Bus and Truck Mechanic

Your Fit

Income

$59K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

0.9%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Bus and Truck Mechanic?

Bus and Truck Mechanics specialize in diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing large vehicles such as buses and trucks, ensuring they are safe and reliable for operation. They work with complex systems including engines, transmissions, and braking systems.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Bus and Truck Mechanic.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Bus and Truck Mechanic earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$39K per year	$48K per year	$59K per year	$70K per year	$82K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $11K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Bus and Truck Mechanic do?

Work environment

These mechanics typically work in repair shops, garages, or for transportation companies. The environment can be noisy and may involve working in cramped or awkward positions. Mechanics often work with heavy parts and tools, and may be exposed to grease, diesel fumes, and other chemicals, making safety practices important.

Quick task list

Diagnoses mechanical and electrical problems in buses and trucks.
Performs routine maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake repairs.
Repairs or replaces malfunctioning parts.
Tests vehicle systems to ensure repairs are successful.
Maintains service records and inventory of parts.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Diesel Engine Specialist: Focusing on diesel-powered vehicles, particularly large trucks.
Public Transit Vehicle Maintenance: Specializing in buses and other public transit vehicles.
Fleet Maintenance: Working on a fleet of vehicles for a specific company, ensuring regular maintenance and repairs.
Heavy Equipment Mechanics: Specializing in vehicles used in construction or other heavy-duty applications.

Description

Bus and Truck Mechanics play a critical role in transportation and logistics industries. Their work ensures that large vehicles operate safely and efficiently, minimizing downtime and extending vehicle lifespans. These mechanics must have a broad knowledge of diesel engines and heavy vehicle systems, including electrical and hydraulic systems. They use diagnostic tools to identify issues and apply their mechanical expertise to perform repairs.

The role requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work on complex mechanical systems. Mechanics must keep up with the technological advancements in vehicle design, particularly as more vehicles incorporate computerized systems. They often work under time constraints, especially when dealing with commercial vehicles crucial to business operations.

The job involves not only mechanical repair but also communication with vehicle operators and managers to discuss maintenance schedules and repairs. Mechanics must be detail-oriented to maintain accurate service records, ensuring that all maintenance activities are tracked.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Keeping essential transportation and commercial vehicles operational.
The challenge and variety of working on different types of large vehicles.
The satisfaction of diagnosing and solving complex mechanical issues.

You might make a good Bus and Truck Mechanic if you are...

Interested in large vehicle mechanics and diesel engines.
Skilled in problem-solving and enjoy hands-on work.
Able to work independently and make informed decisions.
Good at communicating and can explain technical issues clearly.
Committed to safety and detail-oriented in your work approach.

Pros:

Steady demand in transportation and logistics sectors.
Opportunity for specialization.
Satisfaction from maintaining essential vehicles.

Cons:

Physically demanding work.
Potential exposure to noise, fumes, and hazardous materials.
May require working outside normal business hours for urgent repairs.

How to become a Bus and Truck Mechanic

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required. Many mechanics have completed vocational training programs in diesel engine repair or heavy vehicle maintenance. On-the-job training is common, and some mechanics pursue certifications from recognized automotive institutions.

High school preparation

Courses:

Automotive Technology: Introduction to the basics of vehicle maintenance and repair, with a focus on larger vehicles like buses and trucks.
Technical Education or Shop Classes: Hands-on experience with tools and machinery, specifically related to automotive applications.
Physics and Mathematics: Fundamental principles for understanding mechanical systems and performing technical calculations.
Welding or Metalwork: Basic skills in welding and metal fabrication, useful for heavy vehicle repair and maintenance.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Automotive Club or Hobbyist Groups: Practical experience working on vehicles, especially focusing on larger engines and systems.
Part-time Jobs or Internships in Auto Shops or Fleet Maintenance Facilities: Direct experience in the field of vehicle maintenance and repair.
Volunteering for Community Service Projects Involving Vehicle Maintenance: Provides exposure to practical challenges in vehicle repair.
Robotics Club or Electronics Hobbyist Groups: Understanding the electrical and electronic aspects of modern vehicular systems.

Preparation after high school

Degrees and Courses: - Vocational Training or Certificate Program: Specialized training in heavy vehicle maintenance and repair. Courses typically cover diesel engine mechanics, electrical systems, brake systems, and preventive maintenance. - Associate's Degree in Diesel Technology or Heavy Equipment Mechanics: A more comprehensive approach, including both theoretical knowledge and practical skills relevant to buses and trucks.

Experiences:

Apprenticeships with Transportation Companies or Fleet Maintenance Services: Hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced mechanics.
Certifications: Obtaining certifications specific to bus and truck mechanics, such as those offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in areas like diesel engines, brakes, and electrical systems.
On-the-Job Training: Employers often provide specific training on the types of vehicles and equipment used in their fleet.

More resources

Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - Offers detailed information on the role and qualifications of Bus and Truck Mechanics.
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) - Provides certification and training resources for automotive professionals, including bus and truck mechanics.
Truck Service Professional Technician Training Program - Offered by the North American Trailer Dealers Association, providing specialized training for those working on trucks and trailers.
Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) - Offers resources and training for professionals in the commercial vehicle industry.
Fleet Maintenance Magazine - Provides industry news, trends, and best practices for professionals in the field of fleet maintenance.
Heavy Duty Trucking Magazine - Offers insights, news, and updates relevant to those working with heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.