Employment of diesel mechanics is expected to grow 15 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
As more freight is shipped across the country, additional diesel-powered trucks will be needed. As a result, diesel mechanics will be needed to maintain and repair the nation’s truck fleet. Demand for new workers in the freight trucking and automotive repair and maintenance industries is expected to drive overall diesel mechanic job growth.
Some older vehicles will need to be retrofitted and modernized to comply with environmental regulations, creating additional jobs for diesel mechanics.
Overall employment growth, however, may be dampened due to increasing durability of new truck and bus diesel engines. Continuing advances in repair technology, including computerized diagnostic equipment, also will result in fewer mechanics doing the same amount of work, further reducing demand for mechanics.
Job opportunities should be good for those who have completed formal postsecondary education and have strong technical skills, as employers sometimes report difficulty finding qualified workers.
Workers without formal training often require more supervision and on-the-job instruction than others—an expensive and time-consuming process for employers. Because of this, untrained candidates will face strong competition for jobs.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition