Become a Diesel Technician
Diagnose, repair, and maintain heavy-duty diesel engines and equipment.
What Is Diesel Technician?
Diesel Technicians are in steady demand as trucks and heavy equipment remain essential to supply chains and construction. Students learn to troubleshoot engines, fuel systems, electrical components, transmissions, and hydraulic systems.
This field is ideal for hands-on learners who enjoy mechanical work, problem-solving, and working with heavy-duty equipment.
What You'll Learn in Diesel Technician Training
Core Skills
- Diesel engine repair
- Electrical systems
- Fuel systems
- Transmissions
- Diagnostics
- Hydraulics
- Brake systems
- Preventative maintenance
Safety & Compliance
- OSHA basics
- PPE
- Hazard awareness
- Jobsite safety
- Tool safety
- Workplace professionalism
Tools & Technology
- ASE Medium/Heavy Truck Certifications (T2–T8)
Admissions Requirements for Diesel Technician Training
Most Diesel Technician programs have accessible entry requirements designed to help motivated students start their career.
Requirements vary by program and training provider. Career-Bond partners will confirm specific requirements during enrollment.
Certifications for Diesel Technician
This program prepares you for nationally recognized certifications that employers value.
ASE Medium/Heavy Truck Certifications (T2–T8)
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
Exam Focus: Core competencies; Safety; Trade practices
Certification requirements vary by state and employer. Career-Bond partners will help you understand the requirements in your area.
Diesel Technician Salary & Job Outlook
Steady demand driven by ongoing need to maintain and repair diesel-powered vehicles and equipment used in transportation, construction, and logistics industries
Career Outlook for Diesel Technician
Work Settings
Truck fleets, dealerships, heavy equipment shops, transportation companies, maintenance facilities
Advancement Path
Progress to advanced certifications; specialize in a niche; move into lead, supervisor, estimator, or business owner roles with experience.
What Is the Difference Between Diesel Technician and Auto Technician?
TL;DR: Diesel Technician programs focus on heavy-duty diesel systems, while Auto Technician programs center on passenger vehicles and light-duty automotive technology.
Diesel Technician programs specialize in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining diesel-powered vehicles and equipment such as trucks, buses, construction machinery, and generators. Training emphasizes diesel engines, hydraulics, air brake systems, emissions controls, and heavy mechanical components. Auto Technician programs focus on gasoline, hybrid, and electric passenger vehicles, covering diagnostics, drivetrains, electronics, and onboard computer systems used in cars and light trucks. Choose Diesel Technician if you want to work on large vehicles and industrial equipment; choose Auto Technician if you prefer passenger vehicle repair and advanced automotive diagnostics.
Maintenance and repair of diesel-powered vehicles and heavy equipment
Diagnostics and repair of passenger vehicles and light-duty systems
Certificate or associate-level programs focused on diesel systems
Certificate or associate-level programs focused on automotive technology
Diesel engines, hydraulics, air brakes, emissions systems, heavy mechanics
Engine diagnostics, drivetrains, electronics, hybrid and EV systems
Diesel technician or heavy equipment certifications depending on program
Automotive service certifications depending on program
Fleet maintenance facilities, construction sites, transportation operations
Dealerships, independent repair shops, service centers
Heavy-duty diagnostic tools, hydraulic systems, diesel equipment
Diagnostic scanners, automotive tools, computerized vehicle systems
Senior diesel technician, fleet maintenance specialist roles
Automotive technician, master technician, diagnostic specialist roles
Students who want to work on large vehicles and industrial equipment
Students who prefer passenger vehicle repair and advanced automotive diagnostics
Diesel Technician
Students who want to work on large vehicles and industrial equipment
Auto Technician
Students who prefer passenger vehicle repair and advanced automotive diagnostics
Benefits of Diesel Technician Training
Diesel Technician Student Reviews
"Hands-on training made it easy to understand heavy diesel systems."
"I felt ready for the job thanks to real-world repair practice."
"The program was career-changing for me."
Diesel Technician FAQs
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