Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
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.
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists 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. The role reports a median annual salary of $60,640 in the US and is showing modest growth of 2% over the next decade. Entry typically requires a High school diploma or equivalent, and shows low AI exposure (0.40 on a 0-1 scale) — the role's core work resists automation. The most in-demand skills for the role include Repairing, Troubleshooting, Operations Monitoring, Equipment Maintenance, Critical Thinking.
Pay in the UK
UK: median £37,458 a year for Vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians (ONS ASHE 2025, full-time)
Middle half of full-time jobs: £30,000 to £44,594 a year
UK jobs are grouped differently; this is the closest UK occupation group (ONS SOC 2020 5231). ONS rates this estimate precise. 2025 provisional figures; ONS revises them a year later. Source: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (Open Government Licence)
Pay in India (occupation group)
Average monthly earnings of salaried employees in the occupation group “Craft and related trades workers” in India, from the Government of India's Periodic Labour Force Survey (January–December 2025). It covers everyone in this group, not only Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists, and it is not US pay converted to rupees.
Source: MoSPI (Government of India), Periodic Labour Force Survey Annual Report 2025, Table 51 — average wage/salary earnings of regular wage/salaried employees, NCO-2015 division 7. Official India data gives one average per occupation group: there are no official India figures for single careers, experience levels or cities. Read the report
How to get here in India
The usual route into this career in India. Each step links to the official page it comes from.
- 1 · Qualification ITI trade 'Mechanic Diesel' (1 year, after Class 10 with science and maths) under the Craftsmen Training Scheme[1][2]
- 2 · Certification Pass the all-India trade test to get the National Trade Certificate (NTC) from DGT[1]
- 3 · First role Diesel engine mechanic[1]
Rules change: check the exam body's and regulator's current notice before you apply.
- DGT — Mechanic Diesel trade syllabus (Craftsmen Training Scheme) (read on 2026-09-27)
- DGT — List of CTS courses (read on 2026-09-27)
Top skills
Knowledge you'll build
- Mechanical
- Transportation
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
What you'd actually do
- 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.
- Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
- Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
- Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
- Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
- Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
Tools & technology you'd use
Frequently asked questions
What does Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists do?
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.
How much does Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists earn?
The median annual salary for Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the US is $60,640.
What is the job outlook for Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists?
The role is showing modest growth of 2% over the next decade. Current US employment is approximately 319,900 workers.
How do I become bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists?
The typical entry education is a High school diploma or equivalent. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.
What skills does Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists need?
The most in-demand skills for this role include Repairing, Troubleshooting, Operations Monitoring, Equipment Maintenance, Critical Thinking, Quality Control Analysis. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.
Will AI replace Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists?
Our AI-durability model gives Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists a score of 0.40 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at low AI exposure — the role's core work resists current-generation automation. It's a comparatively AI-durable choice within its field.
How hard is it to enter this field?
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists has low barrier to entry — generally accessible — you can enter with basic credentials and on-the-job learning.