Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
SOC Code: 49-3031
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists carries a 23% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $60,640 and +2.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 319,900 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 23% AI exposure, Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists sits 14 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 9% of them. It ranks among the more AI-resilient roles in the dataset.
Where Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists has ai exposure of 23%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists (SOC 49-3031) carries an AI exposure score of 23%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 319,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +2.4% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $60,640, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Use handtools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, or precision instruments, as well as power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding equipment, or jacks and hoists.
- 2. Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
- 3. Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
- 4. Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
- 5. Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
- 6. Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
- 7. Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.
- 8. Inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, or pressure gauges.
- 9. Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
- 10. Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
Key Skills Required
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Operations Monitoring
- Equipment Maintenance
- Critical Thinking
- Quality Control Analysis
- Speaking
- Equipment Selection
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Listening
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Transportation
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
- Production and Processing
- Customer and Personal Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists?
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists has an AI exposure score of 23%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists is projected to grow by 2.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 319,900 workers.
What skills are needed for Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists?
Key skills for Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists include Troubleshooting, Repairing, Operations Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists earn?
The median annual wage for Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists is $60,640, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists?
The typical entry-level education for Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Long-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists?
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).