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A career as a diesel mechanic can be a fulfilling one if you enjoy working with your hands and want to work on parts that power some of the country’s most powerful and important vehicles. Diesel mechanics, also called diesel technicians, diagnose and repair diesel components. These are typically found in large trucks, buses, and other vehicles and machinery that use diesel engines, like cranes and bulldozers.
If you’re wondering how long it takes to become a diesel mechanic at Universal Technical Institute (UTI), the answer depends on what program you study and how specialized you become. If you’re a full-time diesel mechanic student, you may be able to complete a diploma or certificate program in as few as 45 weeks. Students who take UTI’s combined Automotive/Diesel Technology program (which takes slightly longer to complete) may be able to earn an associate degree, depending on the campus.
Additionally, those who further their education with specialized courses may take on around 12 additional weeks of study to become knowledgeable about diesel brands like Cummins,46 Freightliner and Peterbilt.
If working as a diesel mechanic sounds interesting, read on for more about career opportunities and how to become a diesel technician.
In the field, diesel mechanics are responsible for diagnosing and repairing diesel engines and vehicles. Diesel mechanics work in shops or might be mobile mechanics, going directly to customers. Their roles and duties include:
Diesel engines power the country’s biggest trucks, large vehicles and machinery, like farm equipment. They’re essential to keeping the country up and running, which is one of the reasons the work of a diesel mechanic is so important.
The career field for diesel mechanics in the United States is promising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the United States was $50,200 in May 2020.29
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.
To become a diesel mechanic, a high school diploma or GED is usually required. Some mechanics choose to learn skills on the job and work their way up, while others enroll in a formal training program.
Some benefits of enrolling in a formal training program, like UTI’s Diesel Technology program, include:
To apply for the core Diesel Technology program at UTI, the following diesel mechanic admissions requirements must be met.
Students who are applying from outside of the United States are required to submit foreign education documents that must be confirmed as valid proof of high school completion.
There are lots of differences between a trade school and a traditional college. One is that when you enter the diesel program, you’re in class with students who are passionate about and interested in the same thing you’re studying: diesel engines. There’s no need to take electives you’re never going to use, like many traditional colleges require. You can maximize your time by studying the exact subject you plan to work on.
Trade school gives you plenty of hands-on experience in true-to-life labs. You’ll work on diesel equipment you’ll encounter in the real world. In trade school, you get the opportunity to practice and make mistakes so you can learn. UTI instructors have experience working in the diesel industry, so they’ll be able to tell you what to expect when you enter the field. At some colleges and universities, professors went straight from school then back to school to teach. At UTI, your instructors come directly from the field.
Trade school might feature a mix of instruction, too. Students might do online learning, sit in lectures and put what they’ve learned to work in the labs. This type of instruction is different from traditional colleges that might have lectures with hundreds of people in them, with no choice but to listen to a professor. If you’re a hands-on or visual learner, lecture-only classes at traditional colleges can be tough to get through.
Speaking of class sizes, that’s another difference between trade schools and traditional colleges. While traditional colleges might have large classes, trade schools deliberately have small class sizes, allowing students to receive one-on-one attention with instructors and get plenty of hands-on learning opportunities.
Another benefit of trade schools is that extracurricular events tend to be focused on what students are interested in, like cars and vehicles. At UTI, events like car shows and drag races give students a way to bond and have fun outside of the classroom.
Once you complete a diesel mechanic degree or certificate, you can use it to credential your experience when applying for jobs in the diesel field.
Diesel mechanics consult with customers and strategize repairs. They plan work procedures, inspect vehicle parts, run diagnostic tests and repair broken diesel equipment. Diesel mechanics typically use both computers and hand tools to diagnose and repair diesel components.
According to the BLS, the largest employers of diesel mechanics in 2019 were:
Diesel mechanics often work in repair shops, but some work as mobile mechanics and repair vehicles at worksites or on the road. Some diesel mechanics go on to become shop managers or open their own diesel repair businesses.
At UTI, students take a variety of diesel courses, including:
Each course features hands-on components using state-of-the-industry tools and technology that graduates will encounter in the professional world. Tests and final assessments are provided to ensure students grasp the curriculum.
Students who attend UTI's Diesel Technology program can learn the skills they need to succeed in an entry-level position as a diesel mechanic.1 Students will master how to diagnose, repair and replace diesel engines for a variety of clients, using real diesel machinery in lab environments.
After students complete the core diesel training program, they can apply for manufacturer-specific diesel specialized training programs offered by manufacturers including Cummins, Daimler Trucks and Peterbilt. These specialized courses go deeper into each brand, teaching students manufacturer-specific topics like engines, fuel systems, brakes and chassis, climate control, hydraulic applications, electronic technology, refrigeration, and preventative maintenance.
UTI’s diesel mechanic schools are located throughout the country, making it easy for students to find a location close to where they live or where they want to work. Diesel mechanic school locations are:
Classes start every three weeks. You can view the diesel school calendar here.
Yes. Sites like Scholarships.com and Fastweb offer thousands of scholarships for all types of students, including soon-to-be high school graduates, military veterans and minorities. It’s possible to apply for scholarships based on your volunteer work, your unique experiences and interests, and how you intend to use your diesel education.
UTI has also compiled a list of scholarships and grants for students.10 To apply for scholarships, read the directions thoroughly. Gather all required materials, and make sure you turn in your application and required documents in time to meet the due date. Get more tips on how to apply for scholarships for diesel mechanic school.
If you’d like to learn more about attending diesel mechanic school, contact UTI. Our admissions representatives can answer any questions you might have and send you free information to help you learn more.
What is a mobile diesel mechanic, and how do you become one? Find out in this career guide.
Diesel engines are used in wide variety of fields today. Learn more about their history and when they were invented here!
Want to become a diesel technician? Click here to find information on diesel mechanic salaries and how they vary by state.
