Explore Jobs
Find Specific Jobs
Explore Careers
Explore Professions
Best Companies
Explore Companies
What is a truck mechanic and how to become one
A truck mechanic is an individual who inspects and repairs trucks and ensures that all vehicles are operating efficiently and safely. These professionals diagnose problems and implement fixes and are also responsible for the inspection and repair of truck brake systems, engines, transmissions, electrical components, and steering systems. These individuals typically work for truck manufacturers and dealers, freight companies, government agencies, and repair shops.
Although a college degree is not a requirement to land a job as a truck mechanic, these individuals often have a certificate or an associate's degree in diesel mechanics or a related training program. Truck mechanics often need the necessary physical strength to perform such duties, such as using heavy tools and lifting equipment, and they should possess strong communication, analytical, and engineering skills.
Truck mechanics can make up to $49,000 per year, and the career field is expected to grow by 5% in the next ten years.
Avg. Salary $50,169
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 4%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1.07%
Asian 2.48%
Black or African American 9.08%
Hispanic or Latino 16.17%
Unknown 5.02%
White 66.19%
Genderfemale 2.72%
male 97.28%
Age - 42American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 42Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Truck Mechanic career paths
Key steps to become a truck mechanic
Explore truck mechanic education requirements
Start to develop specific truck mechanic skills
Skills 
Percentages CDL 17.88% Customer Service 12.02% Electrical Systems 5.72% Diesel Engines 4.50% DOT 4.30% Complete relevant truck mechanic training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New truck mechanics learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a truck mechanic based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real truck mechanic resumes.Research truck mechanic duties and responsibilities
- Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
- Detail completion in writing of diagnosis and repair on company repair order.
- Raise trucks, buses and heavy parts and equipment using hydraulic jacks and hoists.
- Service air system and troubleshoot, repair, and service air conditioning systems on trucks.
Prepare your truck mechanic resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your truck mechanic resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a truck mechanic resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Truck Mechanic Resume templates
Build a professional Truck Mechanic resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Truck Mechanic resume.
Apply for truck mechanic jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a truck mechanic job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Truck Mechanic Job
Are you a Truck Mechanic?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average truck mechanic salary
The average Truck Mechanic salary in the United States is $50,169 per year or $24 per hour. Truck mechanic salaries range between $37,000 and $67,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do truck mechanics rate their job?
Truck Mechanic reviews
Hard work but good pay (105,000) last year
Dealing with management and unqualified coworkers
Hands on /weld/electric/mech/plumbing……
People looking over me when they can’t do the jobs
Satisfaction of fixing, repairing broken vehicles and challenge of finding problems and correcting them properly.
Electrical problems are my least favorite.
Updated January 8, 2025
