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Companies that rely on cars, large trucks, buses and/or heavy equipment like cranes and bulldozers need to keep their vehicles up and running. This collection of vehicles and equipment is called a company fleet. A fleet mechanic, also known as a fleet technician, works on the engines and machinery that power a fleet, keeping businesses operating with minimal interruption.
If you like working on cars or big trucks and are interested in working for a business rather than at a shop or dealership, you might be interested in a career as a fleet technician. Get the answer to what is a fleet technician, learn about typical duties and work environment, and find out how to become a fleet mechanic in this guide.
Fleet technicians work for corporations and businesses that employ a collection of vehicles used to transport goods or provide services, or that use a fleet of equipment to produce work. These vehicles might be big trucks with diesel engines that transport goods across the country. They might be cranes and bulldozers at a construction site. The vehicles a company uses may be regular-size cars, like at a rental car company. Or they might be vans that a cable service company provides for its technicians.
Other examples of fleets include:
Fleet mechanics service, maintain and diagnose these vehicles so there’s no interruption in business operations. All vehicles need proper maintenance to stay running, and it’s the fleet mechanic’s job to make sure vehicles are in top condition to keep employees safe and business moving.
The role of a fleet mechanic is similar to a mechanic who works in a dealership or shop, but a main difference is that the fleet mechanic is employed by a specific company. This might give a fleet mechanic access to similar perks someone working in a corporate office might get. If a mechanic is passionate about a particular brand or is interested in working for a company with a specific focus, they may be able to find work as a technician for the company’s fleet.
The day in the life of a fleet mechanic may include:
A fleet mechanic may work on-site at a company garage, where the fleet is located. Fleet mechanics may also travel to make repairs when vehicles or equipment break down and can’t be towed. A fleet mechanic may work with other mechanics and usually reports to a fleet manager.
The career outlook and salary for fleet mechanics will vary depending on the employer, location, the types of vehicles you’re working on and other factors. There are fleet mechanic positions in every state for a variety of industries.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists was $48,690 in May 2021.29 For automotive service technicians and mechanics, the median annual salary was $46,880 in May 2021.25 This means half of diesel and automotive technicians and earned more, while half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.
As long as there are cars and trucks on the road, the need for fleet mechanics will remain, which can make this a great choice for those looking for stability in their career. Plus, becoming a fleet mechanic can provide flexibility, as your skills will most likely be transferrable to a variety of industries.
Like any mechanic position, employers often prefer to hire fleet technicians who have automotive technology training and/or diesel technology training.
In addition to training, certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is preferred for fleet technicians. ASE is the standard service technician credential for both automotive and diesel service technicians. Many fleet technicians get ASE certified while working, since certification requires two years of work experience.
Diesel and automotive technician training at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) provides formal fleet technician training. Plus, it qualifies for one year of work experience toward ASE certification, which means entry-level fleet technicians who are UTI graduates can become certified for their employers more quickly.16
Fleet mechanics who want to continue to work for their current company can progress in their role by becoming a fleet manager. A fleet manager is responsible for other fleet mechanics on the team.
If you’re interested in working as a fleet technician, formal training that moves you toward ASE certification can help you stand out as a candidate. UTI training can bring you up to speed to begin an entry-level position as a fleet technician.2 That saves employers time and money to train you, so you can get on track to your career sooner.
Want to learn more? Give us a call at 1-800-834-7308 or head to our website to request information.
Looking to obtain ASE certification in 2023? From training programs to exam preparation, our guide has the information you need to pursue a career as a technician.
Want a career in the skilled trades? Learn what employers look for when hiring welders, auto techs, diesel technicians, collision repair techs and more.
Are you interested in training to become a diesel technician? Click here for a 2023 guide on career outlook and median annual diesel mechanic salary.
1) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
16) Not all programs are accredited by the ASE Education Foundation.
25) UTI’s Automotive Technology program prepares graduates for entry-level positions using the provided training, primarily as automotive technicians. Estimated annual salary shown above is for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics as published in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages. Entry-level salaries are lower for UTI graduates. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on economic factors, personal credentials, work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer, and their compensation programs. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than as an automotive technician, such as service writer, smog inspector, and parts associate. Salary information for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: The average annual entry-level salary range for persons employed as Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics (49-3023) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is $32,140 to $53,430 (Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development, May 2020 data https://lmi.dua.eol.mass.gov/lmi/OccupationalEmploymentAndWageSpecificOccupations#). Salary information for North Carolina: The U.S. Department of Labor estimates the hourly median wage for skilled automotive technicians in North Carolina is $19.04 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics). The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish entry-level salary data. However, the 25th and 10th percentile of hourly earnings in North Carolina are $14.34 and $12.94, respectively.
29) UTI’s Diesel Technology Program prepares graduates for entry-level positions using the provided training, primarily as diesel technicians. Estimated annual salary shown above is for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists as published in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages. Entry-level salaries are lower for UTI graduates. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on economic factors, personal credentials, work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer, and their compensation programs. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than as diesel truck technicians, including in industries such as heavy equipment repair, power generation, and agriculture. Salary information for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: The average annual entry-level salary range for persons employed as Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists (49-3031) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is $32,360 to $94,400 (Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development, May 2020 data https://lmi.dua.eol.mass.gov/lmi/OccupationalEmploymentAndWageSpecificOccupations#). Salary information for North Carolina: The U.S. Department of Labor estimates the hourly median wage for skilled diesel technicians in North Carolina is $22.89 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists). The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish entry-level salary data. However, the 25th and 10th percentile of hourly earnings in North Carolina are $18.59 and $17.03, respectively.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
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