Occupation Summary

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

O*NET 49-3031.00

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.

Annual Wages:
$53,716.00
Employment Rate:
Employment is expected to increase by 18.72%.
Education Level:
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production). According to O*Net, the majority of people employed in this occupation have this level of education.
Endorsement:
Business and Industry

  1. Use handtools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, or precision instruments, as well as power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding equipment, or jacks and hoists.
  2. Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
  3. Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
  4. Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
  5. Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
  6. Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
  7. Inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, or pressure gauges.
  8. Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.
  9. Inspect and verify dimensions and clearances of parts to ensure conformance to factory specifications.
  10. Specialize in repairing and maintaining parts of the engine, such as fuel injection systems.
  11. Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
  12. Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
  13. Recondition and replace parts, pistons, bearings, gears, and valves.
  14. Inspect, repair, and maintain automotive and mechanical equipment and machinery, such as pumps and compressors.
  15. Disassemble and overhaul internal combustion engines, pumps, generators, transmissions, clutches, and differential units.
  16. Rebuild gas or diesel engines.
  17. Align front ends and suspension systems.
  18. Operate valve-grinding machines to grind and reset valves.
  19. Diagnose and repair vehicle heating and cooling systems.
  20. Adjust or repair computer controlled exhaust emissions devices.
  21. Follow green operational practices involving conservation of water or energy or reduction of solid waste.
  22. Maintain or repair vehicles with alternative fuel systems, including biodiesel, hybrid, or compressed natural gas vehicles.
  23. Measure vehicle emissions to determine whether they are within acceptable limits.
  24. Install or repair accessories.
  25. Repair or adjust seats, doors, or windows.
  26. Dismount, mount, and repair or replace tires.


National Industry Employment Patterns


Industry % of Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists employed Annual Growth Rate
Automotive repair and maintenance 9.4 1.00
Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and supplies merchant wholesalers 8.5 1.41
Automotive equipment rental and leasing 4.2 1.23
Elementary and secondary schools 3.2 0.77
Waste collection 3.1 1.33
School and employee bus transportation 2.2 2.96
Machinery, equipment, and supplies merchant wholesalers 2.1 0.51


Labor Market Information


2022 Statewide average hourly wage $25.82
2022 National average hourly wage $26.99
2020 National employment 275,400
2020 Texas employment 26,251
Texas projected employment by 2030 31,166
Texas projected annual employment and Turnover openings through 2030 3,096




TEXAS COUNTY MAP BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AREA
* Due to confidentiality rules, not all regions may have the data displayed. The sum of all the regions may not be equal to the state total.


Top 10 Relevant Knowledge Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
94.80%
Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
77.60%
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
70.80%
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
70.20%
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
68.40%
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
65.60%
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
65.40%
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
60.40%
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
59.00%
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
58.00%


Top 10 Relevant Skill Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
80.00%
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
80.00%
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
70.00%
Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
67.60%
Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
65.00%
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
65.00%
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
62.40%
Equipment Selection
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
62.40%
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
62.40%
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
60.00%


Top 10 Relevant Abilities Relevant Importance Levels
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
80.00%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
77.60%
Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
77.60%
Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
77.60%
Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
75.00%
Hearing Sensitivity
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
75.00%
Multilimb Coordination
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
72.40%
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
72.40%
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
72.40%
Extent Flexibility
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
70.00%


  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
    -- Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
    -- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Getting Information
    -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
    -- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
    -- Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Other Activities


  • Relationships
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
  • Support
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.



Tools

Adjustable widemouth pliers: Water pump pliers; Adjustable widemouth pliers;

Adjustable wrenches: Adjustable wrenches; Adjustable crescent wrenches;

Automotive honing machine: Hones;

Ball peen hammer: Ball peen hammers;

Battery chargers: Battery chargers;

Blow torch: Cutting torches; Acetylene torches;

Boring machines: Boring bars; Boring tools;

Box end wrenches: Box end wrenches;

Brake repair kits: Brake shoe adjusting tools;

Calipers: Dial calipers; Outside calipers; Inside calipers;

Circuit tester: Test lights;

Claw hammer: Claw hammers;

Cold chisels: Cold chisels;

Combination wrenches: Combination wrenches;

Compressed air gun: Blow guns;

Cross and straight pein hammer: Cross peen hammers;

Depth gauges: Depth gauges;

Desktop computers: Desktop computers;

Diagonal cut pliers: Diagonal cutting pliers;

Dial indicator or dial gauge: Dial gauges;

Drill press or radial drill: Drill presses; Punch presses;

Dynamometers: Dynanometers;

Ear plugs: Hearing protectors;

Engine or component test stands: Fuel pump test stands; Governor test stands;

Feeler gauges: Feeler gauges; Spark plug gapping tools;

Forklifts: Forklifts;

Gas welding or brazing or cutting apparatus: Gas welding equipment;

