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Diesel Careers: How to Prepare for a Future in the Industry
From generators to locomotives, diesel fuels the machines that keep our world moving. Diesel careers are for people who enjoy working with their hands, learning new things and doing something that matters.
Want to know more? Keep reading. In this blog post, we'll share what there is to know about diesel careers, the benefits of being a diesel mechanic, and how to prepare.
What are Diesel Careers?
Diesel mechanics can work in any industry that uses diesel engines. This career path can take numerous directions, each with its specific focuses and rewards. Here are a few popular paths to consider.
Trucking and Transportation
The trucking and transportation industry is the heart of commerce. It's a vast network responsible for moving goods across the country to keep our economy moving. Trucks are the backbone of the industry, carrying everything from food to fuel. According to the American Trucking Association, trucks transported 11.46 billion tons of freight in 2022!
And that’s where diesel mechanics come into play.
They're the skilled individuals who keep these trucks in top shape. They diagnose and fix problems, perform routine maintenance and overhaul engines. Without them, the wheels of the transportation industry would come to a halt.
Agriculture
The agricultural industry keeps our population fed. Farmers grow food, raise livestock and cultivate the land. But behind this pastoral image, there's a lot of heavy machinery at work, including tractors and seeders.
Diesel mechanics are the ones who maintain, repair and overhaul these machines. Agricultural mechanics experience the satisfaction of directly supporting a vital aspect of our food production system.
Power Generation
The power generation industry produces and supplies electricity to homes, businesses and communities through diesel-powered generators, internal combustion engines and other gaseous engines. Diesel mechanics are crucial in this industry. They possess the knowledge and skills to maintain, fix and replace this equipment.
If you’re interested in pursuing this path, find a diesel mechanic school that provides power-generation training. Universal Technical Institute (UTI) offers the program Cummins Power Generation, where students train on an industry-leading brand's equipment and can graduate as CMI Level 1 Technicians.46
Repair and Maintenance
The repair and maintenance industry helps keep the diesel vehicles you see on the road safely operating. Diesel mechanics who work in this industry spend their day-to-day performing routine maintenance and repairs. They may work in a dealership or at an automotive repair shop.
They can also work as mobile mechanics who meet customers roadside or elsewhere offsite with a plan to get them up and running as soon as possible.
Government
State and local governments rely on diesel vehicles and hire diesel mechanics to help keep things running smoothly. Government diesel mechanics may service school buses, garbage trucks, police cars, forestry equipment and construction vehicles. They also have the fulfillment of knowing they’re making a significant contribution to their community.
Benefits of Being a Diesel Mechanic
Diesel mechanic skills are valuable. For that reason, mechanics can reap the benefits of:
- Diverse career opportunities: Diesel mechanics can work on different vehicles like trucks, buses, bulldozers and cranes, and their skills are needed in various industries, presenting opportunities to try new things.
- Continuous career development: With advancements in engine technology, innovative tools and changes in environmental standards, the opportunities to learn new things are constant. If you’re someone who enjoys learning, this might be the right career path for you.
- Hands-on work: Sitting behind a desk from 9-5 sounds like a nightmare to most diesel mechanics. That’s why they chose a hands-on career where no single day looks the same. They have exciting opportunities to work with their hands, problem solve, learn kinesthetically and be on the go!
Diesel Careers Outlook
Our economy’s dependence on locomotives, large trucks, buses and generators keeps the diesel industry alive and well.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there will be more than 25,000 estimated average diesel technician job openings in the U.S. annually!43
The median annual salary for diesel mechanics in the United States was $58,970 in May 2023.29 This means half 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.
Preparing for Diesel Careers: Trade School Versus College
Feeling confident a diesel career is right for you but aren’t sure where to start? The road to a diesel career often starts with education. Deciding between trade school and college can have a significant impact on the journey toward a diesel career.
Diesel mechanic trade schools, such as UTI, provide practical hands-on training focused on the industry and allow students to pursue careers faster than a four-year college does.1,18 Plus, many diesel employers started their journey at trade schools, resulting in strong industry relationships that can help students find job opportunities post-graduation.
A traditional four-year college education provides a well-rounded academic experience, including in-depth study of various subjects in addition to specific diesel technology coursework. However, these programs are hard to come by because most diesel employers do not require bachelor's degrees.
In fact, the BLS reported that diesel employers prefer candidates who’ve attended a certificate or degree program at a community college or vocational school. This is because they blend hands-on training with theoretical instruction, teaching students fundamentals potential employers can build on.
If earning a degree is a goal, try going to a trade school like UTI that offers opportunities to earn an associate degree in Diesel Technology. This lets graduates enter the field faster to see if a bachelor's degree is worth the extra time and money. If it is, they’ll have important groundwork helpful to pursuing one.
Diesel Careers FAQs
How Does Trade School Compare To College in Terms of Cost?
Cost varies by institution. However, trade schools have a shorter duration. This means that graduates can pursue careers sooner to potentially get a quicker return on their investment.
How Long Does It Typically Take To Train for a Diesel Career?
Most training programs are two years or less. You can complete UTI’s career training for diesel mechanics in just 45 weeks!7
Train for a Diesel Career at UTI
Ready to take the first step toward preparing for a diesel career? Consider UTI. With campuses across the country and a long-standing reputation for excellence, we can teach the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career that matters. Request more information about our program or schedule a tour at a campus near you:
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.