Best institutions to study Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain diesel engines in vehicles such as automobiles, buses, ships, trucks, railroad locomotives, and construction equipment; as well as stationary diesel engines in electrical generators and related equipment.
309 U.S. institutions graduated 10,165 Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 47.0605, a specialization of Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians (CIP 47.06), and leads most directly to the Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists occupation (BLS SOC 49-3031).
About Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain diesel engines in vehicles such as automobiles, buses, ships, trucks, railroad locomotives, and construction equipment; as well as stationary diesel engines in electrical generators and related equipment.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician program prepares students to apply technical knowledge and skills for the repair, service, and maintenance of diesel engines in various vehicles, including trucks, buses, and construction equipment. This program is ideal for individuals interested in a hands-on career in the mechanic and repair technologies field, focusing on diesel-powered machinery.
Students in this program will gain core skills in mechanical systems, transportation, and safety. Coursework typically covers the use of hand and power tools, diagnostic techniques, and the inspection and maintenance of critical vehicle components.
Credentials awarded
What Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years3,484 graduates / yr · 168 institutions34%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year3,350 graduates / yr · 129 institutions33%
- Associate's degree2,596 graduates / yr · 162 institutions26%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years583 graduates / yr · 37 institutions5.7%
- Award of less than 12 weeks114 graduates / yr · 9 institutions1.1%
- Bachelor's degree38 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.4%
Graduates over time
Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 8,815 |
| 2013 | 9,911 |
| 2014 | 9,989 |
| 2015 | 9,460 |
| 2016 | 9,731 |
| 2017 | 10,204 |
| 2018 | 9,727 |
| 2019 | 9,504 |
| 2020 | 8,629 |
| 2021 | 8,460 |
| 2022 | 8,697 |
| 2023 | 9,280 |
| 2024 | 9,851 |
| 2025 | 10,165 |
Top 50 institutions for Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | WyoTech Laramie, WYPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 488 | 85% | $42,361 | $35,524 |
| 2 | Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc Avondale, AZPrivate for-profitAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 312 | 70% | $27,877 | $39,458 |
| 3 | Texas State Technical College Waco, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 267 | 46% | — | $38,506 |
| 4 | St Philip's College San Antonio, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 245 | 28% | — | — |
| 5 | Somerset Community College Somerset, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 215 | 43% | — | $30,857 |
| 6 | Gateway Community and Technical College Florence, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 176 | 59% | — | $34,954 |
| 7 | University of Northwestern Ohio Lima, OHPrivate not-for-profitAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 174 | 54% | $19,592 | $42,338 |
| 8 | Bates Technical College Tacoma, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of less than 12 weeks | 169 | 43% | — | — |
| 9 | Universal Technical Institute of Texas Inc. Houston, TXPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 167 | 60% | $22,532 | $40,469 |
| 10 | Elizabethtown Community and Technical College Elizabethtown, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 151 | 59% | — | $36,574 |
| 11 | Universal Technical Institute - Dallas Fort Worth Irving, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 135 | 75% | $25,260 | $37,601 |
| 12 | Maysville Community and Technical College Maysville, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 132 | 56% | — | — |
| 13 | George C Wallace State Community College - Hanceville Hanceville, ALPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 121 | 51% | — | — |
| 14 | Mech - Tech College Caguas, PRPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 121 | 72% | $13,886 | $17,011 |
| 15 | Universal Technical Institute of Northern California Inc Sacramento, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 119 | 65% | $27,890 | $40,213 |
| 16 | Hinds Community College Raymond, MSPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 109 | 43% | — | $15,553 |
| 17 | Lone Star College System The Woodlands, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 107 | 21% | — | — |
| 18 | Ashland Community and Technical College Ashland, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 105 | 51% | — | — |
| 19 | Central Community College Grand Island, NEPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 104 | 48% | — | $46,758 |
| 20 | Lake Area Technical College Watertown, SDPublicAssociate's | 100 | 73% | — | $47,080 |
| 21 | Universal Technical Institute of Illinois Inc Lisle, ILPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 99 | 63% | $25,788 | $41,147 |
| 22 | Fox Valley Technical College Appleton, WIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of less than 12 weeksAssociate's | 97 | 65% | — | $45,675 |
| 23 | Universal Technical Institute - Orlando Orlando, FLPrivate for-profitAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 94 | 68% | $28,289 | $35,784 |
| 24 | Odessa College Odessa, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 91 | 37% | — | — |
| 25 | Universal Technical Institute of California Inc Rancho Cucamonga, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 90 | 72% | $24,830 | $39,458 |
| 26 | Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania Inc Exton, PAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 90 | 63% | $24,954 | $40,469 |
| 27 | Truckee Meadows Community College Reno, NVPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of less than 12 weeks | 82 | 32% | — | — |
| 28 | Western Technical College El Paso, TXPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 82 | 72% | — | $34,336 |
| 29 | Amarillo College Amarillo, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 76 | 32% | — | $43,443 |
| 30 | Universal Technical Institute - West Texas Austin, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 75 | 75% | $25,231 | $40,469 |
| 31 | Hazard Community and Technical College Hazard, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 69 | 48% | — | $18,263 |
| 32 | Jones Technical Institute Jacksonville, FLPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 69 | 71% | $21,825 | $40,208 |
| 33 | Broward College Fort Lauderdale, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 68 | 39% | — | — |
| 34 | Madisonville Community College Madisonville, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 68 | 49% | — | — |
| 35 | North Dakota State College of Science Wahpeton, NDPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 67 | 55% | — | $56,659 |
