Diesel Mechanics Technology
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Types of Degrees Diesel Mechanics Technology Majors Are Earning
Students pursuing Diesel Mechanics Technology can earn degrees at several award levels.
| Award Level | Graduates |
|---|---|
| Certificate | 4,115 |
| Associate’s Degree | 2,419 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 15 |
| Master’s Degree | 3,213 |
What Diesel Mechanics Technology Majors Need to Know
Coursework for Diesel Mechanics Technology develop a specific mix of knowledge, skills, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in occupations that Diesel Mechanics Technology graduates commonly enter.
Knowledge Areas
Coursework in Diesel Mechanics Technology emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
- Mechanical — Importance 4.7 / 5; level 6.0 / 7.
- Transportation — Importance 3.9 / 5; level 4.4 / 7.
- Education and Training — Importance 3.5 / 5; level 4.2 / 7.
- English Language — Importance 3.5 / 5; level 3.5 / 7.
- Public Safety and Security — Importance 3.4 / 5; level 3.2 / 7.
Importance is rated 1–5; level is 1–7. Source: ONET Online — weighted across related occupations.*
Skills
Skills built by a Diesel Mechanics Technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
- Repairing — Importance 4 / 5; level 3.9 / 7.
- Troubleshooting — Importance 4 / 5; level 3.8 / 7.
- Operations Monitoring — Importance 3.5 / 5; level 3.2 / 7.
- Equipment Maintenance — Importance 3.4 / 5; level 3.4 / 7.
- Critical Thinking — Importance 3.2 / 5; level 3.4 / 7.
Abilities
Innate abilities most relevant to Diesel Mechanics Technology careers — again drawn from O*NET surveys of related occupations:
- Near Vision — Importance 4 / 5; level 4 / 7.
- Manual Dexterity — Importance 3.9 / 5; level 3.2 / 7.
- Arm-Hand Steadiness — Importance 3.9 / 5; level 3.2 / 7.
- Finger Dexterity — Importance 3.9 / 5; level 3.6 / 7.
- Hearing Sensitivity — Importance 3.8 / 5; level 3.9 / 7.
Common Job Activities
Day-to-day, Diesel Mechanics Technology graduates report doing:
| Activity | Frequency / Importance |
|---|---|
| Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment | 4.6 / 7 |
| Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials | 4.4 / 7 |
| Getting Information | 4.3 / 7 |
| Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events | 4.3 / 7 |
| Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment | 4.2 / 7 |
| Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment | 4.1 / 7 |
| Making Decisions and Solving Problems | 4.1 / 7 |
| Controlling Machines and Processes | 4.0 / 7 |
| Performing General Physical Activities | 4.0 / 7 |
| Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge | 4.0 / 7 |
Technology Skills Used on the Job
Most frequently-cited tools used by Diesel Mechanics Technology professionals:
| Tool / Software | Category | In-Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Autodesk AutoCAD | Computer aided design CAD software | — |
| Engine diagnostic software | Analytical or scientific software | — |
| Cummins INSITE | Analytical or scientific software | — |
| Dassault Systemes CATIA | Computer aided design CAD software | — |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | — |
| SAP software | Enterprise resource planning ERP software | — |
| Scheduling software | Calendar and scheduling software | — |
| Fleet management software | Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software | — |
| Inventory tracking software | Inventory management software | — |
| Database software | Data base user interface and query software | — |
| Computer aided manufacturing CAM software | Computer aided manufacturing CAM software | — |
| Dassault Systemes SolidWorks | Computer aided design CAD software | — |
Source: ONET Online technology skills, weighted across related occupations.*
Sample Job Titles
Real job postings for Diesel Mechanics Technology graduates include:
- Truck Mechanic
- Truck Service Advisor
- Trailer Mechanic
- Tractor Trailer Mechanic
- Diesel Technician (Diesel Tech)
- Railroad Motor Mechanic
- Truck Tune-Up Mechanic
- School Bus Mechanic
- Heavy Duty Mechanic
- Diesel Truck Tech (Diesel Truck Technician)
- Diesel Engine Mechanic
- Transit Mechanic
- Power Generator Equipment Repairer
- Truck Trailer Mechanic
- Bus Engine Mechanic
Education Typically Required
Across the occupations open to Diesel Mechanics Technology graduates, the typical level of education actually held by current workers is distributed as:
| Education Level | Share of Workers |
|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate | 39.5% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 36.9% |
| Some college courses | 21.9% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 1% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 0.7% |
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Who Is Earning a Degree in Diesel Mechanics Technology?
Gender Distribution
This field skews predominantly male, with men earning 94.3% of Diesel Mechanics Technology degrees.
| Gender | Graduates | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 561 | 5.7% |
| Men | 9,298 | 94.3% |
Racial-Ethnic Diversity
At the national level, the racial-ethnic distribution of Diesel Mechanics Technology graduates is as follows:
| Race / Ethnicity | Graduates | Share |
|---|---|---|
| White | 5,541 | 56.2% |
| Asian | 128 | 1.3% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 2,428 | 24.6% |
| Black or African American | 748 | 7.6% |
| American Indian / Alaska Native | 110 | 1.1% |
| Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander | 39 | 0.4% |
| Two or More Races | 359 | 3.6% |
| Race Unknown | 472 | 4.8% |
| International Students | 34 | 0.3% |
See minority definition below.
How Much Do Diesel Mechanics Technology Graduates Earn?
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of Diesel Mechanics Technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow steadily as graduates gain experience and move into mid-career roles.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $37,744 |
| 4 years | $43,612 |
| 5 years | $49,558 |
By year 5 out, median earnings rise to $49,558 — roughly 31% above the 1-year mark.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Is a Degree in Diesel Mechanics Technology Worth It?
Strictly by the federal earnings tracker, Diesel Mechanics Technology graduates earn a median of $43,612 four years after completion — roughly 15% above the national median for workers with only a high school diploma (~$38,000).
ROI estimate compares the program’s 4-yr median earnings against the 2023 BLS CPS median earnings for high-school-only workers. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard + BLS Current Population Survey.
Related Programs
You may also be interested in these closely related fields of study:
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References
The racial-ethnic minorities count is calculated by taking the total number of students and subtracting white students and international students. This number is then divided by the total number of students to obtain the racial-ethnic minorities percentage.
- College Factual
- National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS)
- O*NET Online
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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