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Diesel Mechanics

(D.O.T.  620.281-046, -050, and -058; 625.281-010, -014, -022, and
.361)

Nature of the Work

Diesel engines usually are more durable and heavier than gasoline
engines.  In addition, they are more fuel efficient than gasoline
engines, in part because the higher compression ratios found in
diesel engines help convert a higher percentage of the fuel into
power.  Because of their greater durability and efficiency, diesel
engines are used to power most of the Nation's heavy vehicles and
equipment.

   Diesel mechanics repair and maintain diesel engines that power
transportation equipment, such as heavy trucks, buses, and
locomotives; construction equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, and
road graders; and farm equipment such as tractors and combines.  A
small number work on diesel-powered automobiles.  Diesel mechanics
also service a variety of other diesel-powered equipment, such as
electric generators and compressors and pumps used in oil well
drilling and irrigation systems.

   Most diesel mechanics work on heavy trucks used in industries such
as mining and construction to carry ore and building materials, and
by private and commercial trucking lines for general freight
hauling.  Most light trucks are gasoline powered, and although some
diesel mechanics may occasionally service gasoline engines, most
work primarily on diesel engines.  For information on mechanics who
work primarily on gasoline engines, see the Handbook statement on
automotive mechanics.

   Mechanics who work for organizations that maintain their own
vehicles may spend much time doing preventive maintenance to assure
safe operation, prevent wear and damage to parts, and reduce costly
breakdowns.  During a maintenance check on a truck, for example,
they usually follow a regular checklist that includes the inspection
of brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other
important parts.  They usually repair or adjust a part that is not
working properly.  Parts that cannot be fixed are replaced.

   In many shops, mechanics do all kinds of repairs, working on a
vehicle's electrical system one day and doing major engine repairs
the next.  In some large shops, mechanics specialize in one or two
types of work.  For example, one mechanic may specialize in major
engine repair, another in transmission work, another in electrical
systems, and yet another in suspension or brake systems.

   Diesel mechanics use a variety of tools in their work.  They use
power tools such as pneumatic wrenches to remove bolts quickly;
machine tools such as lathes and grinding machines to rebuild brakes
and other parts; welding and flame-cutting equipment to remove and
repair exhaust systems and other parts; common handtools such as
screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches to work on small parts and get at
hard-to-reach places; and jacks and hoists to lift and move large
parts.  Diesel mechanics also use a variety of testing equipment,
including ohmmeters, ammeters, and voltmeters when working on
electrical systems and electronic components; and tachometers,
dynamometers, and engine analyzers to locate engine malfunctions.

   For heavy work, such as removing engines and transmissions, two
mechanics may work as a team, or a mechanic may be assisted by an
apprentice or helper.  Mechanics generally get their assignments
from shop supervisors or service managers, who may check the
mechanics' work or assist in diagnosing problems.

   Diesel mechanics spend much time doing preventive maintenance to
assure safety and to reduce breakdowns.

Working Conditions

Diesel mechanics usually work indoors, although they may
occasionally make repairs on the road.  They are subject to the
usual shop hazards such as cuts and bruises.  Mechanics handle
greasy and dirty parts and may stand or lie in awkward or cramped
positions to repair vehicles and equipment.  Work areas usually are
well lighted, heated, and ventilated, and many employers provide
locker rooms and shower facilities.

Employment

Diesel mechanics held about 263,000 jobs in 1992.  Nearly
one-quarter serviced trucks and other diesel-powered equipment for
customers of vehicle and equipment dealers, leasing companies, and
independent automotive repair shops.  Over one-fifth worked for
local and long-distance trucking companies, and over one-sixth
maintained the buses and trucks of buslines, public transit
companies, school systems, and Federal, State, and local government.
The remainder maintained the fleets of trucks and other equipment of
manufacturing, construction, and other companies.  A relatively
small number were self-employed.

   Diesel mechanics are employed in every section of the country, but
most work in towns and cities where trucking companies, buslines,
and other fleet owners have large repair shops.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Training authorities recommend that persons seeking diesel mechanic
jobs complete a formal diesel mechanic training program.  Diesel
technology is becoming more sophisticated and diesel engines
increasingly use electronic components to control a growing variety
of functions.  Knowledge of basic electronics is becoming essential
for diesel mechanics to diagnose whether a malfunction is caused by
an electronic component or whether it can be traced to another
source.  Most employers prefer to hire graduates of formal training
programs in diesel mechanics, and completion of such a program can
speed advancement to the journey mechanic level.  These 1- to 2-year
programs, given by vocational and technical schools and community
and junior colleges, lead to a certificate of completion or an
associate degree.  They provide a foundation in the basics of the
latest diesel technology and electronics, and enable trainees to
more quickly master the service and repair of the actual vehicles
and equipment encountered on the job.

   A formal 4-year apprenticeship is another good way to learn diesel
mechanics.  However, apprenticeships are becoming less common
because employers are reluctant to make such a long-term investment
in training, especially when graduates of postsecondary diesel
mechanic programs are increasing in number.  Competition for the
limited number of apprenticeship slots is often extremely keen.
Typical apprenticeship programs for diesel truck and bus mechanics
consist of approximately 8,000 hours of practical experience working
on transmissions, engines, and other components and at least 576
hours of formal instruction to learn blueprint reading, mathematics,
engine theory, and safety.  Frequently, these programs include
training in both diesel and gasoline engine repair.

   Even though most employers prefer to hire graduates of formal post
secondary training programs in diesel mechanics, the number of
persons who complete such programs are too few to meet their needs.
As a result, many diesel mechanics still learn their skills on the
job.  Unskilled beginners usually do tasks such as cleaning parts,
fueling, lubricating, and driving vehicles in and out of the shop.
As beginners gain experience and as vacancies become available, they
usually are promoted to mechanics' helpers.  In some shops,
beginners especially those having automobile service experience
start as mechanics' helpers.

