Life As a Bus or Truck Mechanic
Bus or Truck Mechanic Job Description 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
- Follow green operational practices involving conservation of water or energy or reduction of solid waste.
- Adjust or repair computer controlled exhaust emissions devices.
- Diagnose and repair vehicle heating and cooling systems.
- Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
- Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
- Repair or adjust seats, doors, or windows.
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Bus or Truck Mechanic Required Skills
These are the skills Bus and Truck Mechanics say are the most useful in their careers:
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Related Job Titles
- Marine Engine Machinist
- Truck, Railroad, and Bus Motor Mechanic
- Diesel Engine Fitter
- Tractor Trailer Mechanic
- General Repair Mechanic
Is There Job Demand for Bus and Truck Mechanics?
In the United States, there were 278,800 jobs for Bus or Truck Mechanic in 2016. 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. The BLS estimates 28,200 yearly job openings in this field.

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 Average 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.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Bus and Truck Mechanics 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?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Bus and Truck Mechanics:
- 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
What education is 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?

Below are examples of industries where Bus and Truck Mechanics 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.
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