Welcome to Diesel Mechanic Info!

Diesel Mechanic Info is your one stop shop for diesel mechanic information. We’ll give you everything you need if you’re thinking about becoming a diesel mechanic: schools and training, salary, and jobs information. We hope this info will jump start your diesel mechanic career!

A diesel mechanic works on the diesel engines that power many types of machines. Diesel engines are common in heavy trucks, trains, and large ships. They are also becoming more and more common in smaller vehicles such as pickups, vans, and even passenger cars. A diesel technician may also work on various agriculture and construction equipment such as combines, cranes, and road graders. A diesel technician who works on this very large agriculture or construction equipment will typically be called a heavy equipment mechanic. Diesel engines are very versatile, which is why they can be found in so many different applications. To see more examples of what a diesel mechanic works on, check out our diesel mechanic jobs board!

If you are interested in becoming a diesel mechanic, you should really take a look at one of the diesel mechanic schools across the country. Diesel engines are more complex than regular gasoline engines. Diesel engines continue to have more and more electronic components added to them to manage the engine. Various subsystems in a diesel engine, such as the turbochargers and the fuel injection systems are also more advanced than the same systems found in gasoline engines. For instance, a modern diesel fuel injection system operates at 30,000 psi compared to more like 50 psi for a typical port fuel injected gasoline engine. As you see, it’s no surprise that formal diesel mechanic training is really recommended and most companies that employ diesel technicians highly prefer an entry-level mechanic who has attended one of these programs.

As you can see, diesel mechanics can work in any number of roles. This also means that there is quite a wide range possible for a diesel mechanic salary. It is common for diesel mechanics to start out making slightly more than a regular auto mechanic because of the added complexity in diesel engines. Two things are certain though. Formal training will almost always mean an increased starting salary. After you have already begun your career as a diesel mechanic, on-going training and certification, such as becoming ASE certified, will also mean increased salary.

A diesel mechanic will usually work in a repair shop, but some “mobile mechanic” jobs will require you to travel to vehicles that have broken down on the interstate or at the job site. Most diesel mechanics work a typical 40-hour work week, although longer hours are possible sometimes and will almost always pay overtime. In the past, almost all jobs would have been Monday to Friday with day hours. However, a growing number of shops have expanded their hours to speed repairs and be more convenient for customers. Some facilities are even open on the weekend now. As an entry-level diesel mechanic, you may start on these 2nd and weekend shifts.A diesel mechanic may do a number of things on the job. One day may be spent performing routine maintenance such as oil and filter changes. The next day may be spent using hand-held computer diagnostic tools to troubleshoot some strange engine malfunction. As you advance in your career you may be given the opportunity to lead a team of younger mechanics, assigning work to them as it comes in and teaching them the best diagnostic and repair practices.