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How to Become a Diesel Mechanic

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What is a Diesel Mechanic

So you like to get down and dirty, huh? We're talking strictly about anything with a diesel engine, so get your mind out of the gutter! A diesel mechanic is trained specifically to inspect, repair and overhaul any diesel-run vehicle.

The job can be noisy as some of the machines you'll be working with will be loud. Mostly you'll just be working full-time, but don't be surprised if you end up working overtime or a night shift. If you don't mind getting a little grease on your hands, then you'll fit right in. Of course, after you're certified or have attended a training program.

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a Diesel Mechanic. For example, did you know that they make an average of $23.16 an hour? That's $48,174 a year!

Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 5% and produce 13,800 job opportunities across the U.S.

What Does a Diesel Mechanic Do

There are certain skills that many Diesel Mechanics have in order to accomplish their responsibilities. By taking a look through resumes, we were able to narrow down the most common skills for a person in this position. We discovered that a lot of resumes listed Customer-service skills, Detail oriented and Dexterity.

Learn more about what a Diesel Mechanic does

How To Become a Diesel Mechanic

If you're interested in becoming a Diesel Mechanic, one of the first things to consider is how much education you need. We've determined that 7.0% of Diesel Mechanics have a bachelor's degree. In terms of higher education levels, we found that 1.2% of Diesel Mechanics have master's degrees. Even though some Diesel Mechanics have a college degree, it's possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.

Choosing the right major is always an important step when researching how to become a Diesel Mechanic. When we researched the most common majors for a Diesel Mechanic, we found that they most commonly earn High School Diploma degrees or Associate Degree degrees. Other degrees that we often see on Diesel Mechanic resumes include Diploma degrees or Bachelor's Degree degrees.

You may find that experience in other jobs will help you become a Diesel Mechanic. In fact, many Diesel Mechanic jobs require experience in a role such as Mechanic. Meanwhile, many Diesel Mechanics also have previous career experience in roles such as Diesel Technician or Technician.

What is the right job for my career path?

Tell us your goals and we'll match you with the right jobs to get there.

And if you’re looking for a job, here are the five top employers hiring now:

  1. Estes Express Lines Jobs (61)
  2. XPO Logistics Jobs (87)
  3. Republic Services Jobs (89)
  4. First Student Jobs (244)
  5. First Transit Jobs (139)
Average Salary
$48,174
Average Salary
Job Growth Rate
5%
Job Growth Rate
Job Openings
56,949
Job Openings
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Diesel Mechanic Career Paths

As you move along in your career, you may start taking on more responsibilities or notice that you've taken on a leadership role. Using our career map, a Diesel Mechanic can determine their career goals through the career progression. For example, they could start out with a role such as Technician, progress to a title such as Team Leader and then eventually end up with the title Service Manager.

Diesel Mechanic

Top Careers Before Diesel Mechanic

Mechanic(102,030 Jobs)
24.4 %
Diesel Technician(112,176 Jobs)
8.5 %
Technician(640,808 Jobs)
6.8 %

Diesel Mechanic Jobs You Might Like

What is the right job for my career path?

Tell us your goals and we'll match you with the rights job to get there.

Average Salary for a Diesel Mechanic

Diesel Mechanics in America make an average salary of $48,174 per year or $23 per hour. The top 10 percent makes over $63,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $36,000 per year.
Average Salary
$48,174
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12 Diesel Mechanic Resume Examples

Build a professional diesel mechanic resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 12+ resume templates to create your diesel mechanic resume.

 
Christopher Rogers
Diesel Mechanic
Contact Information
Houston, TX
(840) 555-4697
Skills
  • Fleet Equipment
  • Customer Vehicles
  • CDL
  • Mechanical Parts
  • Electrical Systems
  • Brake Systems
  • Water Pumps
  • Hand Tools
  • General Maintenance
  • Engine Repair
 
 
Employment History
Diesel Mechanic2015 - Present
Sears Holdings
Houston, TX
  • Service customer vehicles in a timely and professional manner.
  • Keep detailed description of diagnosis and repairs for each vehicle to ensure accurate automotive history.
Auto Mechanic2013 - 2015
Walmart
Orlando, FL
  • Performed lube service, complete tire services and customer service
  • Change engine oil, air filters, tires and batteries in vehicles.
  • Cross-trained and assisted other customer service representatives when needed.
Small Engine Mechanic2011 - 2013
AAR
Melbourne, FL
  • Utilize a wide variety of hand tools, machining devices, drills, jigs, shapers etc.
  • Executed and performed routine general maintenance and repair functions.
  • Performed maintenance operations with hand tools and test equipment.
Education
High School Diploma 2011 - 2011
 
