What Does the Future Look Like for Diesel Mechanics?

Considering taking on the challenge of an education in diesel and heavy vehicle repair, but not sure the time investment will be worth it when you’re done training? It’s important to consider the outlook of an industry before committing, after all—far too many fresh graduates enter the workforce to find they’ve trained themselves for vanishing or slow-developing industries, leaving them to struggle against more qualified candidates with years or even decades of experience.

Let’s take a look at the outlook for diesel/heavy vehicle mechanics and help you make an informed decision about your education.

What’s the Job Outlook for Diesel Mechanics?

According to BLS statistics, the outlook for diesel/heavy vehicle mechanics looks positive. Overall growth will be driven by growing shipping fleets, as additional mechanics become necessary to keep up. Other opportunities will arise in modernization efforts as dated technology falls behind environmental regulations. Despite these opportunities, overall growth remains average due to advances in technology resulting in more durable engines and more effective diagnostic technology allowing fewer mechanics to achieve the same results.

How Much Can a Diesel Mechanic Make?

Pay for diesel mechanics now, and in years to come, averages slightly higher than the median for all installation, maintenance, and repair occupations—$42,320 per year versus $41,020 per year (according to BLS statistics). The worst earning diesel service technicians and mechanics earned significantly less than that, less than $26,820, while top earners cleared $63,250. The best opportunities for top earners came from commissions and regular overtime opportunities in the private sector, but government technicians and mechanics ultimately saw the highest median earnings at $49,130 per year. Wages can be expected to maintain average growth between 2012 and 2022.

Should Diesel Mechanics Expect Ongoing Training?

While not as difficult to keep up with as many other industries, diesel/heavy vehicle mechanics should expect to continue learning throughout their careers as new technologies, techniques, and tools rise to prominence, especially if they want to stay in the upper end of the industry’s wage potential. Experienced mechanics may receive special training from manufacturers and vendors courtesy of their employers, possibly improving their earning potential without further personal investment.

What’s the Best Paying Industry for Diesel Mechanics?

For the foreseeable future, working for the government remains a diesel/heavy vehicle mechanics graduate’s best opportunity for a high earning potential. Including government, the top five industries for diesel according to the BLS are:

• Government
• Motor parts and vehicle wholesale
• Manufacturing
• Repair and maintenance
• Truck transportation

Other Considerations for Becoming a Diesel Mechanic

• Compared to other professions, workers in industries associated with diesel/heavy vehicle mechanics had higher than average union membership.
• The best earning potential in diesel/heavy vehicle mechanics comes in opening your own shop, which requires additional training in different disciplines.
• Skilled diesel and heavy vehicle mechanics specialists may have opportunities to move into other mechanical fields with minimal effort, changing the wage and job opportunity outlooks significantly.
• Most workers in the field work full time, with nights, weekends, and overtime work common. Certain sectors may experience lulls and booms in work, such as farm equipment maintenance.

Ready to Start Your Future as a Diesel Mechanic?

There you have it—diesel/heavy vehicle mechanics has a healthy outlook for the next decade. If you’re chasing your passion, this industry is set for normal growth, wages look solid, and your skills will likely hold up for years to come. If you decide down the line to pursue more advanced mechanical studies, you could have a sound base of mechanical knowledge to build upon,

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So, if you’re ready to take the next step and start your education in diesel and heavy vehicle mechanics, contact Advanced Technology Institute today at 800-468-1093 or request information today online about earning a Heavy Vehicle Technology with Service Management (AOS) degree in as little as 19 months!

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