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Explore Careers in Diesel Technology

4/8/2024

The landscape of technology is constantly evolving, and with that, the demand for skilled professionals in various industries is on the rise.

Diesel technology is a field that offers unique advantages and promises excitement for those who have a passion for heavy-duty engines and technology.

As the backbone of transportation and heavy machinery, diesel engines play a crucial role in powering our world. Choosing a career in diesel technology can open doors to various opportunities, allowing you to put your passion to use while you help keep industries running.

Keep reading to learn more about different careers in diesel technology, including diesel mechanic career paths and some of the benefits of working in this field.

Why Choose a Career in Diesel Technology?

You may be wondering if a diesel mechanic is a good career choice. It’s important to take time to think about what your interests are and what you want out of a career.

There are several aspects that can make a career in diesel technology a popular career choice that can be considered when deciding if it’s the path for you. These include:

High Demand and Job Security

One of the main advantages of pursuing a career in diesel technology is the consistently high demand for skilled professionals.

Diesel engines are the workhorses of many industries, including transportation, construction, agriculture and energy. As these industries continue to grow, so does the need for qualified technicians who can maintain, repair and optimize diesel-powered vehicles and equipment.

In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), total diesel technician employment is expected to exceed 308,000 in the United States by 2033.48

Diverse Employment Opportunities

A career in diesel technology offers a wide range of employment opportunities across various sectors. Diesel technicians can find work in automotive repair shops, fleet maintenance departments, construction companies, agricultural operations and even in the marine and power generation industries.

This diversity allows individuals to explore different facets of the field and choose a niche that aligns with their interests and skills.

Hands-On Experience and Problem-Solving

The field of diesel technology is hands-on, making it an ideal choice for individuals who enjoy practical, tangible work.

Technicians work directly with diesel engines, performing diagnostics, repairs and maintenance. This hands-on experience not only keeps the job interesting but also hones problem-solving skills as technicians troubleshoot issues and implement solutions in real time.

This aspect of the profession provides a constant learning curve and keeps technicians engaged throughout their careers.

Read: Is Becoming a Diesel Mechanic a Good Career Plan?

Exploring Careers in Diesel Technology

To gain experience and hands-on skills to pursue a career in the industry, it can be helpful to attend a trade school like Universal Technical Institute.1 Our 48-week Diesel Technology program will help train students to maintain and repair diesel engines and other equipment.7

Along with technical skills, pursuing a career in diesel technology requires a skill set that includes attention to detail and problem-solving. Communication skills are also important for communicating with coworkers and customers.

As we mentioned before, there’s a range of employment opportunities for those with a background in diesel technology.

It is important to know that most of our grads start out working as entry-level technicians or in other entry-level roles.5 Some of these employment opportunities include:

As with any industry, over time, you may be able to advance in your career with experience and hard work.77 Some examples of more advanced roles may be:

Diesel Technology Salary

While the salary made in a diesel technology role can vary based on things like time in the industry and level of experience, it can be helpful to know an estimate for what to expect when entering the field.

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.
Read more: Diesel Mechanic Job Duties & Salary

How to Start Your Journey in Diesel Technology

So, you’ve decided that a career in diesel technology is right for you. Now what? When pursuing this path, it can be helpful to enroll in a training program at a trade school to help you get the hands-on experience and education that employers are looking for.

Universal Technical Institute (UTI) offers a 45-week Diesel Technology program that provides a foundation of knowledge that will prepare students for the industry.7

Students learn how to diagnose, maintain and repair diesel engines and other diesel equipment that will help them transition into careers as diesel technicians. Courses combine hands-on training with online instruction to mirror industry training.18

The program is also Master Certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE.16 Graduates of the program are prepared to test for ASE certification and can substitute their training for one of the two years of required work experience to become ASE certified.

Diesel mechanic certifications are not required for the industry but can be beneficial when entering the workforce because they help show that someone has knowledge in specific areas. They can help make applicants stand out to potential employers!

For those who want to further their education, the Diesel Technology program even offers specialized training programs with some of the leading names in the industry:11

Overall, UTI’s Diesel Technology program is a great place to start when preparing for a career in the diesel industry. We even have dedicated teams that can help offer support with things like finding housing to financial aid!10

Read more: How to Become a Diesel Mechanic

FAQs

What Are the Job Prospects for a Career in Diesel Mechanics?

As we discussed, some entry-level employment opportunities in diesel mechanics include roles as a diesel technician, heavy equipment repair technician, power gen technician or agricultural technician. With experience and hard work, you may be able to advance in your career into different roles.

How Much Can a Diesel Mechanic Earn?

The salary range for a diesel mechanic can vary depending on experience, years in the industry, and a range of other factors. The BLS reports that the median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the United States was $54,360 in May 2022, 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.

Are There Any Certifications or Licenses Required for a Career in Diesel Mechanics?

While there are no required certifications to pursue a career in diesel mechanics, having these credentials under your belt can be an added benefit when searching for a job. Graduates of UTI’s Diesel Technology program are prepared to test for ASE certifications and can substitute their training for one of the two years of work experience needed to become ASE certified!

Train for a Career in Diesel Technology

A career in diesel technology offers a unique blend of diversity and personal satisfaction. From the hands-on nature of the work to the ever-growing demand for skilled professionals, pursuing a career in diesel technology can be an exciting journey for those with a passion for mechanics and a desire to make a meaningful impact on industries powering the world.

If this sounds like a good fit for you, don’t wait to start training. It takes less than a year to graduate from our Diesel Technology program ready to pursue a career in the industry!

Request more info to connect with an Admissions Representative or enroll now. Your future awaits!

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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.
5 ) UTI programs prepare graduates for careers in industries using the provided training, primarily as automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than as a technician, such as: parts associate, service writer, fabricator, paint and paint prep, and shop owner/operator.
7 ) Some programs may require longer than one year to complete.
10 ) Financial aid, scholarships and grants are available to those who qualify. Awards vary due to specific conditions, criteria and state.
11 ) See program details for eligibility requirements and conditions that may apply.
15 ) Manufacturer-paid advanced training programs are conducted by UTI on behalf of manufacturers who determine acceptance criteria and conditions. These programs are not part of UTI’s accreditation. Programs available at select locations.
16 )  Not all programs are accredited by the ASE Education Foundation.
18 ) UTI now offers all of its automotive, diesel, motorcycle and marine technician training in a blended-learning format consisting of online lecture courses along with in-person, hands-on lab training.
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 2023 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 $48,980 (Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development, May 2022 data https://lmi.dua.eol.mass.gov/lmi/OccupationalEmploymentAndWageAllIndustries/OEWResult?A=01&GA=000025&OG=493031&Dopt=TEXT). Salary information for North Carolina: The U.S. Department of Labor estimates the hourly median wage for skilled diesel technicians in North Carolina is $25.28 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, May 2023 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 $21.55 and $18.00, respectively.
46 ) Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
48 ) The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that total national employment for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists will be 308,700 by 2033. See Table 1.2 Occupational projections, 2023–33, and worker characteristics, 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, viewed November 4, 2024. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
77 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. UTI prepares graduates for entry-level careers using the provided training. UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than those listed.

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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