 
Megan Cruz
Diesel Mechanic
Contact Info
Lima, OH
(390) 555-5157
Skills
Fuel Systems
CDL
Important Parts
Fiberglass
Primer
Hand Tools
Caterpillar
Vehicle Bodies
Repair Accessories
Plastic Repair
Employment History
Diesel Mechanic2020 - Present
Tom Ahl Family of DealershipsLima, OH
  • Line Tech Diagnosis and Repair variety of equipment Write and give estimates for repairs
  • Fixed broken down machinery and performed light maintenance services.
  • Used a variety of power tools including impact gun, grinders, press, hand tools.
  • Up sold other maintenance services to customers Inventoried supplies for shop
Body Mechanic2019 - 2020
Tom Ahl Family of DealershipsLima, OH
  • Line Tech Diagnosis and Repair variety of equipment Write and give estimates for repairs
  • Diagnosed and repaired customer vehicles and routine maintenance.
  • Accomplished car check-ups and diagnosis such as oil changes, brakes replacements.
  • Performed auto body collision repairs using various auto collision tools and equipment.
Construction Equipment Mechanic2017 - 2019
General DynamicsLima, OH
  • Use tool cranes, hand tools and Torque tools.
  • Operate forklifts and overhead cranes.
  • Perform trouble shooting to Stryker specific faults, failures and deficiencies.
  • Used Test Measurement Diagnostic Equipment and special tools and equipment.
  • Repaired or replaced shoes, pads, drums, hoses, calipers, cylinders, anyheavy-duty air brakes.
  • Diagnose, repair, and test all systems forklift and heavy equipment repair related
Education
Certificate Automotive Technology2016 - 2017
University of Northwestern OhioLima, OH
 
 
Randy Willis
Diesel Mechanic
Memphis, TN
(820) 555-5562
Experience
Diesel Mechanic2019 - Present
Aerotek•Memphis, TN
  • Remove rough spots and smooth surfaces to fit, trim, and clean parts, using hand tools or power tools.
  • Preform light arch and Mig welding.
  • Performed PM services and DOT inspections on Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks.
  • Use various hand tools such as pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, and sockets.
  • Removed and install engines, transmission, steering systems, brake systems, etc.
Mechanic's Assistant2015 - 2019
Walmart•Lincoln, NE
  • Provide customer service including changing oil, tires, lights and batteries on customer vehicles.
  • Assist with department managerial work Handle day to day business operation Provide customer service to 500+ clients daily
  • Performed automotive services and activities associated with the store in an accurate and timely manner according to company policies and procedures.
  • Performed maintenance checks on customer vehicles
  • Tire and Lube services and performed daily oil changes Inspected lift equipment
Diesel Service Technician (Part-Time)2014 - 2015
Walmart•Lincoln, NE
  • Rotate tires to different positions on vehicles, using hand tools.
  • Performed oil changes on customer vehicles.
  • Provided clients with communication assistance.
Skills
CDLA/CHeavy EquipmentVehicle ConditionOrder PartsTire PressureOshaFreightlinerTest EquipmentVehicle Parts
Education
Certificate Automotive Technology2014 - 2015
Lincoln•Lincoln, NE
 
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Learn How To Write a Diesel Mechanic Resume

At Zippia, we went through countless Diesel Mechanic resumes and compiled some information about how to optimize them. Here are some suggestions based on what we found, divided by the individual sections of the resume itself.

View Diesel Mechanic Resume Examples And Templates

And if you’re looking for a job, here are the five top employers hiring now:

  1. Estes Express Lines Jobs (61)
  2. XPO Logistics Jobs (87)
  3. Republic Services Jobs (89)
  4. First Student Jobs (244)
  5. First Transit Jobs (139)

Choose From 10+ Customizable Diesel Mechanic Resume templates

Zippia allows you to choose from different easy-to-use Diesel Mechanic templates, and provides you with expert advice. Using the templates, you can rest assured that the structure and format of your Diesel Mechanic resume is top notch. Choose a template with the colors, fonts & text sizes that are appropriate for your industry.

Diesel Mechanic Resume
Diesel Mechanic Resume
Diesel Mechanic Resume
Diesel Mechanic Resume
Diesel Mechanic Resume
Diesel Mechanic Resume
Diesel Mechanic Resume
Diesel Mechanic Resume
Diesel Mechanic Resume
Diesel Mechanic Resume
Diesel Mechanic Resume
Diesel Mechanic Resume
Diesel Mechanic Resume
Diesel Mechanic Resume
Diesel Mechanic Resume
Diesel Mechanic Resume

Diesel Mechanic Demographics

Diesel Mechanic Gender Distribution

Male
Male
96%
Female
Female
4%

After extensive research and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:

  • Among Diesel Mechanics, 3.7% of them are women, while 96.3% are men.

  • The most common race/ethnicity among Diesel Mechanics is White, which makes up 70.9% of all Diesel Mechanics.

  • The most common foreign language among Diesel Mechanics is Spanish at 67.7%.

Job Openings

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Diesel Mechanic Jobs You Might Like

  • High Paying Diesel Mechanic Jobs - $63K and Up
  • Entry Level Diesel Mechanic Jobs
  • Part Time Diesel Mechanic Jobs
  • Actively Hiring
  • No Degree Diesel Mechanic Jobs

Diesel Mechanic Education

Diesel Mechanic Majors

Automotive Technology
57.1 %
Business
6.3 %
General Studies
6.1 %

Diesel Mechanic Degrees

High School Diploma

41.8 %

Associate

26.7 %

Diploma

17.4 %
Job Openings

Find the best Diesel Mechanic job for you

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Diesel Mechanic Jobs You Might Like

  • High Paying Diesel Mechanic Jobs - $63K and Up
  • Entry Level Diesel Mechanic Jobs
  • Part Time Diesel Mechanic Jobs
  • Actively Hiring
  • No Degree Diesel Mechanic Jobs

Online Courses For Diesel Mechanic That You May Like

Diesel Engine Fundamentals (Mechanical Engineering)
udemy
4.6
(264)

Learn about the diesel engine! Ideal for Automotive Engineering and Automobile Engineering!...

