Fleet Mechanic (city/county)

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.

O*NET definition of Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists (SOC 49-3031) · Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed.

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

O*NET definition of Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics (SOC 49-3023) · Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed.

Education workers say the job requires

Share of surveyed workers in Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists (SOC 49-3031) naming each level as required to be hired, 27 respondents, O*NET survey August 2022. Each employer sets its own minimum.

Education workers say the job requires

Share of surveyed workers in Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics (SOC 49-3023) naming each level as required to be hired, 16 respondents, O*NET survey August 2026. Each employer sets its own minimum.

Although diesel service technicians and mechanics typically learn on the job after a high school education, employers may prefer to hire candidates who have completed postsecondary training programs in diesel engine repair. In addition, industry certification may be required.

From the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile “Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics”, published August 27, 2026 · Read the full profile. National guidance; each employer runs its own hiring process.

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists (SOC 49-3031)

Median annual wage by employer type, national, May 2025. Federal includes the U.S. Postal Service; state and local include public schools and hospitals.

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics (SOC 49-3023)

Median annual wage by employer type, national, May 2025. Federal includes the U.S. Postal Service; state and local include public schools and hospitals.

State government pay plans

Official pay ranges for the job classes that match Fleet Mechanic (city/county) in 30 state civil-service plans. They cover state employees only, not cities, counties or school districts.

Lowest class minimum to highest class maximum. Hourly rates are converted at 2,080 hours a year, and other rates at the plan's pay periods; the plans publish the exact rates. Classes are matched to this job by title (GovJobsWiki editorial rule).

Sources: 30 official state pay plans, linked in each row.

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.4.5
2. Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.4.3
3. Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.4.2
4. Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.4.2
5. Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.4.2
6. Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.4.2
7. Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.4.1
8. Inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, or pressure gauges.4.1
9. Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.4.0
10. Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.4.0

The 10 most important of 23 core tasks for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists, ranked by importance (1–5) in the O*NET survey of August 2022.

1. Follow checklists to ensure all important parts are examined, including belts, hoses, steering systems, spark plugs, brake and fuel systems, wheel bearings, and other potentially troublesome areas.4.5
2. Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.4.5
3. Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.4.4
4. Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.4.4
5. Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.4.4
6. Align wheels, axles, frames, torsion bars, and steering mechanisms of automobiles, using special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.4.4
7. Repair, replace, or adjust defective fuel injectors, carburetor parts, and gasoline filters.4.3
8. Align vehicles' front ends.4.3
9. Repair and service air conditioning, heating, engine cooling, and electrical systems.4.3
10. Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.4.3

The 10 most important of 25 core tasks for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, ranked by importance (1–5) in the O*NET survey of August 2026.