Hacksaw: Hacksaws;

Hammers: Brass hammers;

Hand reamer: Reamers;

Hex keys: Hex keys;

Hoists: Hoists;

Hole gauge: Bore gauges;

Hydraulic pumps: Hydraulic pumps; Hydraulic rams;

Impact wrenches: Impact wrenches;

Induction heaters: Bearing heating ovens;

Jacks: Jacks;

Locking pliers: Locking pliers; Vise grip pliers;

Metal inert gas welding machine: Metal inert gas MIG welders;

Micrometers: Micrometers;

Mill saw file: Single-cut mill saw files;

Milling machines: Milling machines;

Multimeters: Multimeters;

Needlenose pliers: Needlenose pliers;

Open end wrenches: Open end wrenches;

Paint sprayers: Paint spray guns;

Personal computers: Personal computers;

Pneumatic impact wrenches: Pneumatic wrenches;

Pneumatic sanding machines: Blast cleaning cabinets;

Portable data input terminals: Handheld diagnostic computers; Detroit diesel electronic control DDEC readers; Flash card readers;

Power drills: Power drills; Drill machines;

Power grinders: Power grinders; Grinding machines;

Power sanders: Power sanders;

Power saws: Power saws;

Pressure indicators: Pressure gauges;

Pressure or steam cleaners: Steam cleaning equipment;

Pressure sensors: Injector pop testers;

Protective gloves: Safety gloves;

Pry bars: Pry bars;

Punches or nail sets or drifts: Punch sets; Brass drifts;

Putty knives: Putty knives;

Ratchets: Ratchets;

Retaining ring pliers: Snap ring pliers;

Rivet tools: Riveting tools;

Round file: Rat tail files;

Safety glasses: Safety glasses;

Screwdrivers: Screwdrivers;

Shears: Shears;

Shielded metal arc welding or stick welding machine: Shielded arc welding tools;

Sledge hammer: Sledgehammers;

Slings: Chain slings;

Slip or groove joint pliers: Slip joint pliers;

Socket sets: Socket wrench sets;

Spark plug wrench: Spark plug sockets;

Specialty wrenches: Flare nut wrenches; Bleeder wrenches; Pump wrenches; Slug wrenches;

Speed sensors: Decelerometers;

Spot welding machine: Portable welding equipment;

Stamping dies or punches: Punches;

Stripping tools: Wire strippers;

Tachometers: Tachometers;

Tape measures: Tape measures;

Thickness measuring devices: Snap gauges;

Tire pressure gauge: Tire pressure gauges;

Torque wrenches: Torque wrenches;

Tracer or duplicating or contouring lathe: Lathes;

Tungsten inert gas welding machine: Tungsten inert gas TIG welding equipment;

Two way radios: Two way radios;

Utility knives: Utility knives;

Vacuum pumps: Vacuum pumps;

Valve refacer: Valve seat grinders;

Voltage or current meters: Voltmeters;

Welder torch: Brazing equipment;

Welding masks: Welding hoods;

Wheel balancing equipment: Wheel balancers;

Wire cutters: Wire cutting tools;

Wire lug crimping tool: Wire crimpers;

Workshop cranes: Workshop cranes;


Technology

Analytical or scientific software: Cummins INSITE; Engine diagnostic software;

Calendar and scheduling software: Scheduling software;

Computer aided design CAD software: Dassault Systemes CATIA; Dassault Systemes SolidWorks; Autodesk AutoCAD; Computer aided design CAD software;

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software: Computer aided manufacturing CAM software;

Data base user interface and query software: Database software;

Enterprise resource planning ERP software: SAP software;

Facilities management software: Computerized maintenance management system software CMMS; Shop management software;

Inventory management software: Inventory tracking software;

Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software: Fleet management software;

Office suite software: Microsoft Office software;

Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel;

Word processing software: Microsoft Word; Word processing software;


Related O*NET occupational titles for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists include:
  • 49-3011.00 Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
  • 49-3023.00 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
  • 49-2092.00 Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
  • 51-2031.00 Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
  • 49-3041.00 Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians
  • 49-3042.00 Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
  • 49-3051.00 Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
  • 49-3052.00 Motorcycle Mechanics
  • 49-3053.00 Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
  • 49-3043.00 Rail Car Repairers


Sources of Additional Information
  • For more information about careers and education for diesel service technicians and mechanics, visit: Association of Diesel Specialists
  • National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation
  • For more information about certification, visit: National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
  • Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

  • Contact Texas Workforce Commission
    Labor Market and Career Information  |  101 E. 15th Street, Annex Room 0252  |  Austin, Texas 78778
    Official Website  |  1-800-822-PLAN (7526)  |  512.936.3200

    ** The information in this report may be derived from many sources like O*NET, BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), OOH (Occupational Outlook Handbook), and Career One Stop.