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Fleet & heavy truck
Diesel Mechanic
Keeping the trucks that move everything on the road.
Typical pay
$48k-$95k
How you get in
1-2 year program or apprenticeship, plus ASE
Outlook
Strong; freight does not stop
Diesel technicians maintain and repair trucks, buses and heavy equipment. Fleet work is steadier and cleaner than dealership work, and roadside repair pays the most for the worst conditions.
A day in the life
- 6:00aReview the fleet's overnight defect reports
- 6:30aPreventive maintenance on a tractor unit
- 9:30aDiagnose an after-treatment fault code
- 12:00pLunch in the shop
- 1:00pBrake job — heavy, greasy, methodical
- 4:00pRoadside call for a broken-down unit
How to get in
Technical college program
Duration
1-2 years
Cost
$8,000-$30,000
Credential
ASE medium/heavy truck certifications
- Complete a diesel technology program
- Get ASE certified in brakes, electrical and engines
- Start with a fleet or dealership
- Add manufacturer training for Cummins, Detroit or Paccar
Shop helper upward
Duration
2-4 years
Cost
$0
Credential
ASE earned on the job
- Get hired washing units and doing tire and oil work
- Learn from the techs and take employer-paid ASE tests
- Move to preventive maintenance, then diagnostics
- Tool up gradually as your pay rises
Military or apprenticeship
Duration
3-5 years
Cost
$0 — paid
Credential
Military MOS or journeyman card
- Serve in a wheeled-vehicle or heavy equipment maintenance role
- Or enter a union or fleet apprenticeship
- Accumulate documented hours and training
- Transition into civilian fleet work at a senior rate
What people love
- · High pay without a degree
- · Fleet work is stable and year-round
- · Heavy equipment and marine work available
- · Overtime is nearly always there
What wears people down
- · Heavy lifting and awkward positions
- · Grease, diesel and noise every day
- · Emergency roadside calls in bad weather
- · Tool investment is significant