How to Become a Bus Mechanic

Key Points

• Role and responsibilities of bus mechanics: Bus mechanics, also known as bus technicians, are crucial in maintaining and repairing buses and trucks, especially those powered by diesel engines. Their responsibilities include diagnosing and fixing electrical and hydraulic systems, engine repair and rebuilding, troubleshooting transmissions and performing maintenance and safety checks.
• Educational path to becoming a bus mechanic: To pursue a career as a bus mechanic, one should start with obtaining a high school diploma or GED diploma, followed by attending a trade school. Programs like the Diesel Technology program at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) offer comprehensive training on diesel engines, including hands-on training with equipment from leading industry names, and can be completed in less than a year.^1,7,18
• Certification and advancement: Graduates from programs like UTI's Diesel Technology can use their training to substitute for one of the two years of work experience required to test for National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. This certification is crucial for bus mechanics, as it can help them stand out in the job market and advance in their careers.
• Salary and job outlook: The median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the United States was reported at $58,970 in May 2023 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).²⁹ The demand for skilled bus mechanics is expected to remain strong, with total diesel technician employment projected to exceed 308,000 by 2033, highlighting a bright job outlook for individuals in this field.⁴⁸
• Specializations within bus mechanics: While diesel bus mechanics focus on a broad range of vehicles with diesel engines, school bus mechanics specialize in maintaining and repairing school buses, adhering to specific inspection requirements and state regulations. This specialization requires familiarity with the Department of Transportation’s standards and offers a focused career path within the field of bus mechanics.

Without skilled trade professionals, many of the things we do every day would be impossible. This includes technicians and mechanics who specialize in fixing and repairing vehicles out on the road.

Bus mechanics, also known as bus technicians, help fix and diagnose issues with buses and trucks and are familiar with the diesel engines that power these vehicles. Keeping buses in good condition is important for those who commute to work, school and everywhere in between.

Interested in this field? Keep reading to find out more about how you can take steps to train to become a bus mechanic, including enrolling in a Diesel Technology program like the one offered at Universal Technical Institute (UTI).¹

Bus Mechanic Job Description

Buses and other large transit vehicles operate with diesel engines, so bus technicians are responsible for maintaining and repairing these parts, along with other important systems.

The day-to-day duties of a bus mechanic can vary depending on what sector of the industry they’re in, but some common job tasks can include:

• Diagnosing and repairing electrical systems.
• Maintaining hydraulic systems.
• Rebuilding and repairing engines.
• Troubleshooting transmissions.
• Performing road calls and repairs as needed.
• Testing the performance of parts.
• Performing engine tune-ups.
• Recording maintenance work when completed.
• Adhering to safety policies and procedures.

The role of a bus mechanic is a physical one that often requires standing and walking for long periods of time. A bus mechanic can also face changing weather conditions. Those who like working with their hands and have attention to detail could find this role fulfilling!

Bus Mechanic Salary and Job Outlook

It can be important to research all aspects of a potential career before deciding to pursue it. Knowing things like estimated salary and job outlook can help determine whether the job is the right fit for you.

Individuals who pursue careers as bus mechanics or technicians likely will start as entry-level diesel mechanics to become familiar with the powerful engines. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a great resource that can help give an idea of what to expect as far as median annual salary in various fields.

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the United States was $58,970 in May 2023.²⁹ This means half of diesel technicians earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

Total diesel technician employment is expected to exceed 308,000 by 2033.⁴⁸ There is a demand for skilled trade professionals in a range of fields, including diesel technology. Bus and truck mechanics play an important role in the day-to-day lives of many people, making the outlook for their positions bright.

How to Train to Become a Bus Mechanic

Like most hands-on jobs, having a combination of education and experience can make a big difference when looking to enter the workforce. Diesel engines found in buses are sophisticated machines, and having a foundational knowledge of them is important.

Getting a basic education in the form of a high school diploma or GED diploma is the first step. Those interested in the field should then consider attending a trade school, where they can gain education and hands-on education.

The Diesel Technology program at UTI teaches students how to maintain diesel engines used in commercial vehicles on the road today. Courses touch on everything from preventative maintenance to the latest in high-tech electronics.

Students at UTI have the opportunity to train on equipment used by some of the biggest names in the industry, including Daimler Truck North America, Cummins, Inc.,⁴⁶ and Detroit Diesel Corporation.

The program is also Master Certified by the ASE Education Foundation, a division of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE.¹⁶ Those graduating from the Diesel Technology program are able to substitute their training for one of the two years of work experience required to become ASE certified.

This certification can help grads stand out when pursuing a career in the industry. Along with their education, UTI grads are prepared to pursue a range of entry-level jobs and can eventually specialize their crafts to align with the role of a bus mechanic or technician.

Diesel Bus Mechanic

Diesel bus mechanics are responsible for diagnosing and repairing buses and trucks that feature diesel engines.

School Bus Mechanic

School bus mechanics are just like diesel bus mechanics, except for the fact that they specifically focus on making repairs and performing maintenance on school buses and other similar fleet vehicles. School bus mechanics also should be familiar with the Department of Transportation’s school bus inspection requirements and state regulations where they’re employed.

What certifications do school bus mechanics need?

School bus mechanics, also known as diesel or bus mechanics, typically require several certifications and qualifications to work on school buses. These certifications ensure that the mechanics have the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain and repair school buses safely and effectively.

Where they work and who their employer is may affect the certifications required. Some common ones include ASE certification and the EPA Section 609 Certification. Obtaining a commercial driver’s license, or CDL, is not required but sometimes bus mechanics will do so to be able to drive and test the buses they repair.

Bus Mechanic FAQs

What kind of training is required to become a bus technician?

If you’re interested in becoming a bus technician, understanding both diesel engines and other related parts is essential. Along with getting your high school or GED diploma, getting a trade school education in your area of focus could be extremely helpful. UTI’s Diesel Technology program can be completed in just 45 weeks!⁷

How can I become a certified bus mechanic?

Certifications can be helpful when entering the field as a bus mechanic. Graduates of UTI’s Diesel Technology program can substitute their training for one of the two years required to take ASE certification exams. They are also prepared with the knowledge and skills needed to take various other ASE certification tests, which are specific depending on the career path they choose.

What is the average salary for a bus technician?

The BLS reports that the median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the United States was $58,970 in May 2023, meaning half earned more and half earned less.²⁹ Note that salary often differs based on each employer’s requirements and regional cost of living.

Diesel Technology Training at UTI

If you’d like to take the first step toward a role as a bus mechanic, getting a foundational education could be a great start. UTI’s Diesel Technology program can help prepare you to pursue a future to be excited about.

Students can graduate from the program in less than a year and be ready to enter the workforce.^1,7 Request more information today!