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Not all diesel mechanics work in a garage or at a single location. Mobile diesel mechanics go where the jobs are. They fix diesel trucks and diesel equipment at locations like the side of the road, on farms and at various businesses where trucks and equipment need repairs. They also travel to clients to perform routine maintenance.
Work as a mobile diesel mechanic is interesting because you’re constantly dealing with new customers, new vehicles and new challenges. If you enjoy being on the move and want your work environment to change every day, work as a mobile diesel mechanic may be for you.
Diesel mechanics work on engines and machinery that power large vehicles and equipment, like transportation trucks, buses, cranes and bulldozers. Mobile diesel mechanics go directly to the customer. Instead of servicing vehicles and equipment in a single repair shop, on-the-go diesel mechanics drive out to the client and bring their repair equipment with them.
A day in the life of a mobile diesel mechanic might look like:
Mobile diesel mechanics may not always work the typical 9-to-5 job schedule. If you crave flexibility, you might be interested in a mobile diesel technician job because it could involve working nights and/or weekends, if that’s what you’re looking for.
Some mobile diesel mechanics form their own mobile diesel mechanic businesses, which allows them to control their workload and schedule.
All mobile diesel mechanics need to have excellent communication skills, since they’re dealing directly with clients. They also need to be physically fit, because they’re working with tools and heavy equipment.
Mobile diesel mechanics have the same knowledge that a diesel mechanic working in a shop would. For those who want to be hired on as a mobile diesel mechanic, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports employers prefer to hire applicants who have completed postsecondary diesel engine repair training. Trade school graduates already have the knowledge to start an entry-level career as a diesel mechanic and can require less immediate on-the-job training to get started.
Some mobile diesel mechanic jobs will require that an applicant has worked in a shop for a number of years. Sometimes, having formal diesel mechanic training is enough to get an entry-level job as a mobile diesel mechanic.
In some cases, mobile diesel mechanic employers will require that a technician is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or is working toward certification, since it requires two years of experience. ASE certification is the standard for professional diesel mechanics. An advantage of studying the Diesel Technology program at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) is that the program counts toward one year of experience for ASE certification.16
Whether you work for yourself or someone else, you’ll need to have your own set of tools to complete diesel mechanic work. This diesel mechanic tools list was created based on what some of the most well-known diesel brands require.
Mobile diesel mechanics who apply for employment also need to have good driving records and a valid driver’s license. Because a mobile diesel mechanic job requires a lot of driving to get to clients, employers want to hire safe, legal drivers.
If your record has moving violations on it, you may still be able to get a mobile diesel mechanic job. It’s always important to be honest during the application process.
To create your own mobile diesel repair business, you’ll want to create a business plan and form a legal structure for your business. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has information on how to register your business. You’ll also want to take care of:
The SBA provides local small business resources to help you get started.
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 2022.29 This means half of diesel technicians earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary can vary based on several factors, including the experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.
If working with big trucks and diesel equipment in a mobile position sounds appealing to you, you can complete your diesel technician training at UTI in less than a year.7 UTI’s Diesel Technology program is 45 weeks long and can help prepare students for careers as entry-level diesel technicians.1 Get hands-on training in a supportive environment so you’re prepared to begin a career as a mobile diesel mechanic.
For information on the program, call 1-800-834-7308 or request info online.
Ever wonder what it takes to become a diesel mechanic? Learn about the qualifications and skills employers look for when hiring.
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.
Diesel engines are used in wide variety of fields today. Learn more about their history and when they were invented here!
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.
7) Some programs may require longer than one year to complete.
16) Not all programs are accredited by the ASE Education Foundation.
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 2022 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 $24.18 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, May 2022 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 $20.56 and $17.49, 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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