National
| Median wages (2008) |
$18.94 hourly, $39,390 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
275,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Average (7% to 13%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
91,000 additional employees |
49-3031.00 - Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul trucks, buses, and all types of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile diesel engines.
Sample of reported job titles:
Mechanic, Diesel Mechanic, Bus Mechanic, General Repair Mechanic, Diesel Technician, Trailer Mechanic, Transit Mechanic, Truck Mechanic, Fleet Mechanic, Service Technician
Tasks
- Use handtools such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, and precision instruments, as well as power tools such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding equipment, and jacks and hoists.
- Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
- Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
- Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
- Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
- Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
- Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.
- Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
- Inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, and pressure gauges.
- Inspect, repair, and maintain automotive and mechanical equipment and machinery such as pumps and compressors.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Adjustable wrenches — Adjustable crescent wrenches; Wrenches |
| Blow torches — Acetylene torches; Cutting torches |
| Calipers — Dial calipers; Inside calipers; Outside calipers |
| Engine or component test stands — Fuel pump test stands; Governor test stands |
| Hammers — Brass hammers; Claw hammers; Cross peen hammers; Sledgehammers |
| Portable data input terminals — Detroit diesel electronic control DDEC readers; Flash card readers; Handheld diagnostic computers |
| Specialty wrenches — Bleeder wrenches; Flare nut wrenches; Pump wrenches; Slug wrenches |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Data base user interface and query software — Database software |
| Facilities management software — Shop management software |
| Word processing software |
