What it pays
Government survey numbers — not estimates, not ads.
Half of all Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in the U.S. earn more than $61,770 a year — the middle 80% land between $44,530 and $88,740. About 289,960 people in the U.S. do this work. Figures are for the U.S. occupation group “Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists”. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, published 2025.) In India, Craft and related trades workers earn about ₹16,825 a month on average — around ₹2.0 lakh a year (government PLFS survey via ILOSTAT, occupation-family figure).
$61,770typical pay / year
289,960people in this work
$88,740+top 10% earn
₹2.0 lakha year in India (family avg)
Think you get this job?Six quick questions on how it really works — with a hint and the reason behind every answer.
Test yourself →The work, task by task
These are the real jobs-to-be-done, not a wish list. Each task shows where we found it, and the prompt underneath is written for that exact task.
Fixing6
Rebuild gas or diesel engines.
+Rebuild the 6.7L diesel in Unit 43: strip the head and block, inspect journals and bearings, replace worn…
Rebuild gas or diesel engines.
+Rebuild the 6.7L diesel in Unit 43: strip the head and block, inspect journals and bearings, replace worn pistons and rings, hone cylinders to spec, reassemble with new gaskets and torque sequence, run leak and compression checks before road test tomorrow morning.
The tools that do the workEngine diagnosticComputerized maintenance management system software CMMSjob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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Maintain and repair fuel systems
+Service and repair the fuel system on Coach 12: remove and bench-test the lift pump and injectors, clean or…
Maintain and repair fuel systems
+Service and repair the fuel system on Coach 12: remove and bench-test the lift pump and injectors, clean or replace the feed lines and filters, recalibrate injector timing, pressure-test the system and certify no leaks before returning coach to service by end of shift.
The tools that do the workCummins INSITEjob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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Test drive vehicles to verify repairs
+Test drive Bus 7 for the repairs logged yesterday: follow the safety checklist, run the 10-mile route at…
Test drive vehicles to verify repairs
+Test drive Bus 7 for the repairs logged yesterday: follow the safety checklist, run the 10-mile route at rated load, verify shift quality, braking and acceleration behavior, log any noises or fault codes and update the repair ticket before handing back to operations.
The tools that do the workFleet managementEngine diagnosticjob descriptionsO*NET
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Replace faulty engine components
+Replace the turbocharger and water pump on Truck 29: order OEM parts, remove old components, fit new units…
Replace faulty engine components
+Replace the turbocharger and water pump on Truck 29: order OEM parts, remove old components, fit new units with new seals and proper torque, flush cooling circuit, run the engine to verify no boost leak and correct coolant flow before closing the work order.
The tools that do the workInventory trackingComputerized maintenance management system software CMMSjob descriptionsWikipedia
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Install or repair accessories.
+Install cab heater, wiring harness and auxiliary gauge cluster on Van 5: mount accessories, tie into vehicle…
Install or repair accessories.
+Install cab heater, wiring harness and auxiliary gauge cluster on Van 5: mount accessories, tie into vehicle power with fused connections, test each circuit, verify gauges read correctly at operating temperature, and sign off the installation sheet.
The tools that do the workFleet managementInventory trackingjob descriptionsO*NET
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Test engine performance after repairs
+Perform engine performance checks on Tractor 88 after the rebuild: run idle and full-throttle dynamometer…
Test engine performance after repairs
+Perform engine performance checks on Tractor 88 after the rebuild: run idle and full-throttle dynamometer runs, record torque and power curves, log fuel consumption and smoke readings, compare to baseline and close the job only if results meet the spec sheet.
The tools that do the workEngine diagnosticjob descriptionsWikipedia
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The daily work15
Health and safety measures in transportation
+Draft a one-page vehicle health and safety checklist for route 42 buses that technicians must complete before…
Health and safety measures in transportation
+Draft a one-page vehicle health and safety checklist for route 42 buses that technicians must complete before first departure, include PPE required, emergency exit checks, fire extinguisher pressures, tyre pressures, brake fade signs, and record sign-off with technician name and time.
The tools that do the workComputerized maintenance management system software CMMSFleet managementESCOsee the evidence ↗
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Communicate clearly with passengers
+Write a short script for drivers and technicians to read at boarding for late-night service 7 that explains…
Communicate clearly with passengers
+Write a short script for drivers and technicians to read at boarding for late-night service 7 that explains expected behaviour, luggage handling, mask and noise rules, where to report lost items, and how crew will de-escalate conflicts.
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Dismount, mount, and repair or replace tires.
+Remove the worn wheel assembly from unit 42, inspect rim and hub for cracks, mount the correct tubeless tire,…
Dismount, mount, and repair or replace tires.
+Remove the worn wheel assembly from unit 42, inspect rim and hub for cracks, mount the correct tubeless tire, torque to spec, balance the assembly, and return the vehicle to service after a road check this afternoon.
The tools that do the workFleet managementInventory trackingO*NET
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Follow green operational practices involving conservation of water or energy or reduction of solid waste.
+Implement water and energy savings on the shop floor this week: capture wash water for reuse, switch…
Follow green operational practices involving conservation of water or energy or reduction of solid waste.
+Implement water and energy savings on the shop floor this week: capture wash water for reuse, switch compressors to auto-stop, segregate scrap rubber for recycling, and log measures and savings in the maintenance record for review Friday.
The tools that do the workComputerized maintenance management system software CMMSO*NET
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Operate valve-grinding machines to grind and reset valves.
+Set up the valve-grinding station for engine 6C, confirm valve seating specs, grind and lap each exhaust and…
Operate valve-grinding machines to grind and reset valves.
+Set up the valve-grinding station for engine 6C, confirm valve seating specs, grind and lap each exhaust and intake valve to tolerance, measure rocker clearance, and record final valve lash in the engine job card before assembly.
The tools that do the workEngine diagnosticO*NET
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Follow safety procedures and wear protective gear
+Follow the shop safety checklist before work: don coveralls, safety boots, gloves, face shield, verify…
Follow safety procedures and wear protective gear
+Follow the shop safety checklist before work: don coveralls, safety boots, gloves, face shield, verify machine guards and ventilation, post the work notice, and confirm colleagues know the engine will be live during testing.
The tools that do the workComputerized maintenance management system software CMMSjob descriptions
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Adjust engine settings for optimal operation
+Adjust engine 71 idle speed, fuel rack and injection timing to meet the manufacturer torque curve, run a full…
Adjust engine settings for optimal operation
+Adjust engine 71 idle speed, fuel rack and injection timing to meet the manufacturer torque curve, run a full diagnostic under load, log the new settings and fuel burn figures, and schedule a follow-up road test tomorrow.
The tools that do the workEngine diagnosticWikipedia
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Order and manage parts and supplies
+Order the brake caliper rebuild kit, two front shocks, and the specified filter set for unit 58, check…
Order and manage parts and supplies
+Order the brake caliper rebuild kit, two front shocks, and the specified filter set for unit 58, check current stock levels, create a parts requisition for next-day delivery, and update the parts ledger with expected arrival dates.
The tools that do the workInventory trackingComputerized maintenance management system software CMMSWikipedia
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Use hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment
+Pull the service truck to bay 3, use the multimeter, impact gun, and scan tool to inspect starter,…
Use hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment
+Pull the service truck to bay 3, use the multimeter, impact gun, and scan tool to inspect starter, alternator, and charging circuits, record readings, clear minor faults, and tag any parts that need ordering before returning the bus to service today.
The tools that do the workEngine diagnosticjob descriptionsO*NET
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Maintain and repair electrical systems
+Isolate battery power, trace the wiring harness from dash to rear junction, test switches, relays, and…
Maintain and repair electrical systems
+Isolate battery power, trace the wiring harness from dash to rear junction, test switches, relays, and grounds with the scope and hand tools, repair worn connectors, then update the vehicle maintenance record and tell the driver when it will be back on route.
The tools that do the workComputerized maintenance management system software CMMSEngine diagnosticjob descriptionsO*NET
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Perform emissions testing and adjustments
+Hook up the emissions analyzer, warm the engine to operating temp, run the required cycles, record NOx and…
Perform emissions testing and adjustments
+Hook up the emissions analyzer, warm the engine to operating temp, run the required cycles, record NOx and particulate readings, make injector timing or EGR adjustments until readings meet limits, then file the emissions certificate and inform compliance.
The tools that do the workEngine diagnosticjob descriptionsO*NET
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Perform hydraulic system repairs
+Drain and depressurize the hydraulic circuit, remove the damaged hose and valve, fit the replacement parts…
Perform hydraulic system repairs
+Drain and depressurize the hydraulic circuit, remove the damaged hose and valve, fit the replacement parts with proper torque, bleed the system to spec, verify pressure and function under load, and update the repair log and parts usage.
The tools that do the workInventory trackingjob descriptionsWikipedia
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Map out work procedures using technical manuals
+Study the truck's service manual and wiring diagrams, write a step-by-step procedure for the 500‑hour…
Map out work procedures using technical manuals
+Study the truck's service manual and wiring diagrams, write a step-by-step procedure for the 500‑hour inspection including safety locks, torque specs, test points, and required tools, then upload the procedure to the shop folder and brief the apprentice on Friday.
The tools that do the workComputerized maintenance management system software CMMSjob descriptionsWikipedia
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Inventory tracking
+Update the garage inventory tracking with parts consumed during truck 18 repair: replaced fuel pump, two…
Inventory tracking
+Update the garage inventory tracking with parts consumed during truck 18 repair: replaced fuel pump, two injectors, and one turbo gasket; attach fault codes read and technician notes, then log hours and close the work order 7893.
The tools that do the workInventory trackingO*NET
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Inventory tracking
+enter replaced parts, serial numbers, and quantities used into the inventory tracking for unit 5231, note the…
Inventory tracking
+enter replaced parts, serial numbers, and quantities used into the inventory tracking for unit 5231, note the returned cores and leftover stock, and attach the fault code readings from the engine run test before I close the job sheet.
The tools that do the workComputerized maintenance management system software CMMSO*NET
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Says who?
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Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses
Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses