If you enjoy working with big machinery and want to take your interest to the next level, you should consider a career as a diesel technician. These professionals focus on diesel machinery such as trucks, generators, and buses. According to PayScale, experienced diesel technicians can make over $25 per hour, which works out to over $60,000 per year.

The article below will teach you everything you need to know about how to become a diesel technician, including the job outlook, diesel technician salary, and educational requirements.

Diesel technicians are machinery experts who inspect and repair equipment that uses diesel engines. This includes buses, trucks, generators, and vehicles with diesel engines. These professionals work in repair shops and other worksites.

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It is also common for technicians to work on engine repairs on the side of the road when vehicles break down. Like other professionals, machinery technicians can work full-time, part-time, overtime, or in the evening.

To become a diesel technician, you should attend a trade school to complete a four-year training program. You will also need to have a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. This training is shortly followed by a certificate or certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service.

Most diesel technicians acquired their training on the job after high school education. However, most employers do hire applicants with postsecondary training in diesel engine repair. You should check entry-level requirements in your location before joining a specific school.

Many education paths can help you become a diesel technician. However, you need first to get your high school diploma. Only then will you become eligible for a technical school or a community college program.

Below are some education options that you can choose depending on your goals and learning preferences.

Many diesel technicians acquire their training on the job. However, vocational schools, also known as trade schools, can train you in specific technical skills. For this reason, you might want to consider a vocational school to get lots of hands-on experience.

Vocational schools are affordable, especially compared to most four-year bachelor’s degree programs. They can help you enter apprenticeships and meet other people in the field. If you want to get diesel technician training, a vocational school is a great option.

Community colleges offer associate degree programs that take two years or less to complete. Upon graduation, you will receive a certificate and credits that can transfer to a bachelor’s degree program. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2018 the average cost of a two-year program was approximately $10,704 per year.

This is a good option because you can find online colleges offering courses in diesel technology. These programs will allow you to specialize in the field. You can focus on agriculture and construction, on-highway trucks, or power generation.

There are few degree programs that can lead you to a career as a diesel technician. However, you could consider a Bachelor’s Degree in Diesel Technology from an accredited university. This program will help you learn about the different types of diesel, engine diagnosis, heavy equipment, and vehicle-integrated electronics.

You should consider a school with a curriculum that focuses on hands-on training because this is a hands-on profession. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of completing a four-year degree in 2018 was approximately $27,357 per year.

If you are looking for the best way to become a successful diesel technician, you should enroll in a trade school, college, or university. However, you will need to take more steps along the way.

To become a diesel technician, you should have some education and industry-standard skills. Hiring managers and employers prefer candidates who can apply a mix of technical and soft skills in the workplace.

Below are the essential skills you need to become a successful diesel technician.

Diesel technicians earn a salary that is close to the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in 2020 the average salary of a diesel technician was $50,200, while the national average for all occupations stands at $56,310. The BLS also states that diesel technician jobs will grow at the same rate as most jobs.

With more experience and education, you can make much more than $50,000 per year. If you get certifications, you can move up in the field and find more lucrative jobs. A diesel mechanic’s salary can be much higher than you might expect.

Qualifications to become a diesel technician vary from state to state. However, most diesel technician positions require some form of postsecondary training. This could be vocational training, a degree, or even an apprenticeship.

Experience levels can also vary. On the one hand, you might have employers asking for vocational training with several years of apprenticeship experience. Other employers might demand a year of experience and an associate degree in a relevant field.

If you wish to increase your odds of landing a job, you should consider earning extra certifications. Keep in mind that most certification exams require years of experience working in a related position.

Diesel technicians repair, adjust, diagnose, maintain, and overhaul diesel machines. However, these professionals have other job duties and responsibilities, as explained below.

Diesel technicians usually do not need professional certifications to start working. However, this might vary from state to state. Be sure to check with your location’s certification requirements before applying for jobs. The certifications below are not compulsory, but they can help you get a better job in the field.

ASE exams are certifications issued by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (NIASE). Holders of these certifications demonstrate knowledge of diesel engines, drive trains, brakes, suspensions, and electrical systems, to mention a few. If you want to specialize in the field, becoming ASE-certified can help you.

If your interests lie in marine technology, you should consider earning a certification from the American Boat and Yacht Council. This certification program will teach you how to troubleshoot, repair, install, and monitor ships and boats.

The best way to ace your job interview is by going through common interview questions. Below are interview questions you should practice to increase your chances of getting a diesel technician job.

It can take a few months to four years to become a diesel technician. This varies based on your work experience and current skill level. Formal education is usually not a major determining factor when hiring a candidate. Most people are trained on the job, but it can be useful to get a degree beforehand.

Yes, you should become a diesel technician in 2021. It is an excellent choice for those interested in working with automobiles or other machinery. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates three percent growth in the diesel technician job market over the next decade. This means that you’ll always have employment opportunities working as a diesel technician.