What Is Diesel Technology?
Diesel technology is advancing to become more efficient and environmentally friendly. Click to learn more about diesel technology.
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Diesel Mechanic vs. Auto Mechanic: Which Career Path Is Right for You?
When it comes to choosing a career path in the automotive industry, it helps to know more about what options are available to you.
Both diesel mechanics and auto mechanics play important roles in keeping vehicles on the road and in good shape. While both are trained to repair and maintain vehicles, their areas of expertise will vary.
Diesel mechanics have a specialization in diesel engines, which are used not only on vehicles but also for commercial equipment, like what is seen in manufacturing and agricultural fields.
If you’re not sure which area you’re more interested in, keep reading to learn more about the different roles and types of training for each that may help make your decision clearer!
What Is a Diesel Mechanic?
Diesel engines are used for some of the biggest industries across the country, including construction, manufacturing and mining.
Diesel mechanics are responsible for keeping these engines working properly by performing inspections and repairs on the vehicles that have diesel engines. They also commonly maintain other types of equipment that utilize diesel engines and technology.
It’s important to have the right skills for this job. Employers typically prefer applicants who have some sort of hands-on experience and formal training, which you can get from a trade school like Universal Technical Institute (UTI).1,18
The 45-week Diesel Technology program is designed to mirror the training techs receive in the industry and teach hands-on skills that translate to the workforce.7
READ MORE: LIGHT-DUTY VS. HEAVY-DUTY DIESEL TRAINING
What Is an Auto Mechanic?
Cars get us from Point A to Point B, and when repairs need to be made, auto mechanics are the ones who answer the call.
Auto mechanics, also referred to as automotive technicians, are consistently working on and maintaining different types of vehicles. From routine maintenance to engine replacements, the work of an automotive mechanic can vary.
They possess in-depth knowledge on different car systems and how they work together to help a vehicle run. From dealerships to independent shops, auto mechanics work in various types of environments.
Getting hands-on experience and training from a trade school like UTI can help you feel ready to enter the job market.18 UTI offers a 51-week Automotive Technology program that builds knowledge from the ground up so that grads are prepared for the industry.7
READ MORE: AUTO MECHANIC VS. TECHNICIAN
Differences Between Diesel Mechanics and Auto Mechanics
Both diesel and automotive mechanics are skilled professionals within their spaces. Diesel mechanics are focused on servicing larger, heavy-duty vehicles that are powered by diesel engines in comparison to automotive mechanics that handle a wider range of gasoline-powered vehicles.
When it comes to education, while neither career path requires a formal education, having some sort of background knowledge and experience could be helpful. Attending a trade school program like those offered at UTI can help graduates stand out when compared with candidates with no formal training.
As far as demand goes, both diesel mechanics and automotive mechanics are needed. Employers are looking for skilled mechanics in both sectors to perform maintenance and repairs of gasoline or diesel-powered engines.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), total auto technician employment is expected to exceed 794,000 by 2032, and total diesel technician employment is expected to exceed 294,000 by 2032.47,48
When it comes to salary compared between the two, according to the BLS, the median annual salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the United States was $47,770 in May 2023, and the median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the United States was $58,970 in May 2023.25,29
This means half of automotive technicians as well as half of bus and truck mechanics and diesel specialists 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.
Choosing the Right Career Path
When it comes to deciding between a career as a diesel mechanic or auto mechanic, the choice really comes down to what you’re most interested in.
Do you have a passion for big engines and lots of power? You’re likely going to enjoy choosing the route of a diesel mechanic.
If you like a lot of variety and wrenching on different vehicles, a career as an automotive mechanic might make more sense.
When deciding, researching more about each role can make a big difference, as well as reading about the experiences of those who work in the industry. We have all kinds of stories on our blog from both diesel and automotive graduates!
If you still are having a hard time deciding, it’s worth noting that many UTI campuses offer a combined Automotive & Diesel Technology program – so you can learn the best of both worlds!
FAQs
What is the difference between a diesel mechanic and an auto mechanic?
The main difference between a diesel mechanic and auto mechanic is the area of expertise. Diesel mechanics are trained to work on diesel powered engines, whereas auto mechanics know how to maintain and repair gasoline powered engines.
Are the educational requirements different for becoming a diesel mechanic vs. an auto mechanic?
The educational requirements for becoming a diesel mechanic and auto mechanic are fairly similar. Both careers don’t have a requirement of formal education. However, training at a trade school could be helpful for those looking for a structured training environment and prepares students with hands-on experience.18
At a school like UTI, the automotive program is 51 weeks compared with 45 weeks for the diesel program.7 There are also specialized training opportunities available for both, should you want to expand your learning.
What are the typical salary ranges for diesel mechanics compared to auto mechanics?
As stated earlier, when it comes to salary compared between the two, according to the BLS, the median annual salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the United States was $47,770 in May 2023, where the median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the United States was $58,970 in May 2023.25,29
This means half of automotive technicians as well as half of bus and truck mechanics and diesel specialists 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.
Train as an Auto or Diesel Mechanic at UTI
Whichever path you pick, you can find the training needed at UTI. Both programs offer industry-aligned training from instructors who have experience working in the field, and you can graduate ready for an entry-level career.1
Connect with an Admissions Representative to get more info, or enroll today!
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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.
7 ) Some programs may require longer than one year to complete.
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.
25 ) UTI’s Automotive Technology Program prepares graduates for entry-level positions using the provided training, primarily as automotive technicians. Estimated annual salary shown above is for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics 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 an automotive technician, such as service writer, smog inspector, and parts associate. Salary information for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: The average annual entry-level salary for persons employed as Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics (49-3023) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is $36,730 (Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development, May 2022 data https://lmi.dua.eol.mass.gov/lmi/OccupationalEmploymentAndWageAllIndustries/OEWResult?A=01&GA=000025&OG=493023&Dopt=TEXT) Salary information for North Carolina: The U.S. Department of Labor estimates the hourly median wage for skilled automotive technicians in North Carolina is $22.39 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics). 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 $16.63 and $14.06, respectively.
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.
47 ) The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that total national employment for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics will be 815,900 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.
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.
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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