Bus and Truck Mechanics

Career summary

Bus and truck mechanics may also be called truck, bus, transit or diesel mechanics.

#Part of 3114 Heavy Equipment Mechanics. Removed some titles that were redundant because of 100095 and added WOIS title.

#reviewed 3/28/19 lh

Bus and truck mechanics work on several types of vehicles with diesel engines. These include heavy equipment and:

• Buses
• Trucks
• Bulldozers
• Cranes
• Farm tractors

Some bus and truck mechanics maintain vehicles. They change oil, check batteries, adjust brakes, and grease parts. They also clean or replace parts. They inspect and adjust vehicles' safety and protective features and check for loose bolts.

Bus and truck mechanics repair vehicles that are not working properly. They read job orders to learn what work needs to be done on vehicles. They follow the factory guidelines for upgrading parts or tuning engines.

They sometimes use hand-held computers to determine which part of the vehicle is causing the problem. They attach computers to parts and read the gauges to identify problems. They often take engines apart to fix problems.

Bus and truck mechanics use power tools to weld exhaust systems, to grind brakes, or to hoist heavy engines. They also use hand tools such as pliers, wrenches, and screwdrivers.

Some mechanics work on all parts of busses or trucks. Mechanics may also specialize in a particular area, such as pumps, generators, brakes, or transmissions.

Mechanics keep shop machinery functioning. They maintain and repair machinery, such as pumps and compressors.

Related careers

This career is part of the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Aircraft Mechanics
• Automobile Mechanics
• Building Maintenance Workers
• Electric Motor Repairers
• Farm Equipment Mechanics
• Heating and Cooling System Mechanics
• Heavy Equipment Mechanics
• Millwrights
• Motorboat Mechanics
• Motorcycle Mechanics
• Small Engine Mechanics
• Stationary Engineers

Military careers

• Automotive and Heavy Equipment Mechanics

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to bus and truck mechanics.

• Examine and adjust safety and protective features.
• Change oil, check batteries, repair tires and tubes, and oil moving parts.
• Clean or replace parts, pistons, bearings, gears, and valves.
• Read job orders.
• Use computers to test for parts that are not working correctly.
• Adjust brakes, align wheels, and tighten bolts and screws.
• Take apart and put back together internal combustion engines, pumps, generators, and transmissions.
• Inspect, repair, and maintain shop machinery, such as pumps and compressors.
• Check how parts fit inside the engine. Check settings to see if they agree with factory rules.
• Use power and hand tools.
• Observe and listen to the vehicle to see it is operating properly.
• Test drive vehicles.
• Follow green practices, such as water or energy conservation, or reduction of solid waste.
• Adjust or repair computer controlled exhaust emissions devices.
• Measure vehicle emissions to make sure they are within acceptable limits.
• Maintain or repair vehicles with alternative fuel systems, including biodiesel or hybrid vehicles.

Common work activities

Bus and truck mechanics perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Get information needed to do the job
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Evaluate information against standards
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Document and record information
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Handle and move objects
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Use computers
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Repair and maintain electronic equipment
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Process information
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Control machines and processes

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, bus and truck mechanics:

Interpersonal relationships

• May work as part of a team.
• Have a medium level of contact with customers or other mechanics.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Sometimes deal with customers who might be angry or rude.
• Have limited responsibility for the work done by other mechanics.
• Communicate with others via telephone and face-to-face conversations.
• Occasionally write e-mails to customers.

Physical work conditions

• Often are exposed to very hot or cold temperatures.
• Sometimes work with hazardous equipment, tools, situations, and conditions. The chance of injury is reduced when mechanics follow safety rules.
• Are exposed to loud or distracting sounds and noise levels throughout their workday.
• Are regularly exposed to contaminants. As a result, they often wear protective or safety gear.
• Sometimes must work in extremely bright or dim lighting.
• Work both indoors and outdoors. Temperatures may not be controlled.
• Often must get into awkward positions to reach cramped work spaces.
• Work inside various types of buses and trucks. Often test drive them before, during, and after repairs.
• Occasionally wear uniforms.
• Work near others.

Work performance

• Must be very accurate in their work. If a part is not installed properly, the engine may be damaged.
• Set most of their daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor first.
• Often make decisions that impact their employer or their customers without consulting another first.

Hours/travel

• May work 40-hour work weeks. Some work as many as 70 hours per week, especially those who are self-employed.
• May work evenings, nights, and weekends. Some shops have longer hours to meet customer demand.

Physical demands

Bus and truck mechanics frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.

It is important for bus and truck mechanics to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for bus and truck mechanics to be able to:

• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.

Skills and abilities

Bus and truck mechanics need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Repair machines or systems.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Operate and control equipment.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Automotive Technology
• Diesel Technology

Other programs of study to consider

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Boat Maintenance and Repair
• Heavy Equipment Operations
• Industrial Mechanics
• Motorcycle Repair
• Small Engine Repair

Training

To work as a bus and truck mechanic, you typically need to:

• be at least 18 years old;
• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a commercial driver's license to test drive trucks; and
• complete long-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some bus and truck mechanics complete formal training programs. Professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer these programs. In most diesel service technician programs, you get a combination of class instruction and hands-on practice. Programs last between six months and two years. You usually earn an associate degree when you complete a two-year program.

In a diesel service program, you study the latest truck technology. You learn how to service and repair vehicles. You also learn how to understand technical manuals. In addition, you learn to communicate with customers and coworkers.

