How to Become a Diesel Mechanic

A diesel mechanic is a very valuable person in the vehicle industry.

Diesel mechanics work on the vehicles that require the expertise that other mechanics don’t have.

They make sure that everything is everything is running well and that the vehicle is safe to drive.

It’s a career that can be very rewarding and has plenty of room for advancement.

Keep on reading to find out more!

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What Does a Diesel Mechanic Do?

A diesel mechanic inspects and repairs vehicles that have diesel engines.

This includes trucks, construction machines and buses.

They will inspect the system’s parts, adjust the wheels and check the batteries.

It can be very physically demanding to do this kind of work.

A diesel mechanic often works in uncomfortable surroundings and positions and uses oily or dirty parts and tools.

Duties

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How Much Does a Diesel Mechanic Make?

The average amount for a diesel mechanic is $45,097.

However, this price can change based on a number of factors.

These factors are:

• Where the person is working
• What kind of certifications they have
• What state they are in
• How much experience they have
• What kind of vehicle they’re working on

Average National Salary: $45,097

*Salary information last updated 2024

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Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Diesel Mechanic

Step 1 Get Your Diploma from High School or GED

The first thing that an employer is going to look for is well do you have graduated from high school.

You’re gonna need skills such as science and math so that you can understand complex subjects like the controls of a diesel engine and fuel injection.

So if you’re still in high school, it’s a good idea to pay close attention in science and math to get your prepared to become a diesel mechanic.

It’s also good idea to take some computer and electronics courses in high school if they’re available.

Check your high school and see if they have an automotive course, too.

This can give you a taste of how it will be to work on a vehicle.

A lot of the same concepts that are used with the standard vehicle will be applicable to a vehicle with a diesel engine.

This will give you a head start when you go into your postsecondary program.

Step 2 Find the Right School Program

There are two options that you can go for when you want to find the right school for diesel mechanics.

There are vocational programs offering diesel mechanic certificates that you can choose from.

There also schools where you can get your associates degree.

Depending on what type of schooling you choose, your program may take anywhere from six months to two years for you to complete.

While you are going to school, do you want to make sure that you’re becoming familiar with communicating with customers and how to read helpful guide such as schematics.

Make sure that you’re engaged in the activities in class and the lab exercises.

This will help you with getting the most out of your education.

Step 3 Get Your CDL

You want to get your commercial drivers license from your state.

When you’re driving large vehicles that need repair, this is the license that you will need.

You will also need to drive the vehicle after you repaired it to test it and make sure that it’s safe for your customer to drive.

It also will tell you if further tweaks need to be done to bring it to the level that your customer wants it to be.

Step 4 Find an Employer

Going to school is important, but even more important is getting some training on the job from an employer.

There’s a high demand for diesel mechanics, so you shouldn’t settle for someone who is not going to keep you updated on the important technological advances that the newer vehicles have.

Look for one who is willing to give you training and work with you.

Step 5 Apply for ASE Certification

This certification is nationally recognized and can help you with furthering your career.

This type of certification also can help you with getting better and higher paying jobs is a diesel mechanic.

Even though this may not be necessary, it can help show employers that you are serious about your work.

Step 6 Consider Moving up in the Ranks

Becoming a diesel mechanic doesn’t have to be the end.

You can take qualification test are necessary and become certified in any of the areas that diesel mechanics have.

When you become certified In multiple areas, it will open up more opportunities to you for better jobs and for higher pay.

Make sure that you’re getting re-certified every 5 years.

This will keep your certifications updated.

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Education Needed to Become a Diesel Mechanic

Training requirements for diesel mechanic will vary depending on the employer, but they usually require the person to be a high school graduate or for them to have a GED.

If you’re coming into the field without any type of training or experience, you’re going to get hands-on training within the industry.

You’re going to start out doing basic tasks like assisting mechanics by moving the vehicles or checking the level of fluids.

Eventually you will move up to tasks that are more complex.

This stage can last anywhere from 3 to 4 years.

Some of the positions may require a candidate that has postsecondary education in diesel mechanics.

It’s easy to find degree and certificate programs in the field at community colleges, vocational schools and trade schools.

Even if you’re taking classes in diesel mechanics, chances are that you’re going to get some extensive training on the job.

