What is a Bus or Truck Mechanic?
Position Description Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.
What Do Bus and Truck Mechanics Do On a Daily Basis?
- Maintain or repair vehicles with alternative fuel systems, including biodiesel, hybrid, or compressed natural gas vehicles.
- Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
- Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
- Inspect, repair, and maintain automotive and mechanical equipment and machinery, such as pumps and compressors.
- Align front ends and suspension systems.
- Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
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Skills Needed to be a Bus or Truck Mechanic
These are the skills Bus and Truck Mechanics say are the most useful in their careers:
Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Related Job Titles
- Vehicle Mechanic
- Boat Engines Installer
- General Repair Mechanic
- Service Technician
- Overhauler, Bus, Truck
Bus or Truck Mechanic Employment Estimates
There were about 278,800 jobs for Bus or Truck Mechanic in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 25,800 new jobs for Bus or Truck Mechanic by 2026. The BLS estimates 28,200 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Bus or Truck Mechanic are Utah, North Dakota, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maine, or Maryland. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Bus or Truck Mechanic
The salary for Bus and Truck Mechanics ranges between about $31,200 and $72,180 a year.
Bus and Truck Mechanics who work in Alaska, District of Columbia, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.
How much do Bus and Truck Mechanics make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $43,830 |
Alaska | $66,280 |
Arizona | $46,640 |
Arkansas | $40,440 |
California | $56,830 |
Colorado | $52,350 |
Connecticut | $58,060 |
Delaware | $49,450 |
District of Columbia | $60,730 |
Florida | $46,610 |
Georgia | $46,120 |
Hawaii | $57,490 |
Idaho | $42,770 |
Illinois | $53,290 |
Indiana | $44,660 |
Iowa | $43,000 |
Kansas | $44,170 |
Kentucky | $43,340 |
Louisiana | $47,680 |
Maine | $44,530 |
Maryland | $51,890 |
Massachusetts | $59,310 |
Michigan | $45,930 |
Minnesota | $51,480 |
Mississippi | $38,700 |
Missouri | $45,320 |
Montana | $51,160 |
Nebraska | $43,460 |
Nevada | $57,250 |
New Hampshire | $52,240 |
New Jersey | $55,500 |
New Mexico | $43,520 |
New York | $55,340 |
North Carolina | $45,310 |
North Dakota | $54,080 |
Ohio | $46,900 |
Oklahoma | $44,340 |
Oregon | $51,000 |
Pennsylvania | $46,960 |
Rhode Island | $49,620 |
South Carolina | $44,910 |
South Dakota | $43,500 |
Tennessee | $44,890 |
Texas | $48,450 |
Utah | $48,360 |
Vermont | $46,700 |
Virginia | $48,470 |
Washington | $55,830 |
West Virginia | $39,440 |
Wisconsin | $48,070 |
Wyoming | $53,380 |
What Tools do Bus and Truck Mechanics Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Bus and Truck Mechanics may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Word processing software
- SAP
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Database software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Scheduling software
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS
- Inventory tracking software
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Computerized maintenance management system software CMMS
Becoming a Bus or Truck Mechanic
Individuals working as a Bus or Truck Mechanic have obtained the following education levels:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Bus or Truck Mechanic?
Where Bus and Truck Mechanics Work
Bus and Truck Mechanics work in the following industries:
Similar Careers
Are you already one of the many Bus or Truck Mechanic in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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