On-the-job training

Most bus and truck mechanics are trained on the job by an experienced mechanic. You begin by working as a helper. As a helper, you usually clean parts and put fuel in vehicles. As you gain more experience, you work on more complex tasks. During training, you learn to:

• repair and service diesel vehicles;
• service electrical systems; and
• service brake systems.

On-the-job training usually takes three to four years to complete.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be mechanics. They offer training in several types of engines, such as boat, auto, and heavy equipment. Training lasts eight to 29 weeks, depending on your specialty. Further training occurs on the job.

Washington apprenticeships

In Washington, the requirements for automotive machinists apprenticeship programs are as follows:

• completion of 4,000 to 8,000 hours (two- to four-years) of on-the-job training; and
• completion of 144 to 201 hours of classroom instruction each year.

Additionally, applicants must:

• be at least 18 years of age;
• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• be physically able to perform the duties of the trade; and
• have six months of education or work experience in the field.

Be sure and contact Labor and Industries, or check their apprenticeship website to see if programs are currently being offered.

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#Checked apprenticeship info 2/15/18 cj. This is becoming difficult to verify 3/28/19 lh

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Equipment Maintenance and Repair
• Industrial Arts
• Introduction to Mechanics

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire bus and truck mechanics who graduate from formal training programs. Many employers work with training programs to provide instructors with the latest equipment, techniques, and tools. Employers help students learn what they need to know for the job. This relationship also helps employers hire skilled workers.

For unskilled entry-level jobs, employers look for workers who have mechanical aptitude and strong problem-solving skills. Bus and truck mechanics also must be at least 18 years old and in good physical condition. Most employers require completion of high school or a GED.

Some construction contractors seek mechanics who have a welding or hydraulics background. Some construction equipment mechanics are hired through the International Union of Operating Engineers. Many employers want workers to have, or be able to obtain, a commercial driver's license.

Tips

Take auto or agricultural mechanics classes while in high school. Start buying and collecting tools that are used in this occupation since most mechanics are required to supply their own. Some firms prefer experienced auto mechanics who are then trained in the additional skills required for working on trucks. Opportunities are best for people with formal training. Computer skills will be needed as this occupation shifts toward computer-oriented servicing. Workers also must keep current with technical information and government regulations. Attending a school whose program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) can be beneficial.

Costs to workers

Mechanics who test drive trucks must get a combination driver's license (CDL) and pay a fee to the State of Washington. Most bus and truck mechanics must buy their own hand tools. Some are required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and annual dues.

#Moved details on licensing costs and contact info to licensing section since the license is required for workers who need to test drive the trucks they work on, 2/21/12 cj.

Licensing/certification

Mechanics who test drive trucks or buses must get a combination driver's license (CDL) from the Washington State Department of Licensing. Applicants must be over the age of 18 and have a valid Washington State driver's license.

For more information on commercial driver's licenses, contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
Driver Examining CDL Program 
PO Box 9030
Olympia, WA 98507-9030
360.902.3900

#Checked info & made minor change to fees 2/21/12 cj. Minor fee update cdl to wsdl lh 5/10/13. Checked info 2/12/14 cj. no changes 3/15 lh or 3/21/16 cj. Fees are getting complicated. link to DOL is fine and will just use that for fee information. lh 2/8/17 lh. Info ok 2/15/18 cj. fine 3/28/19 lh

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by workers' level of responsibility and education. Beginners usually earn 50 to 75 percent less than what skilled workers earn. Mechanics who work evenings, nights, and weekends are paid more for working odd hours. Mechanics who work for government agencies often earn more than those who work for schools or trucking and courier services.

Many bus and truck mechanics are members of a union. Union members are usually paid more than non-union members.

Most full-time bus and truck mechanics receive benefits. Common benefits include health insurance, sick leave, and paid vacation. Some employers may also provide uniforms, money for tools, or pay for additional training.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Almost every area of the country needs mechanics. However, many of the companies that hire mechanics, such as bus lines and trucking companies, are located in larger cities.

Major employers:

• Local and long distance trucking companies
• Local government motor pools
• Automotive and truck repair shops
• Motor vehicles, parts, and supply dealers
• Automotive rental companies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will grow about as fast as average. Job growth is closely tied to the trucking and freight industry. The increased use of diesel trucks will increase the number of jobs for diesel mechanics. Demand for bus and truck mechanics may also be increased due to environmental regulations. Mechanics will be needed to retrofit and modernize existing vehicles.

Job opportunities are good for those who have attended formal training programs. Those who have not attended these programs may have tougher competition for entry-level jobs.

Other resources

Association of Diesel Specialists 
7250 Heritage Village Plaza, Suite 201
Gainesville, VA 20155
816.285.0810

Automotive Service Association 
8209 Mid Cities Boulevard
North Richland Hills, TX 76182
817.514.2900

Automotive Service Association Northwest 
7403 Lakewood Drive West, Suite 7
Lakewood, WA 98499
877.257.2100
253.473.6970

International Union of Operating Engineers 
1125 - 17th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
202.429.9100

References

Career cluster

• Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists (49-3031.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Diesel Mechanic (625.281-010) 
• Diesel-mechanic Apprentice (625.281-014) 
• Maintenance Mechanic (620.281-046) 
• Mechanic, Industrial Truck (620.281-050) 
• Oil-field Equipment Mechanic (629.381-014) 
• Tractor Mechanic (620.281-058) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled