If you have ever bought, or considered buying a diesel vehicle, you've probably done your research beforehand. When it comes to diesel trucks, a drawback of ownership is finding a mechanic that specializes in diesel truck repair. Diesel truck mechanics are harder to find and typically more expensive than regular mechanics, simply due to market forces. Since there is a shorter supply, their services tend to be valued higher as they are considered specialists in a particular niche. So what is it that makes diesel mechanics different, and what kind of training is involved in becoming one? We decided to explore it further to gain a better understanding.
First, let's look at some interesting facts about diesel truck mechanics, and all diesel mechanics. In Europe, diesel cars actually outsold gasoline-powered engines in the last decade. While not as pronounced in the United States, the trend is starting to take hold, with sales up nearly 30% in 2012 and the Bureau Of Labor Statistics predicting jobs for diesel mechanics to increase by 15% by 2020, indicating expected growth in consumer spending on diesel powered vehicles. This is good news for anyone looking to join the industry, and eyeing a niche in the market to strengthen their marketability and job prospects.
From a pay perspective, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the median wage of diesel mechanic was $40,850 in 2010. Diesel mechanics can expect an average salary of $35,000 according to Indeed.com, with "Roadway Diesel Equipment Mechanic" earning $73,000, "Ford Diesel Mechanic" earning $58,000 and "Navistar Certified Diesel Mechanic" earning an average of $61,000. Of course, these are simply estimates and aren't exact figures, but qualified and trained diesel mechanic can expect to earn more than other mechanics due to the specified nature of their work.
While there are plenty of diesel mechanics who are trained on the job, and do not complete formal training, programs specific to diesel mechanics are growing in popularity. They are typically offered as programs at trade schools or community colleges, and can oftentimes be completed in as little as 2 years. Of course, a major part of the training takes place outside of the classroom and in garages, working on actual vehicles, learning from mechanics who have been around longer, and learning from mistakes. 40 percent of diesel mechanics are high school graduates, and only 8 percent never earned their high school diploma, according to the BLS.
We've covered the differences between diesel trucks and gas trucks before, but some of the benefits of a diesel truck vs. a gas truck are better mileage, no tune-ups, and more torque. The cons can be less choices in available vehicles, higher truck prices, and more expensive repairs. The benefactor of the higher priced repairs is the diesel truck mechanic, who offers a service that many of his (or her) gas-powered mechanic brethren do not. There is always some trash-talking and competitiveness between the different types of mechanics, as each claims to work on the superior technology, and have the superior training. While we won't pass judgement on who is more qualified, we will just agree that diesel mechanics are fewer and farther between, and can count on earning a bit more money for their in-demand skills and expertise.
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