What does a truck mechanic do?
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.
Truck mechanic responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real truck mechanic resumes:
- Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
- Detail completion in writing of diagnosis and repair on company repair order.
- Raise trucks, buses and heavy parts and equipment using hydraulic jacks and hoists.
- Service air system and troubleshoot, repair, and service air conditioning systems on trucks.
- Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
- Perform all FHWA and D.O.T.
- Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
Truck mechanic skills and personality traits
We calculated that 18% of Truck Mechanics are proficient in CDL, Customer Service, and Electrical Systems. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Detail oriented, and Dexterity.
We break down the percentage of Truck Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- CDL, 18%
Experience in farming and running equipment Accomplishments Certified engine builder ,class A cdl holder work done in a timely manner.
- Customer Service, 12%
Produced daily communication and customer service between vendors and shops.
- Electrical Systems, 6%
Repaired trailers, installed brakes and air systems, fifth wheels, adjusted clutches, repair all lights and electrical systems.
- Diesel Engines, 4%
Overhauled gas and diesel engines improving performance increasing operational efficiency.
- DOT, 4%
Performed preventative maintenance inspections and services, repair any DOT failures and driver related concerns
- Hand Tools, 4%
Used hand tools, power tools, pneumatic tools, welding equipment and jacks and hoists.
"cdl," "customer service," and "electrical systems" are among the most common skills that truck mechanics use at work. You can find even more truck mechanic responsibilities below, including:
Customer-service skills. One of the key soft skills for a truck mechanic to have is customer-service skills. You can see how this relates to what truck mechanics do because "diesel technicians frequently discuss automotive problems and necessary repairs with their customers." Additionally, a truck mechanic resume shows how truck mechanics use customer-service skills: "general hd truck repair.including customer fleets,company vehicles,and dismantling vehicles for parts sales. "
Detail oriented. Many truck mechanic duties rely on detail oriented. "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.," so a truck mechanic will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways truck mechanic responsibilities rely on detail oriented: "structured and maintained a computer assisted maintenance program detailing repairs made, dot inspection records, and maintenance schedules. "
Dexterity. truck mechanics are also known for dexterity, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to truck mechanic responsibilities, because "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." A truck mechanic resume example shows how dexterity is used in the workplace: "assisted in unloading/loading diesel trucks with shipments and deliveries* certified to operate forklift and bobcat"
Mechanical skills. A big part of what truck mechanics do relies on "mechanical skills." You can see how essential it is to truck mechanic responsibilities because "diesel technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical truck mechanic tasks: "overhaul cummins engines diagnose electrical and mechanical parts, change oil, clutches, and dpf systems"
Organizational skills. Another common skill required for truck mechanic responsibilities is "organizational skills." This skill comes up in the duties of truck mechanics all the time, as "diesel technicians must keep workspaces clean and organized in order to maintain safety and accountability for parts." An excerpt from a real truck mechanic resume shows how this skill is central to what a truck mechanic does: "performed organizational maintenance services on wheeled vehicles, trailers, generators, and pumping units. "
Physical strength. Another skill commonly found on truck mechanic job descriptions is "physical strength." It can come up quite often in truck mechanic duties, since "diesel technicians often lift heavy parts and tools, such as exhaust system components and pneumatic wrenches." Here's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day truck mechanic responsibilities: "provided physical and technical assistance for hvac technicians. "
The three companies that hire the most truck mechanics are:
- Johnson Controls75 truck mechanics jobs
- Republic Services17 truck mechanics jobs
- MDU Resources16 truck mechanics jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable truck mechanic resume templates
Build a professional truck mechanic resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your truck mechanic resume.
Compare different truck mechanics
Truck mechanic vs. Automotive service technician
Automotive service technicians, often called service technicians, have a duty to inspect, maintain, and repair cars and even light trucks. It is their job as automotive service technicians to find problems, often by computerized diagnostic equipment. They do test parts and systems to guarantee that they work properly and follow checklists to ensure that every critical part is examined. Performing basic care and maintenance is also part of their main tasks, including changing oil, rotating tires, and checking fluid levels.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a truck mechanic are more likely to require skills like "cdl," "electrical systems," "diesel engines," and "dot." On the other hand, a job as an automotive service technician requires skills like "dexterity," "manual dexterity," "customer satisfaction," and "automotive repair." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Automotive service technicians really shine in the health care industry with an average salary of $38,929. Comparatively, truck mechanics tend to make the most money in the energy industry with an average salary of $53,263.The education levels that automotive service technicians earn slightly differ from truck mechanics. In particular, automotive service technicians are 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a truck mechanic. Additionally, they're 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Truck mechanic vs. Diesel technician
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.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that truck mechanic responsibilities requires skills like "grinders," "preventive maintenance," "truck repair," and "mechanical equipment." But a diesel technician might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "preventative maintenance," "maintenance services," "construction equipment," and "calipers."
Diesel technicians may earn a lower salary than truck mechanics, but diesel technicians earn the most pay in the utilities industry with an average salary of $49,875. On the other hand, truck mechanics receive higher pay in the energy industry, where they earn an average salary of $53,263.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Diesel technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than truck mechanics. In fact, they're 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Truck mechanic vs. Auto technician
An auto technician specializes in performing inspections, repairs, and maintenance on different automotive vehicles ranging from small cars to light trucks. Their responsibilities revolve around identifying issues using various diagnostic tools to determine which course of action to take, discussing the extent of repairs to clients, and ordering car parts from suppliers. There are also instances when an auto technician may have the task of maintaining the cleanliness of the workplace, or participate in record-keeping and monitoring the inventory.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from truck mechanic resumes include skills like "cdl," "electrical systems," "diesel engines," and "dot," whereas an auto technician is more likely to list skills in "taking care," "customer vehicles," "work ethic," and "strong work ethic. "
Auto technicians earn the highest salary when working in the retail industry, where they receive an average salary of $38,823. Comparatively, truck mechanics have the highest earning potential in the energy industry, with an average salary of $53,263.When it comes to education, auto technicians tend to earn similar degree levels compared to truck mechanics. In fact, they're 0.0% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Truck mechanic vs. Mobile equipment mechanic
Mobile equipment mechanics are skilled employees who are responsible for conducting repairs and maintenance of construction and surface mining equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators. These mechanics must inspect machines and heavy equipment while evaluating operating manuals to perform diagnosis and resolve any defects. They are required to use hand and power tools to perform repairs on the defective equipment parts. Mobile equipment mechanics must also check any open circuits on the electrical systems of heavy equipment.
Types of truck mechanic
Updated January 8, 2025
