Eighteen-wheelers, delivery vans, buses, they all rely on diesel to get from point A to point B.  Like automobiles, these vehicles must be kept in proper working order, be inspected regularly, as well as being registered in the state in which a driver lives.  Some smaller cars are now turning to diesel as a means for more efficient mileage.  Regardless of the diesel engine being driven, a special mechanic is needed to repair, maintain, and diagnose engine troubles.

A diesel engine requires a specialty mechanic.  Diesel engines work harder and stronger than a gas-powered engine.  Their high performance abilities tend to stand the test of time providing a diesel mechanic provides routine maintenance.  A properly tuned diesel engine can last much longer than a gas driven engine.

Many diesel mechanics work for large trucking firms.  Trucking companies find that employing on-site mechanics save valuable time and money. By utilizing in-house mechanics, a company knows they have trustworthy mechanics available around the clock.

A diesel mechanic’s hours will vary greatly. Truck drivers are on the road 24/7 in most cases, and if their truck breaks down it can mean financial ruin.  There are diesel mechanic shops that ensure that a mechanic is on call during all hours of the night.  One should expect to work unusual hours from time to time.

In the garage, diesel mechanic check breaks, repairing them if necessary.  The computerized systems are thoroughly inspected.  Steering components are checked and adjusted, if necessary.  Oil changes should be completed at regular intervals based on the driving hours.  Wheel bearings also need to be inspected and lubed, if needed.  With computerized fuel injection systems utilized in today’s trucks, buses and vans, computer panels must be checked to ensure they are functioning properly.

The average diesel mechanic keeps an organized tool chest.  Tools that every diesel mechanic uses range from common household tools, like wrenches, pliers, hammers and screwdrivers, to more complex specialty items.  Among the specialty tools one can find items like lathes, grinders, welding equipment, pipe cutting tools, pneumatic wrenches, and power lifts/jacks.

A typical day for a diesel mechanic includes checking work orders for vehicles waiting work.  If parts have arrived or are already in shop, those vehicles become top priority for repair.  Usually, a shop manager helps the diesel mechanics decide which truck should be repaired first.  Customer service is essential.  A diesel mechanic should be able to handle customer issues politely.  All repairs should be made on a timely basis, leaving plenty of time for routine maintenance as well.

As a diesel truck, bus or van’s electrical system becomes more complex, a technician’s skill must also improve.  With braking, fuel injection, and exhaust systems all becoming computerized, a diesel technician must be well informed of the changes before they occur. Diesel technicians must keep up with the latest technology.  Additional schooling and seminar attendance become a necessity.

Many community colleges and trade schools over two year programs in diesel repair.  Students enrolled in these programs often spend thirty hours per week outside of the classroom getting hands-on experience working on diesel engines.  A beginner starts by doing routine tasks such as fueling the trucks, cleaning parts, and simple lube jobs.  As time passes, a student handles tasks that are more complex.  These jobs can include oil changes, assisting with brake repairs, and running computerized diagnostics.  Eventually, the schooling leads to a student receiving his or her diesel mechanic certificate.

Reading and math skills are essential.  Diesel engine repairs utilize complex repair manuals that can be difficult for the layperson to understand.  Classes in reading manuals are often offered as part of a student’s education.

A thorough program offered by the Association of Diesel Specialists takes three years to complete.  Seven exams must be taken and passed during this time.  Courses in the ADS program cover general diesel knowledge, rotary pumps, distributor pumps, rail systems, inline pumps, rail systems, turbochargers, unit injectors, and computer and electrical diagnostics.  Additional seminars are held by both GM and Ford.  They cover specified instruction on repairing those vehicle models.

Three levels of education are offered.  A student can go for a basic certificate in which the student passes the first of his or her exams.  Once three exams are passed, the certified technician level is reached.  Finally, a master technician passes all of the exams.  These certificates last for five years, retesting at that point is necessary.

Fees to complete these tests range from $50 to $100.  All tests are available online, which makes it handy for diesel mechanics with full-time positions.  They can work from the convenience of their home or business at a time that they arrange.

A number of seminars are also held by the Association of Diesel Specialists at their headquarters in Alberta, Canada.  A sampling of seminars includes:  Electrical I training, Ford Powerstroke engines, GM Duramax Diesel engines.  The seminars last two days.  The benefit to the student is immeasurable.

The pay scale of a diesel mechanic varies from location to location.  To reach the highest end of the pay scale, a diesel mechanic should be ASE certified in diesel engine diagnosis, maintenance, and repair.

For example, in Birmingham, Alabama a beginning diesel mechanic can expect to receive $30,000 per year.  As his or her experience grows, the pay increases to $37,000.  When the diesel mechanic has been certified and has a few years of experience behind him or herself, the wage increases to $46,000 per year.  These are all base salaries and do not include benefits, bonuses, and overtime pay that might be accrued.

Moving to New Mexico, one will find that the base salary for a beginner is approximately $30,000 per year.  As the mechanic’s experience develops, the rate increases to $36,500.  Finally, the top of the pay scale in New Mexico reaches $45,800 per year.  Again, bonuses and the likes are not included in these figures.

In Washington State, a beginning diesel mechanic earns approximately $35,000.  After a few years, that rate can reach $42,000.  After a number of years of experience, the yearly pay can top $52,000.  The reason for these wages being higher is mainly because of the differences in cost-of-living expenses.  Yearly wages can vary greatly depending on the area in which a mechanic works.

For mechanics working in North Dakota, the salaries dip.  There a beginning mechanic earns close to $29,000 per year.  Someone in the middle range can earn $36,000 per year.  A mechanic with a number of years under his or her belt will top out at around $44,000 per year.

In New York City, salaries are drastically higher.  As one of the biggest shipping areas in the United States, there are plenty of delivery trucks on the road in need of diesel mechanics.  In the Big Apple, a beginning diesel mechanic earns approximately $38,000 per year.  After a few years of experience, that figure climbs to $46,000.  By the time the mechanic is highly experienced, the top salary is a whopping $57,000.

In the middle of the United States, Nebraskan diesel mechanics begin at $30,000.  Once they have a few years behind them, their rate of pay can increase to $37,000 per year.  The top rate for an established, experienced diesel mechanic is $46,000 per year.

Finally, Florida is state prides itself on the shipping industry.  In Florida, however, the cost of living is lower.  Therefore, the base figure for a diesel mechanic is $32,000.  A middle range mechanic earns close to $39,000.  However, a mechanic with plenty of experience can expect to earn close to $48,000.

With shipping and freight remaining the most cost-effective means of getting goods from one side of the United States to the other.  Diesel engines will always need mechanics in all regions of the country.