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Bus or Truck Mechanic

What Do Bus or Truck Mechanic Do?

Example of Bus or Truck Mechanic Job 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.

List of Bus or Truck Mechanic Job Duties

  • Repair or adjust seats, doors, or windows.
  • Recondition and replace parts, pistons, bearings, gears, and valves.
  • Follow green operational practices involving conservation of water or energy or reduction of solid waste.
  • Use handtools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, or precision instruments, as well as power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding equipment, or jacks and hoists.
  • Measure vehicle emissions to determine whether they are within acceptable limits.
  • Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.

Bus or Truck Mechanic Skills

These are the skills Bus and Truck Mechanics say are the most useful in their careers:

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.

  • Oil Field Equipment Mechanic
  • Bus Mechanic
  • Farm Machinery Engine Mechanic
  • Diesel Service Technician
  • Diesel Truck Mechanic

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. 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.

How Much Does a Bus or Truck Mechanic Make?

The average yearly salary of a Bus or Truck Mechanic ranges between $31,200 and $72,180.

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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 each U.S. state?

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

Tools & Technologies Used by Bus and Truck Mechanics

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?

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What work experience do I need to become a Bus or Truck Mechanic?

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Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Are you already one of the many Bus or Truck Mechanic in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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