A few questions for diesel mechanics.

[JaimeG]

I'm seriously considering going to school for diesel mechanics, I just can't decide on a few key things, could you help out by answering a couple questions?

1. Where did you go to school?
2. What was your major?
3. Where do you work?
4. How much do you make?
5. Do you like your job?

Thanks in advance.

[BrianSnelgrove]

I am not currently a diesel tech but I was an automotive tech for a few years so I will give it a go...

Originally Posted by JaimeG

I'm seriously considering going to school for diesel mechanics, I just can't decide on a few key things, could you help out by answering a couple questions?

1. Where did you go to school?
Local Community College (Middle Georgia Technical College)
2. What was your major?
Automotive Technology
3. Where do you work?
I have worked at a small shop (lube center with mechanical bays) and a Nissan dealer.
4. How much do you make?
Been a while (about 15 years) but I was flag time at the dealer and I got a weekly salary + commission + bonus at the small shop. I was at $13 an hr at the dealer and $575 a week base pay at the smaller shops.
5. Do you like your job?
I liked the jobs but it was the people I had a hard time with.

Thanks in advance.

I made more money working at the small shop/lube center than I did at the dealer. When the dealer was busy it was fine but during the winter/slow months you would starve if you were not doing something on the side. When I left the lube center I was well on my way to making $40k - remember that was 15 years ago money. I know people that are working in field today and have no formal training but make $70k - $80k a year. Don't expect to go to school for a year or so and come out making that kind of money.

The school will teach you the basics and the theories. You will get so much more from experience than you will from school. Also, school will not teach you the speed. If you are not getting work done fast (and properly the first time) you will not make much money.

Hope this helps...

[JaimeG]

Thanks for the input. Keep them coming guys.

[cntryboy17]

It all depends if you like working on trucks or not i cant give you much input but im going to be go to Parkland community college for their diesel tech program in Champaign IL starting this fall. But i already work for a tractor dealership and i just love it but then again i live for diesels lol

[JaimeG]

Well, I love diesels, whether in trucks, semis, tractors, or heavy equipment. I just don't know what direction to go in. (school/course)