Maintenance & Reliability
.
Mobility Systems

Diesel / Fleet Technician

Also posted as Diesel Technician; Fleet Maintenance Technician; Heavy Duty Mechanic; Truck Technician; Equipment Technician

Median wage range
$55k–$85k
National median · per year
Outlook
Growing
Entry barrier
Certificate
No degree required
Overview

What is a Diesel / Fleet Technician

A diesel / fleet technician diagnoses, maintains, and repairs heavy equipment and diesel-powered fleets, working across engines, hydraulics, and electrical systems that keep machines earning. It's a hands-on job in shops and in the field, and most people start with a certificate or short, hands-on training program, not a four-year degree.

Diesel / Fleet Technician
Role Snapshot

The role profile

Everything you need to know about this role, the same details employers use to post openings and colleges use to build training.

Median wage range
$55k–$85k
Typical annual pay based on national and industry data.
O*NET codes
49-3031.0049-3042.00
Primary and secondary occupational codes mapping this role to national labor data.
Cluster type
Mobility Systems
The broader industry group this role belongs to within the technician economy.
Context tags
Where and how this role is commonly applied.
Core skills
Diesel EnginesHydraulicsElectrical Systems
Essential competencies to perform this role effectively.
Canonical Role ID
UNM-TECH-140
A unique identifier linking this role across training, jobs, and employer systems.
Pay & Outlook

How much does it pay?

Diesel / Fleet Technician in this role earns a median of $55k–$85k a year. Here's how pay typically grows with experience.

$55k–$85k
National median annual wage range. Technicians who master electronics and diagnostics on modern equipment typically earn at the higher end.
Wage ranges are illustrative, based on national and industry data. Actual pay varies by employer, location, certification, and experience.
Entry
Experienced
Specialized
On The Job

What does a Diesel / Fleet Technician do?

Explore the core responsibilities of this role, from daily operations and equipment handling to safety, quality, and performance requirements.

01

Diagnose with precision

Use scan tools and tests to find faults in engines and systems fast.

02

Repair major systems

Service engines, hydraulics, drivetrains, and electrical systems.

03

Run preventive maintenance

Keep fleets inspected and serviced so machines stay on the job.

04

Document and order

Record work and manage parts so repairs finish on time.

Skills You Will Build

What skills do you need?

Three core skills sit at the heart of this role. You can learn all of them through short, hands-on training.

Diesel Engines

Diagnosing and overhauling diesel engines and related systems.

Hydraulics

Diagnosing and repairing the hydraulic systems that power heavy machinery.

Electrical Systems

Tracing and repairing the electrical systems that run vehicles and equipment.

Your next step

How to become one.

Take a short, hands-on course to build the core skills, then apply to jobs hiring near you, all in one place, powered by the Unmudl Skills-to-Jobs® Network.

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Common Questions

Diesel / Fleet Technician, FAQ

A diesel / fleet technician diagnoses, maintains, and repairs heavy equipment and diesel-powered fleets, working across engines, hydraulics, and electrical systems that keep machines earning. It's hands-on work in shops and in the field.
The median wage range is about $55,000–$85,000 per year. Entry-level roles start near $55,000, and technicians who master electronics and diagnostics on modern equipment often earn toward the top of the range. Pay varies by employer, location, and experience.
Most people start with a certificate or short, hands-on training program rather than a four-year degree. You can find training on Unmudl to build the core skills, Diesel Engines, Hydraulics, and Electrical Systems, then apply to open roles.
No four-year degree is required for most roles. A high school diploma or equivalent plus role-specific training or a certificate is typically enough to get started. Employers value reliability, attention to detail, and proven hands-on skills.
It's an in-demand role with a clear path to higher pay through experience and specialization. Steady-to-growing with freight volumes and fleet electrification (BLS 2024-34). The skills also transfer to related roles like forklift system technician and marine systems technician.

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