Bus and Truck Mechanics
SOC 49-3031
Bus and Truck Mechanics diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul trucks, buses, and all types of diesel engines. This includes mechanics working primarily with automobile diesel engines.
Wages and Benefits
| Hourly Wages | Range | Median |
|---|---|---|
| New Hires, No Experience | $8.00 - $13.00 | $10.85 |
| New Hires, with Experience | $10.00 - $20.00 | $14.38 |
| After Three Years with the Firm | $15.00 - $26.50 | $19.55 |
Average Weekly Hours:
Almost all (97%) Bus and Truck Mechanics work full-time, 41 hours per week. A few (2%) work part-time, 22 hours per week.
Shifts:
Most Bus and Truck Mechanics work a regular day shift. During peak seasons they often work overtime or irregular hours.
Percent of Employers Offering Fringe Benefits:
| Full-Time Employees | ||
| Benefit Offered | Benefit Offered | |
| Medical Insurance: | Yes* | 93% |
| Dental Insurance: | Yes | 73% |
| Vision Insurance: | Yes | 53% |
| Life Insurance: | Yes | 67% |
| Disability: | Yes | 60% |
| Paid Sick Leave: | Yes | 67% |
| Paid Vacation: | Yes | 93% |
| Retirement Plan: | Yes | 73% |
| Child Care: | Yes | 13% |
*39% of employers offering coverage cover 100% of medical insurance premiums;
46% cover 50-99% of medical insurance premiums; and
15% cover1-49% of medical insurance premiums.
Other Employer Specified:
Personal Time Off, Paid Holidays, and Free Ride Services.
EMPLOYER REQUIREMENTS
Education:
Almost all (86%) firms require a high school diploma; a few (14%) accept less than a high school diploma.
Training:
Almost all (87%) firms accept one year of training as a substitute for experience. Almost all (87%) firms require one year of vocational training. Almost all (87%) firms require a training certificate for a Diesel Technician and knowledge of airbrake repair and engine rebuilding.
Experience:
Many (71%) firms require one to two years prior experience as a Bill or Account Collector. Many (40%) firms accept prior experience in related occupations such as a Biller, Debt Collector, or Telemarketer.
Skills rated "Very Important":
Ability to use pneumatic tools
Willingness to apply safe waste disposal procedures
Ability to use hand and power tools
Ability to operate engine diagnostic equipment
Ability to diagnose and repair malfunctions in buses, trucks, and heavy equipment
Ability to use voltmeter, ohmmeter, and electronic calibration devices
Ability to clean, lubricate, and perform other maintenance work
Ability to read repair work orders
Ability to test repaired equipment for proper performance
Ability to use precision measuring devices
Ability to use electrical and electronic test devices
Ability to develop maintenance schedules
Ability to assemble gear systems
Ability to test mechanical products and equipment after repair or assembly
Ability to repair air brake systems
EMPLOYMENT TRENDS
Supply and Demand:
Job market for Bus and Truck Mechanics:
employers report it "Very Difficult" finding qualified, Experiencedapplicants, resulting in little-to-no competition for job seekers; and "Moderately Difficult" finding qualified, Inexperienced applicants, resulting in some competition for job seekers in their job search.
Recruitment Methods, Most Frequently Used:
Newspapers, Internet, Word of Mouth, CalJOBS, and Employee Referrals
Turnover:
Moderately low: 10% in the past twelve months.
Size of 2007 Local Employment:
Medium: between 2,027 and 4,054.
Gender Representation:
Local employer response indicates 1% female, 99% male.
Older Worker Retirement:
Many (40%) firms report that older worker retirements over the next 10 years will affect their workforce.
To address the effects of older worker retirements, employers of this occupation would: replace with any qualified applicant, 27%; groom or train a replacement ahead of time, 20%; encourage older workers to delay their retirement, 13%; initiate job sharing among older workers, 13%; retain an older worker as a consultant, 13%; or other, sell their business, 7%.
Some (27%) firms report that older workers would face employment obstacles in this occupation: physical demands of the occupation involving heavy lifting.
Where the Jobs Are:
Automotive and Equipment Rental and Leasing
Automotive and Truck Repair Shops
Bus Services
Local Governments
School Districts
Trucking Companies
Employers' Employment Outlook:
15 employers responded, providing data representing 150 employees for this occupation.
Six employers project employment to grow and nine expect it to remain stable over the next twelve months.
Annual Job Growth Projections for San Diego County2004 to 2014:
| Average annual new jobs: | 32 |
| Average annual replacement jobs: | 49 |
| Average annual total openings: | 81 |
New Job Growth Rate 2004 to 2014:
16.9% projected growth is faster than the countywide average of 14.7%.
OTHER INFORMATION
Math Level:
Almost all (93%) firms require basic math.
Many (47%) firms require basic science and many (40%) do not require a specific level of science.
Career Ladder/Promotional Opportunities:
Promote from: Apprentice, Mechanic Assistant, Parts Delivery Person, and Technician.
Promote to: Mechanic V, Service Writer, Shop Foreman, and Supervisor.
Ex-Offender Employment:
Most (67%) responding employers would consider hiring an ex-offender. Of those: 20% would disqualify an ex-offender who committed fraud; 70%, homicide; 50%, sex offenses; 10%, assault/battery; 30% theft; and 20% drug related.
Alternate Job Titles:
Light Duty Mechanic, Shop Technician, and Heavy Duty Mechanic.
Related Codes:
MOC 2T352A, 4346, 2T351, 4247, 4310, and 63N.
Data Collection Date:
Fall 2006