What does a diesel technician do?
Diesel technicians specialize in repairing and handling the maintenance of vehicles powered by diesel. They are primarily responsible for inspecting cars, conducting tests, and identifying its problems to determine what course of action to take. Aside from repairing engines, diesel technicians may also fix other systems such as brakes, steering, and even lighting. It is essential to discuss the extent of repairs to clients and make them understand the costs involved. Furthermore, it is vital to maintain an accurate record of data at all times.
Diesel technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real diesel technician resumes:
- Maintain, diagnose, troubleshoot and repair all systems pertaining to diesel trucks, refrigerate trailers and flatb trailers.
- Obtain class b air brakes cdl
- Acquire ASE certifications while working here.
- Install PTO's and fabricate wet kits.
- Help train new drivers to get their cdl licences.
- Study and are enrolled in the chrysler academy learning program.
- Perform repairs to tractors, trailers, and dollies daily.
- Work on heavy equipment machinery according to ASE standards and practices.
- Diagnose and repair all makes and models of peterbilt trucks from bumper to bumper.
- Attend a 5 day Kenworth factory training course on 2010 PACCAR MX diesel engine.
- Job requirements include oil changes, chassis inspections, federal inspections, and HVAC work.
- Require to operate forklift equipment in storing materials or in performing plumbing and other relate work.
- Rebuild blowers, transfer case, water pumps, PTO's and responsible for overall safety of operation in the shop.
- Inspect, remove, troubleshoot, repair, service, test, and modify truck and trailer general maintenance systems.
- Preform accurate diagnosis and repairs relate fluid leaks and proper component replacement.
Diesel technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 17% of Diesel Technicians are proficient in CDL, Customer Service, and Preventative Maintenance. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Detail oriented, and Dexterity.
We break down the percentage of Diesel Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- CDL, 17%
Maintained a Class B CDL and was assigned a service truck.
- Customer Service, 8%
General maintenance and repairs on semi trucks, trailers and diesel vehicles-Parts-Customer Service-Answering Phones-Shipping & Receiving
- Preventative Maintenance, 7%
Provided technical guidance to three subordinates on proper preventative maintenance procedures; conducted on-the-job training; completed maintenance forms and records.
- Diagnosis, 7%
Trained and learned electronic engine diagnosis and repair -Gained experience in truck, bus applications -Proficient in engine overhaul and base troubleshooting
- Hand Tools, 6%
Supported field operations by performing preventive maintenance on-site on construction equipment using hand tools and diagnosing equipment.
- DOT, 4%
Maintain transportation equipment with DOT safety inspections required by the state and utilized new electronic functions to diagnose and repair diesel equipment
Common skills that a diesel technician uses to do their job include "cdl," "customer service," and "preventative maintenance." You can find details on the most important diesel technician responsibilities below.
Customer-service skills. The most essential soft skill for a diesel technician to carry out their responsibilities is customer-service skills. This skill is important for the role because "diesel technicians frequently discuss automotive problems and necessary repairs with their customers." Additionally, a diesel technician resume shows how their duties depend on customer-service skills: "diagnosed automotive cars and diesel trucks provided estimates for customers. "
Detail oriented. Another essential skill to perform diesel technician duties is detail oriented. Diesel technicians responsibilities require that "diesel technicians must be aware of small details when inspecting or repairing engines and components, because mechanical and electronic malfunctions are often due to misalignments and other easy-to-miss causes." Diesel technicians also use detail oriented in their role according to a real resume snippet: "recognized by senior leadership for strong work ethic, time management skills and attention to detail. "
Dexterity. This is an important skill for diesel technicians to perform their duties. For an example of how diesel technician responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "mechanics need a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination for many tasks, such as disassembling engine parts, connecting or attaching components, and using hand tools." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a diesel technician: "maintained and performed maintenance on diesel trucks and trailers and aslo worked on pallet jack and forklifts, stand up forklift. ".