Video About The Career

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Certification & Licensing Needed to Become a Diesel Mechanic

The ASE certification is the certification that most diesel mechanics straightforward.

The tests that come with ASE Certification are a short way to describe the top certifications that are given by the ASE national Institute.

This nonprofit, independent group’s been certifying different mechanic since back in 1972.

The certification that you receive will build on education you’re receiving from a technology school that’s reputable in heavy and diesel equipment.

The test specific heavy equipment and diesel knowledge.

They aren’t trivial and they aren’t meant to stump you.

These tests are made to check your ability to quickly recall minute details and your overall knowledge of systems.

Whether you are fixing something like a marine diesel engine or the OTR diesel of a freightliner, time is money when it comes to technology of heavy equipment and repairing diesel engines

You’re going to need to have a lot of knowledge and be able to use your mind for diagnosing and repairing equipment.

There are 16 different test series for ASE certification that you can take.

Average Training Program Duration: 1-2 Years

If you decide to just get training on the job, this will last 3 to 4 years.

If you go for schooling, this will take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

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Popular Degree Programs

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Job Outlook and Growth for Diesel Mechanics

Good job opportunities for diesel mechanics is expected to grow 9% between now and 2026, and this is about the same amount as other occupations

Since there is a lot more free being shipped across country, there will be the need for more trucks powered by diesel to carry this freight any place where pipelines and trains aren’t economical or available.

Not only that, but light diesel trucks and  cars are becoming a lot more popular.

This means that there will be a need for more diesel mechanics for maintaining and repairing the vehicles.

Job Prospects

Those workers who’ve  completed their postsecondary education Will have the best chance to have the greatest number of job opportunities, followed by those who have graduated from accredited automotive programs in high school.

Those workers who haven’t completed their post secondary education well often require a lot more supervision and instruction on the job,

This means that they are going to face more competition when it comes to finding jobs.

Since it’s often time-consuming and expensive to train those without the education, employers often will pass on trade workers by in favor of finding someone who has their education.

Employment Growth Projection: %

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Should You Become a Diesel Mechanic?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long do you have to go to school to become a diesel mechanic?

Community colleges and vocational schools provide students with formal training.

These types of programs usually last anywhere from six months to two years.

When you complete it, it usually will result in a certificate or associates degree.

According to the BLS, some of the schools offer around 30 hours each week of training hands-on.

Q. How much money does a diesel mechanic make a year?

The average salary for a diesel mechanic is $45,097.

This amount can go up and down based on a variety of factors.

Things that can affect a diesel mechanic salary are:

• The state in which you work
• The type of vehicles you work on
• Your certifications
• How much experience you have
• Your workplace

Even though most diesel mechanics are men, there are women who are getting into the field.

Q. What kind of education do you need to be a diesel mechanic?

Before you can become a diesel mechanic, you need to have your GED or your high school diploma.

Before graduating, it’s a good idea to take math and science courses, along with any automotive courses that the high school offers.

Once you have graduated, you have a couple of options.

Some people have become a diesel mechanic decide to go and work for a garage and get training on the job.

However, this isn’t always the best choice because a lot of employers don’t want to take the time and expense to train someone.

The better idea is to go to a vocational school or community college and be trained formally in becoming a diesel mechanic.

Depending on which education option you choose, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete your education.

Q. Are diesel mechanics in high demand?

Diesel mechanics are in high demand, and it’s projected that the job will grow 9% between now and 2026.

The reason for this is because many more people are driving diesel cars.

More items are being shipped where trains can’t go as well, so there’s an increased need for diesel trucks to carry the freight.

Competent and knowledgeable diesel mechanics are needed to work on these vehicles.

Q. What skills do you need to have to be a diesel mechanic?

Being a diesel mechanic is a lot more than simply working on engines.

There’s a certain set of skills that you need to have in order to be successful.

Below are some of the necessary skills that a diesel mechanic needs:

• Patience
• Electronics skills
• Ability to communicate
• Ability to read material and understand it
• Analytical skills
• People skills
• Ability to diagnose mechanical problems
• Mathematics skills
• Troubleshooting skills
• Willing and able to learn
• Able to work with your hands

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How to Become a Diesel Mechanic by State

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