| 36 | South Texas College McAllen, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 67 | 27% | — | $26,091 |
| 37 | Big Sandy Community and Technical College Prestonsburg, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 66 | 38% | — | — |
| 38 | Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College Cumberland, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 65 | 47% | — | — |
| 39 | Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology Okmulgee, OKPublicAssociate's | 65 | 42% | — | $55,088 |
| 40 | Universal Technical Institute - Southern California Long Beach, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 65 | 63% | $26,553 | $39,458 |
| 41 | Northwest Mississippi Community College Senatobia, MSPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 64 | 45% | — | — |
| 42 | West Kentucky Community and Technical College Paducah, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 62 | 50% | — | $35,929 |
| 43 | Chattahoochee Technical College Marietta, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 61 | 38% | — | — |
| 44 | Los Angeles Trade Technical College Los Angeles, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 60 | 35% | — | — |
| 45 | Lanier Technical College Gainesville, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 60 | 34% | — | — |
| 46 | El Paso Community College El Paso, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 57 | 24% | — | — |
| 47 | San Jacinto Community College Pasadena, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 57 | 30% | — | $39,562 |
| 48 | State Technical College of Missouri Linn, MOPublicAssociate's | 56 | 84% | — | $42,544 |
| 49 | Midland College Midland, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 56 | 23% | — | — |
| 50 | New York Automotive and Diesel Institute Jamaica, NYPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 56 | 64% | $22,882 | $32,073 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians field (CIP 47.06) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 48 states & territories
Where Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician graduates come from. Each state links to all Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 49-3031, Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician program can pursue careers as Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists. The job outlook is about as fast as average, with an annual opening of 26,500 positions and a median wage of $60,640. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for entry into this field.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 47.0605
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialistsprimary SOC 49-3031 | $61,770 | +2.4% About as fast as average | ~26,500 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Use handtools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, or precision instruments, as well as power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding equipment, or jacks and hoists.
- Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
- Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
- Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
- Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
- Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
Tools and technology used
Other Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians specializations
The 17 other 6-digit CIP codes under Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians (CIP 47.06).
- Automobile/CIP 47.0604
Automotive Mechanics Technology/ Technician 46,331 graduates / yr762 institutions - Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/CIP 47.0607
Technician 9,434 graduates / yr157 institutions - Autobody/CIP 47.0603
Collision and Repair Technology/ Technician 5,352 graduates / yr264 institutions - Aircraft Powerplant Technology/CIP 47.0608
Technician 3,661 graduates / yr97 institutions - Medium/CIP 47.0613
Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/ Technician 2,278 graduates / yr87 institutions - Marine Maintenance/CIP 47.0616
Fitter and Ship Repair Technology/ Technician 918 graduates / yr48 institutions - Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Technology/CIP 47.0611
Technician 852 graduates / yr28 institutions - Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technology/CIP 47.0600
Technician 814 graduates / yr27 institutions - Avionics Maintenance Technology/CIP 47.0609
Technician 710 graduates / yr35 institutions - High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/CIP 47.0617
Mechanic 479 graduates / yr13 institutions - Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/CIP 47.0614
Technician 192 graduates / yr23 institutions - Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology/CIP 47.0606
Technician 182 graduates / yr24 institutions - Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/CIP 47.0699
Technicians 157 graduates / yr10 institutions - Engine MachinistCIP 47.0615limited data55 graduates / yr2 institutions
- Recreation Vehicle (RV) Service TechnicianCIP 47.0618limited data25 graduates / yr1 institutions
- Bicycle Mechanics and Repair Technology/CIP 47.0610
Technician limited data9 graduates / yr2 institutions - Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Technology/CIP 47.0612
Technician limited data2 graduates / yr1 institutions
See all Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians programs →
Common questions
What types of vehicles will I learn to work on?+
You will learn to work on diesel engines in vehicles such as trucks, buses, ships, and construction equipment.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, mechanical systems, and the use of diagnostic tools.
What is the job outlook for diesel mechanics?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with 26,500 annual openings.
What level of education is typically required?+
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for entry into this field.
What is the CIP code for Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician?+
Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician is CIP 47.0605 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians (CIP 47.06). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain diesel engines in vehicles such as automobiles, buses, ships, trucks, railroad locomotives, and construction equipment; as well as stationary diesel engines in electrical generators and related equipment.
How many institutions offer Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician programs?+
309 U.S. institutions reported Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 48 states & territories, awarding 10,165 credentials in the year. That is 12.5% of all Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How much do Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists occupation, which Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician most directly leads to, pays a median of $61,770 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians field report median earnings of $38,454 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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