   Most helpers can perform routine service tasks and make minor
repairs after a few months' experience.  They advance to
increasingly difficult jobs as they prove their ability.  After they
master the repair and service of diesel engines, they learn to work
on related components such as brakes, transmissions, or electrical
systems.  Generally, at least 3 to 4 years of on-the-job experience
is necessary to qualify as an all-round diesel truck or bus
mechanic.  Additional training on other components, such as
hydraulic systems, may be necessary for mechanics who wish to
specialize in other types of diesel equipment.

   For unskilled entry level jobs, employers generally look for
applicants who have mechanical aptitude and are at least 18 years of
age and in good physical condition.  Completion of high school is
required by a growing number of employers.  Courses in automotive
repair, electronics, English, mathematics, and physics provide a
good basic educational background for a career as a diesel mechanic.
Good reading and basic mathematics skills are needed to study
technical manuals to keep abreast of new technology and learn new
service and repair procedures and specifications.  A State
commercial driver's license is needed for test driving trucks or
buses on public roads.  Practical experience in automobile repair in
a gasoline service station, in the Armed Forces, or as a hobby also
is valuable.

   Employers sometimes send experienced mechanics to special training
classes conducted by truck, bus, diesel engine, parts, and equipment
manufacturers where they learn the latest technology or receive
special training in subjects such as diagnosing engine malfunctions.
Mechanics also must read service and repair manuals to keep abreast
of engineering changes.

   Voluntary certification by the National Institute for Automotive
Service Excellence (ASE) is recognized as a standard of achievement
for diesel mechanics.  Mechanics may be certified as Master
Heavy-Duty Truck Technician or may be certified in one or more of
six different areas of heavy-duty truck repair: Brakes, gasoline
engines, diesel engines, drive trains, electrical systems, and
suspension and steering.  For certification in each area, mechanics
must pass a written examination and have at least 2 years of
experience.  High school, vocational or trade school, or community
or junior college training in gasoline or diesel engine repair may
substitute for up to 1 year of experience.  To retain certification,
mechanics must retake the tests at least every 5 years.

   Most mechanics must buy their own handtools.  Experienced mechanics
often have thousands of dollars invested in tools.

   Experienced mechanics who have leadership ability may advance to
shop supervisors or service managers.  Mechanics who have sales
ability sometimes become sales representatives.  A few mechanics
open their own repair shops.

Job Outlook

Employment of diesel mechanics is expected to increase about as fast
as the average for all occupations through the year 2005.  Because
this is a large occupation, more job openings are expected for
diesel mechanics than for most other occupations.  Although
employment growth will create many new jobs, most job openings will
arise from the need to replace diesel mechanics who transfer to
other fields of work or retire or stop working for other reasons.

   Employment of diesel mechanics is expected to grow as freight
transportation by truck increases.  More trucks will be needed for
both local and intercity hauling due to the increased production of
goods.  Additional diesel mechanics will be needed to repair and
maintain growing numbers of buses and heavy construction graders,
cranes, earthmovers, and other equipment.  Due to the greater
durability and economy of the diesel relative to the gasoline
engine, buses and trucks of all sizes are expected to be
increasingly powered by diesels, also creating new jobs for diesel
mechanics.

   Careers in diesel mechanics are attractive to many because wages are
relatively high and skilled repair work is challenging and varied.
Opportunities should be good for persons who complete formal
training in diesel mechanics at community and junior colleges and
vocational and technical schools, but others may face competition
for entry level jobs.

Earnings

According to a survey of workplaces in over 160 metropolitan areas,
diesel mechanics earned median earnings of $14.10 an hour in 1992.
The middle 50 percent earned between $11.60 and $17.00 an hour.
However, earnings may vary by industry and by geographic location.

   Beginning apprentices usually earn from 50 to 75 percent of the rate
of skilled workers and receive increases about every 6 months until
they complete their apprenticeship and reach the rate of skilled
mechanics.

   Most mechanics work between 40 and 59 hours per week.  Those
employed by truck and bus firms which provide service around the
clock may work evenings, nights, and weekends.  They usually receive
a higher rate of pay for this work.

   Many diesel mechanics are members of labor unions, including the
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; the
Amalgamated Transit Union; the International Union, United
Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America;
the Transport Workers Union of America; the Sheet Metal Workers'
International Association; and the International Brotherhood of
Teamsters.

Related Occupations

Diesel mechanics repair trucks, buses, and other diesel-powered
equipment and keep them in good working order.  Related mechanic
occupations include aircraft mechanics, automotive mechanics, boat
engine mechanics, farm equipment mechanics, mobile heavy equipment
mechanics, and motorcycle mechanics and small-engine specialists.

Sources of Additional Information

   More details about work opportunities for diesel mechanics may be
obtained from local employers such as trucking companies, truck
dealers, or bus lines; locals of the unions previously mentioned; or
the local office of the State employment service.  Local State
employment service offices also may have information about
apprenticeships and other training programs.

   For general information about careers as truck, bus, and diesel
mechanics, write to:

   Automotive Service Industry Association, 25 Northwest Point, Elk
Grove Village, IL 60007-1035.

   American Trucking Associations, Inc., Maintenance Council, 2200 Mill
Rd., Alexandria, VA 22314-4677.

   For a directory of accredited private trade and technical schools
with training programs for diesel mechanics, contact:

   National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, 13505 Dulles
Technology Dr., Herndon, VA 22071-3415.

   Information on how to become a certified heavy-duty diesel mechanic
is available from:

   ASE, 13505 Dulles Technology Dr., Herndon, VA 22071-3415.