Mechanical skills. diesel technician responsibilities often require "mechanical skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "diesel technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other." This resume example shows what diesel technicians do with mechanical skills on a typical day: "perform skilled mechanical repair and maintenance on heavy duty diesel trucks to maintain in a safe and proper operating condition. "
Physical strength. A commonly-found skill in diesel technician job descriptions, "physical strength" is essential to what diesel technicians do. Diesel technician responsibilities rely on this skill because "diesel technicians often lift heavy parts and tools, such as exhaust system components and pneumatic wrenches." You can also see how diesel technician duties rely on physical strength in this resume example: "completed dot physical exams and licensing requirements to operate commercial vehicles. "
Troubleshooting skills. Lastly, "troubleshooting skills" is an important element of what a diesel technician does. Diesel technician responsibilities require this skill because "diesel technicians use diagnostic equipment on engine systems and components in order to identify and fix problems in mechanical and electronic systems." This resume example highlights how diesel technician duties rely on this skill: "performed engine rebuilds, troubleshooting of electrical problems, as well as performed routine maintenance. "
The three companies that hire the most diesel technicians are:
- Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores2,554 diesel technicians jobs
- Parker Global Strategies662 diesel technicians jobs
- Sysco190 diesel technicians jobs
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Compare different diesel technicians
Diesel technician vs. Mechanic helper
The job of a mechanic helper is to support lead mechanics and perform a variety of duties and responsibilities. You will be assisting in the maintenance of cars, such as changing tires and oils, replacing brakes, and diagnosing vehicle issues. In addition, you will be responsible for logging labor costs and inventory use and take vehicles for test drives. Other duties include replacing belts and hoses, assisting the lead mechanic in major projects, and repairing and maintaining cars.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between diesel technicians and mechanic helper. For instance, diesel technician responsibilities require skills such as "cdl," "customer service," "preventative maintenance," and "diagnosis." Whereas a mechanic helper is skilled in "preventive maintenance," "safety equipment," "safety procedures," and "mechanical equipment." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Mechanic helpers earn the highest salaries when working in the professional industry, with an average yearly salary of $36,229. On the other hand, diesel technicians are paid more in the utilities industry with an average salary of $49,875.On average, mechanic helpers reach similar levels of education than diesel technicians. Mechanic helpers are 0.7% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Diesel technician vs. Truck mechanic
Also known as diesel services technicians, truck mechanics perform various heavy-duty truck tasks. The technicians work on large vehicles, tractor-trailers, and buses. It is their duty to inspect, make diagnoses, and repair the brake systems and other electrical components. They conduct routine maintenance work, which aims for longevity and functionality. It is also important for them to have skills in communication, organization, computer system, and administrative tasks.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, diesel technician responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "preventative maintenance," "maintenance services," "construction equipment," and "calipers." Meanwhile, a truck mechanic has duties that require skills in areas such as "grinders," "preventive maintenance," "truck repair," and "mechanical equipment." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Truck mechanics may earn a higher salary than diesel technicians, but truck mechanics earn the most pay in the energy industry with an average salary of $53,263. On the other hand, diesel technicians receive higher pay in the utilities industry, where they earn an average salary of $49,875.In general, truck mechanics achieve similar levels of education than diesel technicians. They're 0.5% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Diesel technician vs. Shop mechanic
A shop mechanic is responsible for maintaining and repairing defective machinery and vehicles. Shop mechanics identify the disrupted components by inspecting and running diagnostic tests and informing the owner of the necessary procedures they need to take. They discuss the costs and expenses, the materials to be used, and the duration to fix the machine upon analyzing its complexity. A shop mechanic monitors the shop inventory, assemble parts, and upgrade engines and machinery for optimal performance.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from diesel technician resumes include skills like "diagnosis," "defective equipment," "pto," and "maintenance services," whereas a shop mechanic is more likely to list skills in "air brakes," "rental equipment," "ladders," and "mig. "
Shop mechanics earn the highest salary when working in the government industry, where they receive an average salary of $43,954. Comparatively, diesel technicians have the highest earning potential in the utilities industry, with an average salary of $49,875.Most shop mechanics achieve a similar degree level compared to diesel technicians. For example, they're 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Diesel technician vs. Mechanic
Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.
Types of diesel technician
Updated January 8, 2025
