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Is Becoming a Diesel Mechanic a Good Career?
With competitive pay, exciting work, and the solid labor demand, becoming a diesel mechanic can be a great career choice. In this article, we’ll examine the diesel mechanic career path. It is important to explore the type of work they do and the advantages before you decide to pursue a career as a diesel mechanic. By knowing more about the field, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s a job you want to pursue.
What Is a Diesel Mechanic?
Diesel mechanics are technicians trained to maintain, inspect, and repair heavy equipment and machines with diesel engines. They typically work on exhausts, electrical systems, and perform preventive maintenance on diesel machines and heavy equipment.
Review some of the primary responsibilities you may be expected to handle as a diesel mechanic:
- Clean engine parts and systems
- Inspect tires and wheels, adjusting them as required
- Replace steering mechanisms, brake systems, transmissions, and diesel engines
- Perform diagnostic tests on diesel engines
- Review diagnostic test results to correct issues as needed
- Take diesel-powered vehicles on test drives to gauge performance
- Replace or repair engine parts
- Inspect the condition of a vehicle’s lighting system
The Benefits of Being a Diesel Mechanic
Some of the main advantages of being a diesel mechanic include high pay, solid labor demand, low student debt, and short training times. Learn more about the benefits of becoming a diesel mechanic below:
Compensation: With low barrier to entry, a high demand, and many opportunities for skill growth provides opportunities for quick pay advancement.
Low Student Debt: Pursuing mechanic certifications or an associate’s degree can costs a lot less than a traditional four-year college education.
Solid Labor Demand: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates the number of jobs in this field will grow by 3% between 2019 and 2029, which is as fast as the national average.
Active Work Environment: Working with your hands and moving around, can be ideal for someone who is looking for an alternative to sitting at a desk.
Day-to-Day Variety: You’ll often get to work through challenges, determining what’s going wrong in a diesel engine and solving problems.
Short Training Times: When you want to start a career as a diesel mechanic, you can earn an associate’s degree in two years and/or finish certificate programs in six months to a year.
How to Determine if Becoming a Diesel Mechanic Is a Good Career for You
As you decide if becoming a diesel mechanic is a good career choice, check out the skills and values that help many diesel mechanics enjoy their job. For example, those who value job security and enjoy solving mechanical problems often love their career as diesel mechanics. Additional indicators that you might love working as a diesel mechanic include:
1. You Value Job Security
Since semi-trucks and other heavy machines are necessary to the economy for transporting goods and constructing homes, diesel mechanics have high job security. Diesel-powered machines and vehicles will always need someone to fix their engines. If you want a long-lasting career with lots of job security, becoming a diesel mechanic is a great choice.
2. You’re Comfortable Working With a Team
Diesel mechanics often work with other team members to diagnose and solve diesel engine problems. Working within a team also offers a safety net. Team members are encouraged to watch out for one another to make sure tasks are done according to a companies safety procedures. If you’re comfortable working with others and learning from them, you’ll enjoy being a diesel mechanic.
3. You Like to Solve Mechanical Problems
People who like to figure out mechanical issues and solve them often love being diesel mechanics. As a diesel technician, you’ll learn about the parts associated with diesel engines and machinery. Once you’re through training, you’ll use this knowledge to solve various mechanical problems and help customers maximize their machine’s potential and engine’s ability. If you have strong critical thinking skills and an interest in mechanical work, you may be perfect for a job as a diesel mechanic.
4. You’re OK With Physical Labor
A diesel mechanic has to stand and perform physical tasks for long portions of their day. Technicians also have to use heavy tools, bend over to reach various parts, work in cramped areas, and perform tasks in the heat. Those who are comfortable with doing physical labor and getting their hands dirty are usually a great fit for a diesel mechanic job.
5. You Like Staying Updated on Technology
Companies are always producing new technology for diesel-powered machines and vehicles. As a result, someone who’s open to learn about new technology and interested in the latest developments may love working as a diesel technician.
JOIN OUR TEAM
At Empire, being a diesel mechanic makes for an excellent career. We offer employees exceptional support, training, and great benefits to give them a rewarding and financially successful career.
Our ongoing training opportunities for seasoned and new mechanics makes us a top choice for all experience levels. If you’re a newcomer to the field, our Apprenticeship Program is designed to help you learn the ropes and develop your abilities as a diesel mechanic in a supportive environment.
If you're ready to work with our team, search and apply to our many available jobs today!
