Diesel Mechanic

Zak Davis

Nature of Work
Do routine maintenance, such as changing oil,
checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and
parts
Adjust and align wheels, tighten bolts and screws,
and attach system components
Repair or replace malfunctioning components,
parts, and other mechanical or electrical equipment
Disassemble and reassemble equipment and parts
Test drive vehicles to ensure that they run smoothly

Education and training

postsecondary training in diesel engine repair.
Most employers require a high school diploma or
equivalent.
hands-on training, including the basics of diesel
technology, repair techniques and equipment, and
practical exercises.
Some diesel mechanics may be required to have a
commercial drivers license if their job duties
include test driving buses or large trucks.
To earn certification, mechanics must have 2 years
work experience and pass one or more ASE exams.

Qualifications
Diesel mechanics frequently talk to their customers about automotive problems
and work that they have planned, started, or completed. They must be courteous,
good listeners, and ready to answer customers questions.
Mechanics need a steady hand and good hand-and-eye coordination for many
tasks, such as disassembling engine parts, connecting or attaching components, or
using hand tools.
Diesel mechanics must be familiar with parts and components of engines,
transmissions, braking mechanisms, and other complex systems. They must also
be able to disassemble, work on, and reassemble parts and machinery.
Modern diesel engines rely heavily on electronic systems to function. Diesel
mechanics must be familiar with how the electronic systems operate and with the
tools needed to work on them.
Diesel mechanics must be able to identify mechanical and electronic problems,
make repairs, and offer a proper maintenance strategy.

Job Outlook
Employment of diesel mechanics is expected
to grow 15 percent from 2010 to 2020, about
as fast as the average for all occupations.
diesel mechanics will be needed to maintain
and repair the nations truck fleet.
Job opportunities should be good for those
who have done the correct education and
have strong technical skills, as employers
sometimes report difficulty finding qualified
workers.

Pay
The median annual wage of diesel
service technicians and mechanics
was $40,850 in May 2010.
The lowest 10 percent earned less
than $26,550, and the top 10 percent
earned more than $60,830.

Similar Occupations
Aircraft and Avionics Equipment
Mechanics and Technicians- $53,220
Automotive Body and Glass
Repairers- $37,580
Automotive Service Technicians and
Mechanics- $35,790

High-School Teacher
Mother

Nature of work
Plan lessons in the subjects they teach, such
as biology or history
Assess students to evaluate their abilities,
strengths, and weaknesses
Teach students as an entire class or in small
groups
Grade students assignments to monitor
progress
Communicate with parents about students
progress

Education
Some states require high school teachers to earn a
masters degree after earning their teaching certification.
All states require public high school teachers to have at
least a bachelors degree.
All states require teachers in public schools to be
licensed, which is frequently referred to as a certification.
High school teachers typically are awarded a secondary
or high school certification. This allows them to teach the
7th through the 12th grades.
programs instruct how to present information to students
and how to work with students of varying abilities and
backgrounds.

Other Qualifications
Communication skills. Teachers must collaborate
with other teachers and special education teachers. In
addition, teachers need to discuss students needs with
parents and administrators.
Instructional skills. High school teachers need to
explain difficult concepts in terms students can
understand. In addition, they must be able to engage
students in learning and adapt lessons to each
students needs.
Patience. Working with students of different abilities
and backgrounds can be difficult. High school teachers
must be patient when students struggle with material.

Job Outlook
Employment of high school teachers is expected to grow
by 7 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average
for all occupations.
From 2010 to 2020, the student-to-teacher ratio is
expected to decline.
The student-to teacher-ratio is the number of students for
each teacher in school.
The expected decline in the student-to-teacher ratio will
increase demand for high school teachers.
Over the projections period, the number of students in
high schools is expected to increase, and the number of
classes needed to accommodate these students will also
rise.

Pay
High School Teachers
$53,230
Education, Training, and Library
Occupations
$45,690
Total, All Occupations
$33,840

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Career and Technical Education
Teachers- $53,920
Childcare Workers- $19,300
Elementary, Middle, and High
School Principals- $86,970