Diesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair, and overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engine.

Diesel service technicians and mechanics usually work in well-ventilated and sometimes noisy repair shops. They occasionally repair vehicles on roadsides or at worksites. Most diesel technicians work full time, and overtime and evening shifts are common.

Most diesel service technicians and mechanics learn informally on the job after a high school education, but employers increasingly prefer applicants who have completed postsecondary training programs in diesel engine repair. Although not required, industry certification can be important for diesel technicians.

Employment of diesel service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. Job opportunities should be best for those who have completed postsecondary training in diesel engine repair.

This occupation supported 250,800 jobs in 2012 and 263,900 jobs in 2014, reflecting an increase of 5.2%. In 2012, this occupation was projected to increase by 8.7% in 2022 to 272,500 jobs. As of 2014, to keep pace with prediction, the expected number of jobs was 255,100, compared with an observed value of 263,900, 3.4% higher than expected. This indicates current employment trends are better than the 2012 trend within this occupation. In 2014, this occupation was projected to increase by 12.6% in 2024 to 295,500 jobs. Linear extrapolation of the 2012 projection for 2022 results in an expected number of 276,800 jobs for 2024, 6.3% lower than the 2014 projection for 2024. This indicates expectations for future employment trends are much better than the 2012 trend within this occupation.