Entry-Level Diesel Mechanic Jobs and the Skills Required

A diesel mechanic job can be great for anyone who enjoys working with their hands, or understanding engines and how they’re put together. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median full-time diesel service technician or mechanic salaries in North America were $48,500 per year or $23.32 per hour as of 2019.

It’s possible to gain entry into this field with little more than a high school diploma and a desire to learn, with on-the-job training also being common. Additionally, this job field is expected to grow at a rate of 3% over the next decade. If you’re looking for a full-time or part-time entry-level diesel mechanic job, read on to learn more about what opportunities are available and what skills are required.

The field of diesel mechanics is broad — jobs range from working on small engines in four-wheelers to servicing heavy equipment used in construction. Anything with a diesel engine needs a diesel mechanic for preventative maintenance and repairs.

The primary categories of diesel mechanic technician jobs include:

• Automotive. This includes personal vehicles, trucks with diesel engines, busses, and semitrucks.
• Heavy equipment. Diesel vehicles used in construction (such as cranes or bulldozers) are in this category, as well as agricultural diesel equipment, like tractors and harvesters.
• Small engine. Small-engine mechanics work on things like diesel-powered motorcycles, motorboats, and ATVs.
• Commercial generators. Many commercial generators have diesel engines, which need regular preventive maintenance and servicing.
• Nautical. Diesel-powered boats and yachts fall into this category.
• Aviation. Many planes also have diesel engines that require servicing.
• Locomotives. Many train engines are diesel-powered.

Automotive is the most common category, as diesel trucks and busses are more commonly used than other types of diesel engines. Many people who work as diesel technicians in other fields start out as car or truck mechanics, although not all do.

Job duties can vary depending on where you work and what you work on, but we’ll outline some of the main tasks performed below.

• Performing maintenance. Like all engines, diesel engines need regular maintenance to perform well. This includes changing oil and filters, checking fluid levels, inspecting engine parts, and making sure the engine is reasonably clean.
• Engine repair. Repairing what is wrong with an engine often requires working with a variety of technical and nontechnical equipment. This includes computers, power and hand tools, and machines.
• Interpreting work orders. When a job comes into the shop, it is often accompanied by a work order detailing what needs to be done. Mechanics need to be able to read and interpret these orders, in addition to consulting with the customer as necessary.
• Performing diagnostics. Many diesel engines contain electronic components and sensors. By connecting the engine to a computer, mechanics can run diagnostics and determine what might be wrong or in need of repair.
• Test-driving vehicles. Sometimes, this is done to identify problems — other times, it is done to ensure proper repair has been completed.
• Maintaining records and managing inventory. Keeping careful records and tracking inventory so new supplies can be ordered when needed is also part of the job.
• Maintain compliance with laws and regulations. There are several environmental laws and regulations surrounding diesel engines and diesel fuel, including emissions specifications and the handling of waste. You will be expected to know these rules and handle materials accordingly.

This list is only preliminary. A full list of duties required for a specific diesel mechanic job will usually be found in the job description posted. If you ever have any questions about the requirements of a particular job, you should contact the company or bring them up during an interview.

To be successful as a diesel mechanic, a certain skill set is needed. This is distinct from any educational requirements (which are discussed in the next section) and has to do with your innate talents and abilities. Below, we outline the most important skills needed for this career.

There are a lot of fine details to keep in the front of your mind as you work on diesel engines. First, you must be able to closely inspect parts, detect minute defects, and successfully disassemble and reassemble an engine without forgetting any pieces. You also need to make sure repairs are documented properly and all work environment regulations are complied with.

Good attention to detail will not only keep you from making errors when performing repairs but it will also allow you to produce quality work efficiently.

Contrary to popular belief, mechanics do not only interact with engines. They must also be able to interact and communicate with customers so they understand what service is being requested. Mechanics must be able to properly explain which repairs were completed and why.

Communication also happens between mechanics in a shop, who must collaborate on repairs, and between mechanics and suppliers, as well.

A significant portion of the diesel technician’s job is determining what is wrong with an engine that isn’t working properly. This requires excellent troubleshooting skills to identify the problem, in addition to problem-solving skills to determine and enact a solution.

While some problems are more easily diagnosed these days with computers and electronic equipment, this is not always the case and electronics don’t always give the full picture. The ability to think carefully and analyze a situation in full detail is crucial.

To be successful as a mechanic, you have to be comfortable working with tools and interacting with physical, mechanical parts. This may come more easily for some people than others. Even some of the greatest problem-solvers struggle when it comes to real-world applications.

No two engines are the same, and no two problems are identical. Even tools can vary in how they handle. Someone with good mechanical inclination can adapt to these nuances easily and work well within the associated variation.

Because mechanics work with a lot of parts and are often in a busy environment, automotive organizational skills are key. Organizational skills make the difference between a mechanic who misplaces a bolt, leaves tripping hazards in the workspace, and loses paperwork, versus one who has a neat and tidy workspace that allows for more efficient work.

As a diesel parts or equipment mechanic, not only does organization make the job easier and your workspace cleaner, but it also prevents mistakes and workplace injuries.

It’s possible to secure a job as an entry-level mechanic with just a high school diploma, then work your way up. However, you can boost your chances at an entry-level position by meeting certain common industry requirements as well.

As mentioned earlier, the first and absolute minimum requirement is a high school diploma or a GED. It is nearly impossible to be hired without one. If your high school offers trade classes — such as engine repair — it can be a big boost to your resume if you hope to seek an entry-level position after graduation.

You can also boost your chances by attending a community college or trade school and obtaining a degree or certificate in diesel repair. These programs may take anywhere from a few months to a few years to complete, and many even include internships.

A class B commercial driver’s license (CDL) is a common requirement for mechanic jobs that require test-driving or moving large vehicles — in addition to a class A license. By studying for and obtaining your CDL before applying, you will look more attractive to employers. However, you can work on smaller diesel vehicles with just a standard driver’s license.

The physical ability to stand for extended periods, lift heavy objects, and maneuver around or inside a vehicle are also fundamental because you can’t perform the job without them.

Finally, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is a common request by those seeking to hire experienced diesel mechanics. The ASE offers over 50 certification tests. To take an ASE test, you must meet minimum experience requirements — which may involve a combination of work experience or formal training.

Many people enter the field of diesel mechanics with some amount of previous training or repair experience through their high school or at a trade school, although many others can learn skills on the job in a mechanics shop. As you progress in this field, you will often continue learning on the job and, over time, take and pass additional certification tests.

If you’re ready to start the search for a full-time or part-time entry-level diesel mechanic job today, take advantage of the Joblist platform. Here, you can answer a few short questions and receive a whole host of personalized search results. Then, add your favorite job titles to a list and come back to them when you’re ready to apply.