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What Does it Take to Be a Bus or Truck Mechanic?

Bus or Truck Mechanic Definition 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.

Daily Life Of a Bus or Truck Mechanic

  • Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.
  • Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
  • Repair or adjust seats, doors, or windows.
  • Align front ends and suspension systems.
  • Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
  • Maintain or repair vehicles with alternative fuel systems, including biodiesel, hybrid, or compressed natural gas vehicles.

Skills Needed to be a Bus or Truck Mechanic

Bus and Truck Mechanics state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Types of Bus or Truck Mechanic Jobs

  • Diesel Machinist
  • Tractor Trailer Mechanic
  • Truck, Railroad, and Bus Transmission Mechanic
  • Truck Mechanic
  • Diesel Mechanic Apprentice

Bus or Truck Mechanic Job Outlook

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 278,800 jobs in the United States for Bus or Truck Mechanic. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 25,800 new jobs for Bus or Truck Mechanic by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 28,200 job openings in this field each year.

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The states with the most job growth for Bus or Truck Mechanic are Utah, North Dakota, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maine, or Maryland. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Bus or Truck Mechanic Salary

The salary for Bus and Truck Mechanics ranges between about $31,200 and $72,180 a year.

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Bus and Truck Mechanics who work in Alaska, District of Columbia, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.

How much do Bus and Truck Mechanics make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $43,830
Alaska $66,280
Arizona $46,640
Arkansas $40,440
California $56,830
Colorado $52,350
Connecticut $58,060
Delaware $49,450
District of Columbia $60,730
Florida $46,610
Georgia $46,120
Hawaii $57,490
Idaho $42,770
Illinois $53,290
Indiana $44,660
Iowa $43,000
Kansas $44,170
Kentucky $43,340
Louisiana $47,680
Maine $44,530
Maryland $51,890
Massachusetts $59,310
Michigan $45,930
Minnesota $51,480
Mississippi $38,700
Missouri $45,320
Montana $51,160
Nebraska $43,460
Nevada $57,250
New Hampshire $52,240
New Jersey $55,500
New Mexico $43,520
New York $55,340
North Carolina $45,310
North Dakota $54,080
Ohio $46,900
Oklahoma $44,340
Oregon $51,000
Pennsylvania $46,960
Rhode Island $49,620
South Carolina $44,910
South Dakota $43,500
Tennessee $44,890
Texas $48,450
Utah $48,360
Vermont $46,700
Virginia $48,470
Washington $55,830
West Virginia $39,440
Wisconsin $48,070
Wyoming $53,380

What Tools & Technology do Bus and Truck Mechanics Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Bus and Truck Mechanics may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Word processing software
  • SAP
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Database software
  • Computer aided design CAD software
  • Scheduling software
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS
  • Inventory tracking software
  • Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
  • Computerized maintenance management system software CMMS

How to Become a Bus or Truck Mechanic

Education needed to be a Bus or Truck Mechanic:

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Bus or Truck Mechanic?

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Where do Bus and Truck Mechanics Work?

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those who work as a Bus or Truck Mechanic sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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