Overview
SourcedDiagnose, 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.
Occupation figures cover every job classified under SOC 49-3031, including Fleet Mechanic (city/county).
Titles employers use
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership; U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), O*NET 31.0 Database; GovJobs Wiki (editorial). Data captured September 30, 2026.
Requirements
Sourced- Education needed to enter
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Related work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Long-term on-the-job training
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.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35 — education and training assignments by detailed occupation (Tables 5.3, 5.4); U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), O*NET 31.0 Database. Data captured September 30, 2026.
How to get hired
SourcedAlthough 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.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–35 edition (XML compilation). Data captured September 30, 2026.
Academy and training
Sourced- SOC 49-3031
- Long-term on-the-job training
- Job zone
- Medium Preparation Needed
Academy length, curriculum and paid-training policies are set by each employer and state; they are part of the employer collection stage.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35 — education and training assignments by detailed occupation (Tables 5.3, 5.4). Data captured September 30, 2026.
Promotion ladder
EditorialApprenticeship: apprenticeship → journeyman → lead/foreman. Typical structure for a apprenticeship trade; titles, steps and timing differ by employer.
- Apprentice (steps as % of journey rate)
- Journeyman
- Lead / Foreman
- Supervisor
Source: GovJobs Wiki (editorial).
Pay
SourcedMedian annual wage by employer type, national, May 2025. Federal includes the U.S. Postal Service; state and local include public schools and hospitals.
| Employer type | Workers | 10th pct. | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal | 60 | $84,300 | $105,370 | $105,370 | $105,370 | $105,370 |
| State | 4,380 | $51,020 | $57,170 | $63,460 | $73,760 | $89,660 |
| Local | 38,600 | $46,000 | $53,970 | $65,420 | $81,910 | $94,860 |
| All government | 43,040 | $46,390 | $54,680 | $65,270 | $81,210 | $94,320 |
| Private sector | 246,920 | $44,200 | $50,090 | $61,370 | $74,650 | $85,260 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Schedule
SourcedShare of surveyed workers in the occupation (O*NET work context, August 2022). Shift patterns and differentials depend on the employer.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), O*NET 31.0 Database. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Day-to-day work
Sourced- 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
- Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.4.3
- Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.4.2
- Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.4.2
- Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.4.2
- Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.4.2
- Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.4.1
- 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
- Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.4.0
- 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.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), O*NET 31.0 Database. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Related jobs
DerivedExams and free practice tests
SourcedFree practice tests
ASE H1 — Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Engines (Transit Bus)Entrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep- ASE H2 — Diesel Engines (Transit Bus) CertificationEntrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- ASE H3 — Drive Train (Transit Bus) CertificationEntrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- ASE H4 — Brakes (Transit Bus) CertificationEntrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- ASE H5 — Suspension & Steering (Transit Bus) CertificationEntrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- ASE H6 — Electrical/Electronic Systems (Transit Bus) CertificationEntrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- ASE H7 — Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (Transit Bus)Entrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- ASE H8 — Preventive Maintenance & Inspection (Transit Bus) CertificationEntrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
Source: Open Exam Prep, Open Exam Prep free practice tests. Data captured October 1, 2026. Each link was opened and its exam title checked on the date shown.
Employer directory
Sourced1,754 transit agencies in the registry. Public transit agencies reporting to the National Transit Database. Service an agency contracts out is run by private operators' employees. The 10 largest by vehicles operated directly:
| Employer | Location | Vehicles operated directly | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTA New York City Transit | Brooklyn, NY | 9,252 | Official site |
| New Jersey Transit Corporation | Newark, NJ | 2,717 | Official site |
| Chicago Transit Authority | Chicago, IL | 2,505 | Official site |
| Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority | Washington, DC | 2,140 | Official site |
| King County | Seattle, WA | 1,849 | Official site |
| Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority | Los Angeles, CA | 1,817 | Official site |
| Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority | Philadelphia, PA | 1,668 | Official site |
| Metro-North Commuter Railroad Company, dba: MTA Metro-North Railroad | New York, NY | 1,140 | Official site |
| MTA Bus Company | New York, NY | 1,136 | Official site |
| MTA Long Island Rail Road | New York, NY | 1,082 | Official site |
Full lists by state:
As reported by each employer to its federal registry.
Source: Federal Transit Administration, National Transit Database 2024 — Reporter Agency Information. Data captured September 30, 2026.
