Is There a Demand for Diesel Mechanics?

If you are thinking about a satisfying job that offers many rewards and an attractive rate of pay then you should think about becoming a diesel mechanic. If you know your way around cars, buses, and trucks, and you don’t mind getting your hands and everything else dirty then this could be the career for you.  

What Is A Diesel Mechanic?

A diesel mechanic is a specially trained technician that works on vehicles that use diesel as their main fuel source. A diesel mechanic will be familiar with engines and how different vehicles run. They will quite often be trained in all mechanic fields but specialize primarily in diesel vehicles. Day to day they can find themselves performing troubleshooting on vehicles that aren’t running as they should. Like with normal mechanics it is all about identifying any issues with these vehicles and doing their best to repair them fully. 

Training Required

A lot of diesel mechanics and technicians get their training through practical experience in a garage. This isn’t a career where most of your time training is spent in a classroom. The best way to learn about the engines and vehicle problems is to get hands-on experience and deal with them in person. You can of course attend college or school and get various certificates to move up the career ladder that bit quicker. There are lots of courses and qualifications that you can gain. These include certificates in machinery and automotive. 

Are Diesel Mechanics in Demand?

There was a time when diesel vehicles were dying out and there were more petrol engines than diesel. This is not the case anymore and it is estimated that there will be around 300,000 diesel tech and mechanic jobs by 2024. When you consider people leaving these jobs or retiring, that number might become significantly higher. 

Pay Scale For Diesel Mechanics

So you are interested in becoming a diesel technician but are unsure whether it is a viable option. The average pay grade for a diesel mechanic is around $20-$25 an hour. However, if you are working as an apprentice or just starting in the field then you might be earning slightly lower amounts. Don’t worry, it won’t take you long to climb the ladder and earn a top wage. 

You can also go way beyond $25, this is just the average. Depending on your years of experience and qualifications you could be earning up to $45 an hour. So it is definitely a career that pays well. 

Difference Between Diesel and Auto Mechanics?

The first major difference is that diesel techs work primarily with diesel engines rather than all engines. This means they are more at risk from the harmful fumes and enclosed areas they work in. Diesel technicians are classed as specialized workers so they also earn more than auto mechanics. 

We hope this gives you some more information on how to become a diesel mechanic and what qualifications you might need to stand out from the crowd. For more information and how to get started, reach out to us at Xemplar Tradesman Recruiting.