View Details on Udemy
Internal Combustion Engine Basics (Mechanical Engineering)
udemy
4.8
(543)

Learn how internal combustion engines work! Learn all of a combustion engine's main components and how they work!...

View Details on Udemy
Control Systems Made Simple Beginner's Guide
udemy
4.5
(546)

Learn fundamentals of Mechanical & electrical system modeling, simulation and control with this unique practical course!...

View Details on Udemy
Show More Diesel Mechanic Courses
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Full Time
Part Time
Internship
Temporary

Top Skills For a Diesel Mechanic

The skills section on your resume can be almost as important as the experience section, so you want it to be an accurate portrayal of what you can do. Luckily, we've found all of the skills you'll need so even if you don't have these skills yet, you know what you need to work on. Out of all the resumes we looked through, 20.8% of Diesel Mechanics listed CDL on their resume, but soft skills such as Customer-service skills and Detail oriented are important as well.

Best States For a Diesel Mechanic

Some places are better than others when it comes to starting a career as a Diesel Mechanic. The best states for people in this position are Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. Diesel Mechanics make the most in Massachusetts with an average salary of $63,066. Whereas in Connecticut and New York, they would average $62,332 and $59,900, respectively. While Diesel Mechanics would only make an average of $59,546 in New Jersey, you would still make more there than in the rest of the country. We determined these as the best states based on job availability and pay. By finding the median salary, cost of living, and using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Location Quotient, we narrowed down our list of states to these four.

1. Maine

Total Diesel Mechanic Jobs:
170
Highest 10% Earn:
$70,000
Location Quotient:
1.1
Location Quotient is a measure used by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to determine how concentrated a certain industry is in a single state compared to the nation as a whole. You can read more about how BLS calculates location quotients here

$58,219

Avg. Salary

View 170 Diesel Mechanic Jobs

2. Nevada

Total Diesel Mechanic Jobs:
302
Highest 10% Earn:
$74,000
Location Quotient:
1.25
Location Quotient is a measure used by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to determine how concentrated a certain industry is in a single state compared to the nation as a whole. You can read more about how BLS calculates location quotients here

$55,640

Avg. Salary

View 302 Diesel Mechanic Jobs

3. Connecticut

Total Diesel Mechanic Jobs:
377
Highest 10% Earn:
$79,000
Location Quotient:
0.98
Location Quotient is a measure used by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to determine how concentrated a certain industry is in a single state compared to the nation as a whole. You can read more about how BLS calculates location quotients here

$62,332

Avg. Salary

View 377 Diesel Mechanic Jobs
Full List Of Best States For Diesel Mechanics

How Do Diesel Mechanic Rate Their Jobs?

Zippia Official Logo

5.0

Tech • August 2019

5.0

Zippia Official LogoTech • August 2019

What do you like the most about working as Diesel Mechanic?

The job have always wanted to do it been doing it 5 years now like that I can make trucks come back to life Show More

What do you NOT like?

Nothing Show More
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Top Diesel Mechanic Employers

Most Common Employers For Diesel Mechanic

RankCompanyZippia ScoreAverage Diesel Mechanic SalaryAverage Salary
1
1.Estes Express Lines
4.2
$60,922
2
2.XPO Logistics
4.6
$54,696
3
3.Republic Services
4.7
$54,264
4
4.First Student
4.5
$54,068
5
5.First Transit
4.7
$47,033
6
6.Waste Connections
4.6
$45,285
Show More

Diesel Mechanic Videos

What A Day As A Mechanic Looks Like ~Time Lapse Video
A Day in the Life" of a Heavy Vehicle Technician"

Becoming a Diesel Mechanic FAQs

Do diesel mechanics make good money?

Yes, diesel mechanics make good money. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage in 2020 for diesel mechanics (and diesel service technicians) was about $50,000. Depending on your location, industry, and experience, you can make more.

Is a diesel mechanic a good career?

Yes, being a diesel mechanic is generally a good career. This evaluation is due to a decent salary and employment growth.

The median annual wage is around $50,000, and some employers and industries pay more than that. So, there is good potential earning if you stick with the career. Also, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of diesel mechanics is expected to grow during this decade.

Is being a diesel mechanic hard?

No, being a diesel mechanic is not too hard. With proper training, you could become one after three to four years.

The minimum education requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent, although some employers prefer it if you have some kind of postsecondary education in automotive repair, electronics, and mathematics. What would be advantageous is to have a degree or certificate specifically in diesel engine repair.

Have more questions? See all answers to common installation, maintenance and repair questions.

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Updated May 26, 2022