By state
SourcedMedian annual wage for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists (SOC 49-3031) in each state, all employers (BLS state estimates do not separate government from private). Highest first.
| State | Workers | 10th pct. | Median | 90th pct. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 690 | $54,330 | $80,080 | $100,540 |
| Washington | 7,410 | $54,720 | $77,900 | $102,800 |
| Alaska | 860 | $52,000 | $75,580 | $98,610 |
| Maryland | 3,030 | $50,010 | $74,790 | $97,800 |
| California | 20,940 | $47,180 | $73,950 | $96,730 |
| Massachusetts | 4,870 | $49,400 | $73,270 | $99,460 |
| New Jersey | 8,160 | $49,140 | $72,340 | $94,150 |
| New Hampshire | 1,040 | $52,730 | $71,390 | $99,590 |
| Colorado | 4,600 | $47,450 | $70,480 | $96,450 |
| New York | 13,230 | $48,360 | $70,100 | $90,090 |
| Nevada | 1,990 | $48,770 | $68,410 | $97,720 |
| Connecticut | 2,860 | $45,260 | $67,300 | $97,220 |
| Rhode Island | 350 | $51,020 | $67,270 | $85,420 |
| Minnesota | 7,300 | $49,810 | $66,840 | $90,520 |
| North Dakota | 1,790 | $46,790 | $66,110 | $91,520 |
| District of Columbia | 110 | $49,930 | $65,200 | $93,040 |
| Utah | 2,690 | $46,970 | $64,350 | $83,140 |
| Illinois | 11,320 | $44,760 | $64,340 | $97,670 |
| Oregon | 3,770 | $47,690 | $63,970 | $90,700 |
| Delaware | 670 | $49,250 | $63,590 | $82,650 |
| Wisconsin | 6,750 | $45,250 | $62,450 | $82,210 |
| Pennsylvania | 12,630 | $45,910 | $61,740 | $80,440 |
| Arizona | 5,140 | $45,460 | $61,680 | $84,350 |
| Wyoming | 1,100 | $45,140 | $61,580 | $80,400 |
| Michigan | 9,020 | $45,240 | $61,420 | $81,010 |
| Georgia | 10,910 | $45,890 | $61,370 | $85,260 |
| Virginia | 8,070 | $45,250 | $61,090 | $79,150 |
| Maine | 1,380 | $45,760 | $60,850 | $79,450 |
| Indiana | 8,840 | $44,160 | $60,610 | $79,730 |
| Florida | 14,900 | $44,300 | $60,490 | $79,210 |
| Ohio | 14,240 | $44,860 | $60,470 | $78,120 |
| Montana | 1,230 | $44,880 | $59,990 | $77,700 |
| Iowa | 4,140 | $43,710 | $59,680 | $80,080 |
| Kansas | 3,300 | $43,610 | $59,460 | $81,000 |
| Vermont | 550 | $46,380 | $59,390 | $84,060 |
| Missouri | 6,780 | $41,170 | $59,360 | $82,480 |
| South Carolina | 3,360 | $41,440 | $59,330 | $76,670 |
| Idaho | 1,930 | $45,960 | $59,230 | $77,800 |
| Tennessee | 5,720 | $40,450 | $59,190 | $80,580 |
| Nebraska | 2,720 | $44,010 | $59,140 | $79,400 |
| Texas | 29,870 | $40,930 | $58,810 | $81,660 |
| Louisiana | 3,270 | $38,900 | $58,680 | $79,160 |
| South Dakota | 1,340 | $45,500 | $58,120 | $78,810 |
| North Carolina | 11,070 | $39,890 | $57,490 | $76,240 |
| New Mexico | 1,740 | $37,860 | $55,910 | $83,260 |
| Kentucky | 3,890 | $38,250 | $55,480 | $80,500 |
| Oklahoma | 3,970 | $37,250 | $55,340 | $76,130 |
| Mississippi | 3,140 | $37,390 | $54,360 | $82,020 |
| Arkansas | 4,090 | $38,620 | $52,330 | $69,260 |
| Alabama | 6,130 | $37,470 | $50,470 | $75,660 |
| West Virginia | 1,040 | $35,350 | $46,610 | $78,460 |
51 states with published estimates.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Not yet collected
These dimensions are part of every job page. We publish them only once they are sourced from official documents such as job postings, pay plans, union contracts and state standards.
- 05 ProbationNot yet collectedProbation length and what ends it
- 09 Benefits and pensionNot yet collectedPension plan and formula, retirement age and years, DROP, retiree health, Social Security coverage, 457(b) and PSLF eligibility
- 10 Union contractsNot yet collectedBargaining unit, union and the current contract, with its source and effective dates
- 11 Transfers and lateral entryNot yet collectedLateral entry policy, certification reciprocity, lateral bonuses and moves between agencies