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What is a bus mechanic and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
The average bus mechanic salary is $47,198. The most common degree is a associate degree degree with an automotive technology major. It usually takes 1-2 years of experience to become a bus mechanic. Bus mechanics with a Commercial Driver License (CDL) certification earn more money. Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 4% and produce 12,600 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreBus MechanicUS Average
Salary
3.7

Avg. Salary $47,198

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.3

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
10.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.07%

Asian 2.43%

Black or African American 8.54%

Hispanic or Latino 16.70%

Unknown 5.00%

White 66.26%

Gender

female 2.90%

male 97.10%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress level
6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
5.8

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Bus mechanic career paths

Key steps to become a bus mechanic

  1. Explore bus mechanic education requirements

    Most common bus mechanic degrees

    Associate

    37.2 %

    High School Diploma

    27.7 %

    Diploma

    19.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific bus mechanic skills

    SkillsPercentages
    CDL27.53%
    Preventative Maintenance12.15%
    Diesel Engines6.37%
    ASE5.45%
    Hand Tools5.36%
  3. Complete relevant bus mechanic training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New bus mechanics learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a bus mechanic based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real bus mechanic resumes.
  4. Research bus mechanic duties and responsibilities

    • Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
    • Perform all electrical and HVAC repairs.
    • Obtain ASE for school bus body and specialty equipment.
    • Raise buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks and hoists.
  5. Prepare your bus mechanic resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your bus mechanic resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a bus mechanic resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable bus mechanic resume templates

    Build a professional bus mechanic resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your bus mechanic resume.
    Bus Mechanic Resume
    Bus Mechanic Resume
    Bus Mechanic Resume
    Bus Mechanic Resume
    Bus Mechanic Resume
    Bus Mechanic Resume
    Bus Mechanic Resume
    Bus Mechanic Resume
    Bus Mechanic Resume
  6. Apply for bus mechanic jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a bus mechanic job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first bus mechanic job

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Average bus mechanic salary

The average bus mechanic salary in the United States is $47,198 per year or $23 per hour. Bus mechanic salaries range between $34,000 and $63,000 per year.

Average bus mechanic salary
$47,198 Yearly
$22.69 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do bus mechanics rate their job?

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Bus mechanic reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2024
Cons

Dealing with management and unqualified coworkers


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2022
Pros

Hands on /weld/electric/mech/plumbing……

Cons

People looking over me when they can’t do the jobs


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2022
Pros

Satisfaction of fixing, repairing broken vehicles and challenge of finding problems and correcting them properly.

Cons

Electrical problems are my least favorite.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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