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.
Featured schools near , edit
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.
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.
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:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Bus or Truck Mechanic?
Where do Bus and Truck Mechanics Work?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
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.
Featured Schools
Request Info | Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |