If you’ve heard of or know about diesel mechanics, you might also know that different types of diesel mechanics work in varied settings. Even though all diesel mechanics usually work in an organization or a workshop, mobile diesel mechanics take the shop to the customer.
What is a Mobile Diesel Mechanic?
Mobile diesel mechanics are technicians that inspect, maintain, and repair automobiles related to diesel engines on the go. These technicians can work in locations ranging from the side of the roads to business locations where equipment and trucks are parked.
Mobile diesel mechanics generally work on servicing equipment and vehicles on the go, and they take their repair equipment with them.
If you’re someone who likes working on the go and in an environment that is constantly changing with new challenges every day, becoming a mobile diesel mechanic would be the best option for you.
What Does a Mobile Diesel Mechanic Do?
While the roles and responsibilities of a Mobile Diesel Mechanic are similar to a regular Diesel Mechanic, a typical day in their life includes duties such as:
- Managers assigning mobile diesel mechanics with a project assignment for the day
- Leaving to perform maintenance or repair at the client’s location, which might involve identifying or diagnosing the issue, replacing engines, or repairing braking systems and transmissions
- Being a point of contact with the manager and the customer on the work progress
- Ensuring their equipment is effective
To know more about the duties of a diesel mechanic, check out: What does a diesel mechanic do?
The work schedule of a mobile diesel mechanic is different from that of a regular diesel mechanic since they do not have to work on the rigid 9 to 5 schedule. The work schedule of a mobile diesel mechanic is fairly flexible, and it could include working on weekends or nights.
Some mobile diesel mechanics become self-employed and work on their schedules according to their workload.
Mobile diesel mechanics are required to deal directly with customers and hence are required to have good communication skills.
These technicians are also required to have physical strength and stamina since they might need to travel long distances and then deliver services which may include lifting and handling heavy equipment.
How To Become a Mobile Diesel Mechanic?
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a mobile diesel mechanic, you might be wondering how to become a diesel mechanic. Let’s find out.
Mobile diesel mechanics tend to have the same level of knowledge as a regular diesel mechanic working at a repair shop. If you are interested in working as a mobile diesel mechanic, you should note that employers generally prefer candidates who have completed their training in postsecondary diesel mechanic school.
This was also reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to be an important factor that employers look for while hiring mobile diesel mechanics.
This is because trade school graduates are known to have the needed knowledge to start as entry-level diesel mechanics. They also usually don’t require immediate on-the-job training.
Even though it is not necessary, some mobile diesel mechanic employers prefer their candidates to have diesel mechanic certifications issued by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
The ASE certification is considered to be the standard authority for licensing professional diesel mechanics.
Job Outlook for Mobile Diesel Mechanics
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national average annual mean diesel technician salary is around $48,690, or $23.41 per hour. If you wish to enter this field as a beginner, you can expect a lower salary.
However, that is bound to change once you grow in your career and evolve as a professional mobile diesel mechanic.
The BLS further reported that the job growth for diesel mechanics is expected to grow by 4% by the year 2031, which is as fast as any other profession.
It is important to keep in mind that these figures are relative to diesel mechanics in general and not mobile diesel mechanics specifically since there is no government data for them.
Also, these figures are subject to change and are dependent on a variety of factors, such as job location, experience, level of education, and certifications.
Read More:
Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship
