and learn on the job in a workshop. There are advantages to to this approach because you improve your skills and learn new ones through your employer. Getting training through a brand-specific diesel engine repair program is another way to train into a job, and in some cases, this will be shorter because it's more specific. (For example, learn about this diesel mechanic academy that trains workers in 12 weeks.) 

If you want to broaden your area of expertise, you can train for related jobs, such as an aircraft mechanic or heavy equipment mechanic. As an FFA-Certified Aviation Maintenance Technician (or AMT) your job will be highly technical. AMTs keep aircraft operating and running smoothly. Get certified by the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) through an approved school or experience in the field. You’ll need to complete two certificates, one in power plant and one in airframe. Heavy equipment mechanics, aka heavy diesel mechanics, work on trucks, logging, construction and farming machinery, as well as oil rigs and hydraulic systems.

Many diesel mechanics work regular business hours. Many repair shops run their business after hours, so you may need to work some evenings and weekends. Businesses like truck and bus repair shops are open 24 hours. With so much overtime available, a diesel mechanic who wants more hours can work more than 40 hours a week.

Your customers will look to you for valuable knowledge and expertise. A good diesel mechanic will strive to get the work done as efficiently as possible by quickly identify problems and knowing how long each job will take. As the first person to diagnose an issue, your job will be to understand your customer’s needs, whether it’s a minor repair or something more critical. An eye for detail to notice the small things others might miss will help you get the job done right the first time. This also requires explaining issues to someone who isn’t a trained mechanic. Don't underestimate the importance of good communication skills. Every diesel mechanic needs them.

There isn't much difference in the jobs today — but there used to be. Diesel mechanics used to focus mostly on mechanical issues, but because engines have changed, they now solve both mechanical and technical problems. As engines evolved and became more complicated, the need for computer diagnostics increased. That's when the diesel technician name came into play. Now, most people who work on diesel engines do both of these tasks, which is why the terms are interchangeable.

There are many skills and personality traits that make you well-suited to this job. You could be a good fit for this job if you are:

• Are detail-oriented
• Can think on your feet
• Are good with machinery
• Can manage your time well
• Have excellent problem-solving and organization skills
• Like working with changing technology
• Have good hand-eye coordination
• Are a good communicator
• Are adaptable
• Work well with others
• Are safety conscious

This career involves heavy parts and tools and typically greasy or dirty equipment, so you’ll need to make sure you follow the safety precautions your organization has in place. Keeping your toolbox and parts clean and organized is important for every mechanic so you’re always ready for that next service call.

Being detail-oriented also matters. Keeping service records and ensuring repair summaries are thorough is an important part of the job. You’ll also need to know how to trace fault codes, interpret and rectify them.

As a diesel mechanic, your team skills will come into play. You’ll be working with everyone from your co-workers on the shop floor to managers and clients. Diesel mechanics are great problem solvers. Being able to discuss issues and bounce your ideas off your teammates is often the key to finding the best outcome. Relying on the expertise of another person to figure out a problem is common, so collaboration is an important skill.