Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Understanding, using, maintaining, or repairing machines, tools, equipment, and mechanical systems.
Using precise hand and finger movements to control tools, equipment, or materials.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Although diesel service technicians and mechanics typically learn on the job after a high school education, employers may prefer to hire candidates who have completed postsecondary training programs in diesel engine repair. In addition, industry certification may be required. PayThe median annual wage for diesel service technicians and mechanics was $61,770 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of diesel service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 24,400 openings for diesel service technicians and mechanics are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for diesel service technicians and mechanics. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of diesel service technicians and mechanics with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about diesel service technicians and mechanics by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for diesel service technicians and mechanics was $61,770 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of diesel service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 24,400 openings for diesel service technicians and mechanics are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for diesel service technicians and mechanics. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of diesel service technicians and mechanics with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about diesel service technicians and mechanics by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of diesel service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 24,400 openings for diesel service technicians and mechanics are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for diesel service technicians and mechanics. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of diesel service technicians and mechanics with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about diesel service technicians and mechanics by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Diesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair, and overhaul buses, trucks, or any vehicle with a diesel engine.
Work Environment
Diesel service technicians and mechanics usually work in well-ventilated and sometimes noisy repair shops. They occasionally repair vehicles on roadsides or at worksites. Most diesel technicians work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Diesel Service Technician or Mechanic
Although diesel service technicians and mechanics typically learn on the job after a high school education, employers may prefer to hire candidates who have completed postsecondary training programs in diesel engine repair. In addition, industry certification may be required.
Pay
The median annual wage for diesel service technicians and mechanics was $61,770 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of diesel service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 24,400 openings for diesel service technicians and mechanics are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for diesel service technicians and mechanics.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of diesel service technicians and mechanics with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about diesel service technicians and mechanics by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Diesel service technicians and mechanics usually work in well-ventilated and sometimes noisy repair shops. They occasionally repair vehicles on roadsides or at worksites. Most diesel technicians work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Diesel Service Technician or Mechanic
Although diesel service technicians and mechanics typically learn on the job after a high school education, employers may prefer to hire candidates who have completed postsecondary training programs in diesel engine repair. In addition, industry certification may be required.
Pay
The median annual wage for diesel service technicians and mechanics was $61,770 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of diesel service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 24,400 openings for diesel service technicians and mechanics are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for diesel service technicians and mechanics.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of diesel service technicians and mechanics with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about diesel service technicians and mechanics by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for diesel service technicians and mechanics.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of diesel service technicians and mechanics with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about diesel service technicians and mechanics by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about diesel service technicians and mechanics by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Explore Training Options
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.