diesel mechanics

[central09er]

i was looking into changing majors. was looking at maybe something automotive but i'm really intersted in diesels. and since the local cc is starting a new program, i was wondering about what range would the salary be for a newbie mechanic and what it might progress to. and if it is even worth changing majors?

 

[BIGWOODY]

I worked at a Mercedes shop that specialized in diesels and was trained there. By the time I was 23 (1993) I was making 45k a year. The money is there if you get in with the right shop.

 

[upnover]

You don't say what you are working toward now?? Have to look at it like this. Even though new car sales are down, people always have to have cars repaired and maintained. Diesels are plentiful, but gassers are even more abundant. It also depends on if you want to work on big diesels or smaller ones. Even if a shop is slow, you can always pick up side work to do at home.
I guess the main thing is to pick something you want to do for 30 years, and enjoy doing. If you make killer money and find yourself with no desire to go to work, it ain't worth it.

 

[Ron]

I work for the local Cummins distributor.
They pay hourly plus commission instead of straight time, that is good or bad depending on your skill set.

If you are electrically inclined at all,try to find a generator technician training program. They are always in demand because you need to be certified in engines and electricity/electronics. Our top techs get in the mid to high 20's an hour plus commission and I know a few broke 70k last year...but that is a ton of overtime.

Chip's point about miles gas vs diesel is valid, but when you start factoring in OTR trucks miles driven starts to balance out. Then add in all the industrial engine, construction equipment and logging chipping equipment powered by diesel engines...Id say its darn close which has more to work on.