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Senior Diesel Technician
Skilled TradesYou're the tech who gets the hard jobs — the engine rebuilds, the electrical nightmares, the truck that four other shops couldn't fix. You've earned manufacturer-specific certifications and can diagnose a turbo failure by the color of the exhaust. The work is demanding, the parts are heavy, and your knees have opinions about the weather now. But you're one of the best-paid technicians in any shop.
Salary Range
Low
$60k
Median
$70k
High
$80k
10-Year Growth
5%
US Workers
278K
Education
Multiple ASE diesel certifications + manufacturer-specific training
Environment
outdoor
Tools & Technical Skills
- ▸Engine rebuild & overhaul
- ▸Manufacturer diagnostic software (Cummins INSITE, Detroit DD, CAT ET)
- ▸Aftertreatment & emissions systems
- ▸Electrical & electronic system diagnosis
- ▸Hydraulic system troubleshooting
- ▸DOT compliance & inspection
People & Mindset Skills
- ▸Advanced problem solving
- ▸Mentoring
- ▸Independence
- ▸Adaptability
- ▸Physical stamina
- ▸Attention to detail
What you'll actually do
- 01Diagnose complex engine, transmission, and aftertreatment system failures
- 02Perform in-frame and out-of-frame engine rebuilds
- 03Troubleshoot electrical and electronic control systems using manufacturer software
- 04Handle DOT inspection failures and get trucks back on the road legally
- 05Train junior techs and explain why brute force isn't a diagnostic method
- 06Work roadside breakdowns in conditions that would make most people stay in the truck
Related Shifts
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