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Truck and Bus Mechanics maintain, repair, and overhaul trucks and buses. Truck Mechanics maintain and repair heavy-duty trucks used for mining, construction, and intercity travel and small trucks used for local hauling. Bus Mechanics maintain buses used for local, interurban, and interstate travel and charter service. Mechanics may also be called Technicians.

JOB DUTIES

Truck and Bus Mechanics may:

Perform preventive maintenance to ensure safe vehicle operation

Raise trucks or buses using a hydraulic jack or hoist

Disassemble a unit and inspect it for wear or damage

Repair, replace, or overhaul parts

Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels

Rebuild gas and/or diesel engines

Reline and adjust brakes

Align front ends and suspension systems

Install and repair accessories

Repair and adjust seats, doors, and windows

Examine and adjust protective guards and specified safety devices

Test drive trucks and buses

The tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Truck and Bus Mechanics may work on both gasoline and diesel engines.

However, most Mechanics usually repair only one type because of the difference in engine components.

Truck & Bus Mechanics may specialize in these areas:

620.261-010 BUS MECHANICS repair and overhaul buses.

620.261-010 TRUCK MECHANICS repair and overhaul trucks.

625.281-010 DIESEL-ENGINE MECHANICS specialize in the repair and maintenance of buses and trucks with diesel engines. Some may also repair other diesel-powered equipment, such as electric generators, construction machinery, and farm equipment.

620.281-030 BUS INSPECTORS examine and adjust or repair engines, chassis, electrical systems, and interior furnishings of buses.

620.281-058 TRACTOR MECHANICS diagnose mechanical failures of and repair truck tractors and tractor components according to manuals, factory specifications, and their own knowledge of engine and vehicle performance.

Bus and Truck Mechanics may also specialize in repair areas such as transmission work, carburetor systems, and suspension or brake repair.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Truck and Bus Mechanics generally work under the direction of a shop supervisor or service manager. They usually work alone, on one vehicle at a time. When several different repairs are required on a vehicle, Mechanics often work as a team or are assisted by apprentices or helpers.

Mechanics usually work in garages or terminals of various sizes. They may work outside when emergency maintenance is required. Their work areas in shops are usually well lighted, and well ventilated. However, work areas may vary widely in temperature as the seasons change and garage doors are constantly opening and closing. Work areas may also be oily or greasy and are sometimes noisy, when several engines are running. They might experience hazards such as cuts, bruises, and minor burns.

Most Mechanics work between 40 and 48 hours per week. Mechanics working for bus and truck firms providing round-the-clock service may work evenings, night shifts, or weekends. Overtime may be necessary to make emergency repairs.

Mechanics are expected to provide their own hand tools which may cost over $1000. The shop usually provides power equipment. Uniforms are provided by the shop.

Mechanics generally belong to such unions as the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America; and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America. Union members must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Working with things and objects

• Performing activities of a mechanical nature

You Should Be Able To:

• Solve problems using personal judgment and verifiable data

• Read and understand service manuals

• Work without close supervision

• Attain set limits and standards

• Perform a variety of duties

• Picture flat drawings as solid objects

• Work easily and skillfully with your hands

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If you charge $45 an hour for labor, what would the labor charge be on a job that took you 5 hours?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Remove point set from the distributor breaker plate. Note locating extrusion on plate base that fits into the locating hole of the breaker plate.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report, to your supervisor, explaining any problems that might have occurred during the day.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to look at a malfunctioning engine and then decide the best way to alleviate the problem.

In Michigan, all automotive Mechanics must hold a certificate (license) issued by the Michigan Department of State. Certification may be in a single (specialty) area or as a master mechanic (licensed in a series of areas).

Some firms require that their Mechanics pass periodic physical examinations as a condition of continued employment.

Bus Mechanics in Michigan employed by governmental agencies or firms with private bus fleets are not required to obtain certification.

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EDUCATION AN D PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or a Certificate (program of up to one years of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) or an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

043 AUTOMOTIVE MECHANICS

Approved vocational education programs in Automotive Mechanics prepare students to repair and maintain all types of automobiles. Instruction includes diagnosing problems and repairing engines, fuel systems, electrical systems, cooling systems, and brake systems. Instruction also includes adjusting and repairing individual components such as radiators, transmissions and carburetors.

Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

044 DIESEL MECHANICS

Approved vocational education programs in Diesel Mechanics prepare students to repair diesel engines in vehicles such as automobiles, buses, ships, trucks, railroad locomotives, and construction equipment and to repair stationary diesel engines in electrical generators and related equipment. Instruction includes diagnosing problems; repairing and adjusting fuel injection systems, oil and water pumps, generators, and transmissions; and using a variety of tools and testing equipment.

Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

016 AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Automotive Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment repairing and maintaining cars, trucks, and buses. Individuals who teach Automotive Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses will vary from school to school but may include:

046 DIESEL TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Diesel Technology provide the opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment maintaining, repairing, overhauling, and adjusting diesel motors in trucks, buses, farm tractors, and other heavy implements and equipment. Individuals who teach Diesel Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

049 TRUCK & BUS MECHANIC

Some people enter occupations within this Career Exploration Script through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military web site at  http://www.myfuture.com .

AUTOMOTIVE AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANICS

Keeping automotive and heavy equipment in good working condition is vital to the success of military missions. Automotive and heavy equipment mechanics maintain and repair vehicles such as jeeps, cars, trucks, tanks, self-propelled missile launchers, and other combat vehicles. They also repair bulldozers, power shovels, and other construction equipment.

What They Do

Automotive and heavy equipment mechanics in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Troubleshoot problems in vehicle engines, electrical systems, steering, brakes, and suspensions

• Tune and repair engines

• Replace or repair damaged body parts, hydraulic arms or shovels, and grader blades

• Establish and follow schedules for maintaining vehicles

Training Provided

Job training consists of 8 to 29 weeks of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty. Course content typically includes:

• Engine repair and tune-up

• Troubleshooting mechanical and electrical problems

• Repairing and replacing body panels, fenders, and radiators

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps offer certified apprenticeship programs for some specialties in this occupation.

Special Requirements

Although some women are automotive and heavy equipment mechanics, some specialties in this occupation are open only to men.

Work Environment

Automotive and heavy equipment mechanics usually work inside large repair garages. They work outdoors when making emergency repairs in the field.

Physical Demands

Automotive and heavy equipment mechanics may have to lift heavy parts and tools. They sometimes have to work in cramped positions. Normal color vision is required for some specialties to work with color-coded wiring and to read diagrams.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include auto mechanics and industrial arts. Helpful attributes include:

• Preference for physical work

• Interest in troubleshooting and repairing mechanical problems

• Interest in automotive engines and how they work

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian automotive and heavy equipment mechanics may work for service stations, auto and construction equipment dealers, farm equipment companies, and state highway agencies. They perform duties similar to military automotive and heavy equipment mechanics. They may also be called garage mechanics, carburetor mechanics, transmission mechanics, radiator mechanics, construction equipment mechanics, or endless track vehicle mechanics.

Opportunities

The services have about 54,775 automotive and heavy equipment mechanics. On average, they need about 6,450 new mechanics each year. After job training, mechanics begin repairing equipment under the direction of a supervisor. In time, they have the opportunity to supervise other workers and possibly manage repair shops, motor pools, or maintenance units. 

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Vocational education programs in automotive mechanics, diesel mechanics, and transportation services and technology may offer a co-op portion. Postsecondary programs in automotive technology and diesel technology may offer experience also. Other ways to gain experience are part-time or summer employment in service stations, a formal apprenticeship program, and military service.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Truck & Bus Mechanic employer

internships

volunteer work with a Truck & Bus Mechanic employer

community service work with an agency

To obtain a job as a Truck and Bus Mechanic, apply directly to employers or complete a formal apprenticeship program. Assistance in locating a job may be obtained from school placement offices, local unions, newspaper want ads, or Michigan Works!. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

The major factors affecting earnings are the experience and proficiency of Mechanics. Those working in large cities tend to earn higher salaries than Mechanics in rural areas.

Nationally, Truck and Bus Mechanics had median annual earnings of $39,042 or $18.77 per hour in 2005. Most earned between $35,277 and $49,421 per year. The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $33,852 in 2005.

In the Detroit area, bus mechanics employed by local transit carriers earned from $13.03 to $23.55 per hour in early2006.

Some Truck and Bus Mechanics also had periodic cost-of-living increases added to their base hourly rates. Apprentice mechanics and helpers usually earned 70% to 90% of a Mechanic's hourly wage.

The 2003 graduates of Michigan high school vocational education programs earned an average beginning wage of $9.13 per hour in jobs related to this occupation in2004.

Depending on the employer, most Truck and Bus Mechanics receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; sick leave; uniforms; and broken or damaged tool replacement.

Steps in a typical career ladder might include helper or apprentice, Mechanic, mechanic leader, assistant service manager, and service manager. Truck Mechanics with sales ability may become truck sales representatives. Some Mechanics open their own service stations or repair garages. By obtaining additional training and passing the certification examination, special area Mechanics may become master Mechanics and earn higher wages.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, in 2004, approximately 270,100 persons were employed as Truck and Bus Mechanics. Employment of these Mechanics is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2014. More trucks will be needed for local and intercity hauling because of increased production of goods. Additional buses will be needed for local travel within improved mass transit systems. In addition to openings due to growth, many openings are also expected yearly as Mechanics retire, die, or transfer to other lines of work. About 5.9% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Truck and Bus Mechanics looked like this:

There are about 7,725 Truck and Bus Mechanics employed in Michigan. Truck and Bus Mechanics are generally employed by firms that own fleets of trucks or buses. Other employers include dealers; manufacturers; repair shops; rental or leasing firms; federal, state, and local governments; and schools. Most Mechanics worked in large towns or cities where trucking companies, bus lines, and other fleet owners have large repair shops.

Employment of these Mechanics in Michigan is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2012. An average of 280 annual job openings is expected, with 80due to growth and 200 due to replacement of those who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations. There were 80 automotive mechanic apprentices, including diesel and tractor mechanics, in training in2005.

More trucks will be needed for both local and intercity hauling because of increased industrial activity, continued decentralization of industry, and the continued growth of the suburbs. More buses will be needed for local travel because of increased emphasis on mass transit systems. Intercity bus travel is expected to remain about the same.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2012

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

Copyright © 2006 Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth