What does a diesel technician do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Diesel service technicians inspect, repair and overhaul buses, trucks and other diesel-engine vehicles, or maintain any diesel engine. Most employers require a high school diploma, with long-term on-the-job training. BLS reports a median pay of $61,770 per year (May 2025).
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 49-3031 |
| O*NET code | 49-3031.00 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Median annual wage | $61,770 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 4 percent (as fast as average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 316,000 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does a diesel technician do?
BLS says diesel technicians inspect and test brakes, steering, transmissions and engines, read diagnostic results to find mechanical problems, repair or replace faulty parts and electrical equipment, do routine maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotation, document repairs, parts, hours and vehicle condition, and explain problems and repairs to customers.
Work environment
They usually work in well-ventilated and sometimes noisy repair shops. Truck transportation employs 18 percent, wholesale trade 13 percent, local government 9 percent and automotive repair and maintenance 9 percent.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says most employers require a high school diploma, and some prefer postsecondary diesel engine repair training from community colleges and vocational-technical schools. Employers may require or prefer industry certification, which usually requires prior experience and an exam. A commercial driver's license may be needed to test-drive buses and large trucks.
Skills that matter
BLS lists customer-service skills, attention to detail, dexterity, mechanical skills, organizational skills, physical strength and problem-solving as important qualities for this work.
How much does a diesel technician make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $61,770 for diesel service technicians and mechanics (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of diesel service technicians and mechanics to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels as fast as average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 24,400 openings are projected each year on average. BLS says most openings come from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, for example to retire.
How to get hired
- Ask local shops which certifications they prefer, and note whether you hold a CDL.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Automotive service technicians, Truck drivers, HVAC technicians, Industrial machinery mechanics and millwrights.
Frequently asked questions
Do diesel technicians need certification? BLS says employers may require or prefer industry certification, which usually requires prior experience and an exam.
Do diesel mechanics need a CDL? BLS says a commercial driver's license may be needed to test-drive buses and large trucks.
How much do diesel service technicians and mechanics make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $61,770 for diesel service technicians and mechanics (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is diesel technician a good career? BLS projects 4 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (as fast as average). About 24,400 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- Automotive Service Technician: Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Truck Driver Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does an HVAC Technician Do? Pay and Outlook
- What Does an Industrial Machinery Mechanic Do? Pay, Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Diesel service technicians and mechanics: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/diesel-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 49-3031.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-3031.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.