Bus mechanic vs diesel mechanic

The differences between bus mechanics and diesel mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a bus mechanic and a diesel mechanic. Additionally, a diesel mechanic has an average salary of $49,842, which is higher than the $47,198 average annual salary of a bus mechanic.

The top three skills for a bus mechanic include CDL, preventative maintenance and diesel engines. The most important skills for a diesel mechanic are CDL, preventative maintenance, and DOT.

Bus mechanic vs diesel mechanic overview

	Bus Mechanic	Diesel Mechanic
Yearly salary	$47,198	$49,842
Hourly rate	$22.69	$23.96
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	91,549	85,684
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Bus mechanic vs diesel mechanic salary

Bus mechanics and diesel mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Bus Mechanic	Diesel Mechanic
Average salary	$47,198	$49,842
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $63,000	Between $37,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	Los Angeles, CA	Richmond, CA
Highest paying state	California	Hawaii
Best paying company	SDST Spartans	Hensel Phelps
Best paying industry	Transportation	Energy

Differences between bus mechanic and diesel mechanic education

There are a few differences between a bus mechanic and a diesel mechanic in terms of educational background:

	Bus Mechanic	Diesel Mechanic
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Bus mechanic vs diesel mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between bus mechanics' and diesel mechanics' demographics:

	Bus Mechanic	Diesel Mechanic
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 97.1% Female, 2.9%	Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 2.4% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	Black or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between bus mechanic and diesel mechanic duties and responsibilities

Bus mechanic example 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.
Perform p.m. services, brake jobs, a/c work, electrical and computer diagnostics.
Repair of buses with hydraulics and maintain facilities lifts, HVAC, air systems and grounds.

Diesel mechanic example responsibilities.

Install and rebuild hydraulic systems on trucks to include cylinders, PTO pumps, and hoses.
Repair diesel engines; replace clutches, water pumps, turbo, alternators, brakes and HVAC.
Maintain and troubleshoot various kinds of heavy equipment like forklifts, graders, loaders and, buses.
Perform diagnosis and repairs to electrical systems as failures/problems occur.
Utilize CDL to test drive vehicles.
Maintain driveline and brake components of fleet trucks.

Bus mechanic vs diesel mechanic skills

Common bus mechanic skills

CDL, 28%
Preventative Maintenance, 12%
Diesel Engines, 6%
ASE, 5%
Hand Tools, 5%
DOT, 5%

Common diesel mechanic skills

CDL, 19%
Preventative Maintenance, 12%
DOT, 11%
Hand Tools, 9%
OSHA, 5%
Diagnosis, 4%

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Bus Mechanic vs Diesel Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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