How long does it take to train to become a diesel mechanic?

UTI’s Diesel Technology program is designed to be completed in just 45 weeks. Your coursework will give you a foundation of knowledge you can build on, whether you decide to continue on to complete a Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training program or start working in the field as an entry-level technician.

What is the salary of an entry-level diesel mechanic?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists was $48,500 in May 2019. This means half of them made more than that salary and half made less.

Can I train on Cummins diesel engines?

Yes! UTI offers a 12-week Cummins Engines program where you’ll receive training on midrange engines, heavy-duty engine overhaul, electronically controlled engines and more. Cummins invests directly into UTI labs to ensure grads are ready to work on their cutting edge line of diesel equipment. To learn more, visit our Cummins program page.

Diesel Mechanic School

STATE-OF-THE-INDUSTRY DIESEL TECHNICIAN TRAINING

A new career path starts here

Take 60 seconds and find out how you can get trained.

Step of

What kind of training are you interested in? Required

Change program to see other campuses.

First Name Required

Last Name Required

Required

Zip Required

Phone Number Required

Email Required

<p>By submitting this form, I agree that MIAT College of Technology, Universal Technical Institute, Inc., Custom Training Group, Inc. and their representatives may email, call, and / or text me with marketing messages about educational programs and services, as well as for school-related communications, at any phone number I provide, including a wireless number, using prerecorded calls or automated technology. I understand that my consent is not required to apply, enroll or make any purchase. I further understand and agree that I may instead call MIAT at 1-800-477-1310 for Canton, MI and 1-888-547-7047 for Houston, TX or UTI at 1-800-913-7524 to request admission information. I understand that if I do submit this form, I may unsubscribe within marketing emails or opt-out of text messages at any time by replying “STOP.” Standard text message and data rates may apply.<br /><br />By submitting this form, I further understand and agree that all information provided is subject to UTI’s Privacy Policy available at <a href='~/privacy-policy'>www.uti.edu/privacy-policy</a> and UTI's SMS Terms and Conditions available at <a href='~/sms-terms-conditions'>www.uti.edu/sms-terms-conditions</a>.</p>

Current or Last Duty Station

required Required

Required

Was your military base overseas? Required

45 weeks From start to finish⁷

5 programs Diesel Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training programs¹⁵

28,000+ Estimated average annual diesel job openings in the U.S.⁴³

HANDS-ON DIESEL MECHANIC EDUCATION

In less than a year,⁷ you could train to be a diesel technician. It all starts with completing a core diesel program. These foundational courses build your base knowledge from the ground up, teaching you how to diagnose, repair, and replace like a true big engine professional. From here, you can move on to specialized advanced training on diesel trucks and engines from leading brands.

Our Diesel program follows a blended learning model, which includes a mix of online instructor-led training with hands-on application in the lab.¹⁸ This allows students to experience what training is like in the workforce and offers more flexibility with schedules.

UTI is not an online diesel mechanic school, but students will spend about half of a typical six-hour day on online coursework. The other half is typically spent in the lab.

TRUCK BRAKES AND CHASSIS

Perform service, repairs and electronic diagnosis on foundation and anti-lock braking systems. All training is performed on complete trucks in a shop environment.

TRUCK PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

Learn how to perform original equipment manufacturer recommended maintenance and Department of Transportation annual safety checks. Instruction on basic truck wheel alignment procedures will also be covered.

DIESEL ENGINES

Learn the principles of operation of four-stroke engines including diesel combustion fundamentals and other characteristics unique to diesel engines.

DIESEL FUEL SYSTEMS

Learn to safely diagnose and repair mechanical and electronically controlled diesel fuel-injection systems.

TRANSPORTATION REFRIGERATION

Learn to service and repair major components on a transport refrigeration unit. Perform diagnosis and repair procedures as part of routine maintenance on Carrier and Thermo King transportation refrigeration systems.

A student trains on diesel engine repair in a UTI lab in Long Beach, California.

A diesel-powered hydraulic excavator powers through a task.

Diesel-powered pumps used for extracting oil.

A diesel-powered combine harvester in action.

Students train on diesel engines and other equipment at a UTI lab in Avondale, Arizona.

A tracked combine harvester is one of many diesel-powered vehicles used in the agricultural industry.

Diesel-powered cranes are used at many construction sites.

UTI students get hands-on training with diesel technology in a lab in Long Beach, California.

A look at the Diesel lab at the UTI campus in Rancho Cucamonga, California.

Specialized Training

DIESEL ASE CERTIFICATION

UTI’s Diesel Mechanic Training program is Master Certified by the ASE Education Foundation, a division of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Graduates of the program are prepared to complete ASE examinations and can substitute their training for one year of the two years of work experience required to become ASE certified.

REQUEST INFO

28,000+ Estimated average annual diesel job openings in the U.S.⁴³

10.49 billion Tons of freight transported by trucks in 2015 alone

11 locations Number of campuses that offer diesel mechanic training

3 weeks Frequency of class start dates

Can I train on Cummins diesel engines?

Yes! UTI offers a specialized Cummins Engines program, where you’ll receive training on midrange engines, heavy-duty engine overhaul, electronically controlled engines and more.⁴⁶
How do I train to become an agricultural mechanic?

UTI’s 8-week Fendt Technician Academy program is ideal for someone wanting to become an agricultural mechanic. In this Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training program, you’ll learn how to work on tractors from Fendt and earn valuable credentials that can help set you apart. To learn more, visit our Fendt Technician Academy page.
What is the salary of an entry-level diesel mechanic?

The median annual salary for salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the United States was $48,690 in May 2021,²⁹ according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 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. View our diesel technician salary guide to learn more.
How long does it take to train to become a diesel mechanic?

UTI’s Diesel program is designed to be completed in less than a year. Learn more about our diesel mechanic courses here.

UTI Campus Alerts

Diesel Mechanic School

A new career path starts here

Ready To Get Started Now?

Diesel Mechanic School

EXCITING NEWS!

MIAT COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY JOINS UTI'S FAMILY OF SCHOOLS.

DIESEL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM OVERVIEW