In short
Auto technicians fix cars and light trucks. Diesel technicians fix buses, trucks and other diesel engines. Most auto technicians complete a certificate or associate's program, while most diesel technicians learn on the job after high school, though employers may prefer a postsecondary program. The middle pay in May 2025 was $50,620 for auto technicians and $61,770 for diesel technicians (BLS). Fill out the form and we'll match you with schools near you.
Auto and diesel side by side
Auto technician
- Typical pay: $50,620 a year, or $24.34 an hour (median, May 2025).
- How you learn: a certificate or associate's program in automotive service technology, or on-the-job training.
- Jobs and outlook: about 805,600 jobs. BLS projects 4% growth through 2034, about average, with about 70,000 openings a year.
- Top employers: dealers 32%, repair shops 26%, self-employed 14%, parts and tire retailers 6%.
Diesel technician
- Typical pay: $61,770 a year, or $29.70 an hour (median, May 2025).
- How you learn: mostly on-the-job training after high school. Some employers prefer a certificate or degree from a community college or vocational-technical school.
- Jobs and outlook: about 319,900 jobs. BLS projects 2% growth through 2034, slower than average, with about 26,500 openings a year.
- Top employers: truck transportation 18%, wholesale trade 14%, auto repair 9%, local government 9%, rental and leasing 5%.
Good to know: diesel technicians sometimes need a commercial driver's license (CDL) to test-drive buses and large trucks. Auto technicians typically own their hand tools, and employers provide the computerized diagnostic tools and power tools.
Is this for you?
It could be a fit if…
- You like diagnosing a problem and then fixing it with your hands. Technicians use computerized diagnostic tools and mechanical know-how.
- You'll keep learning. BLS says technicians have to keep up with new equipment, and with electric vehicle systems.
- You're okay with grease, noise and awkward positions.
- You can explain a repair in plain words. Technicians explain problems and repairs to customers.
Think twice if…
- You need a quiet clean job. Technicians commonly work with greasy parts and tools, sometimes in uncomfortable positions, and may be exposed to fumes, chemicals and noise.
- You can't buy tools. Auto technicians usually own their own hand tools, and tools cost money, so ask what the shop provides.
- You want low injury risk. BLS says automotive technicians have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations.
What the work is like
Auto technicians identify problems, often with computerized diagnostic equipment, test parts and systems, do basic care like oil changes and tire rotations, and repair or replace worn parts like brake pads, wheel bearings and sensors. Some focus on one thing, like brakes, air conditioning, transmissions or front-end work. Some now focus on electric vehicles, where the work includes battery performance, regenerative braking and motor efficiency.
Diesel technicians inspect, repair or overhaul buses, trucks and any vehicle with a diesel engine. They read diagnostic results, follow checklists so critical parts get examined, and repair or replace what's failing. Diesel work includes electrical systems and exhaust systems that meet pollution rules. Both jobs usually have you indoors in a repair shop. Most work full time. Evening or weekend work may be required, and some diesel technicians work more than 40 hours a week or in shops that run around the clock.
Want to see auto and diesel programs near you?
Auto and diesel is picked for you. Tell schools which of the two you're leaning toward.
How to get in
School program
High schools, community colleges and technical institutes offer programs in automotive service technology and diesel engine repair. Some are sponsored by car makers or dealers and focus on one type of vehicle. They mix classroom time with hands-on practice and can lead to a certificate or an associate's degree.
Start in a shop
Many technicians, especially in diesel, start as trainees or helpers doing basic jobs like cleaning parts, checking fluid levels and moving vehicles in and out of the shop. When they show they're ready, they move up to diagnostics. Ask a shop how that works.
Employer or manufacturer training
Employers may send experienced technicians to classes run by manufacturers and vendors to learn the latest technology. Ask any employer what training they offer.
Certification
Pay and cost
The middle diesel technician earned $61,770 in May 2025, about $11,000 more than the middle auto technician at $50,620. Diesel hiring is slower, with 2% projected growth versus 4% for auto, but diesel still had about 26,500 openings a year. Both are still often replacement openings, which means jobs opening up as people retire or switch.
School costs vary a lot, so get the total in writing, including the tool list, before you sign. Paying for it, step by step.
Median pay is national, May 2025. Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, automotive service technicians and mechanics, and diesel service technicians and mechanics. State and metro pay data from BLS.
Questions about auto and diesel
Which pays more, auto or diesel?
Diesel, at the middle. The middle diesel technician earned $61,770 and the middle auto technician earned $50,620 in May 2025, according to BLS. Pay depends on where you live, what you're certified in and who you work for.
Do I need to go to school?
Not always. Some automotive technicians and most diesel technicians learn on the job after high school. Employers often prefer people who've finished a program, and graduates may need less on-the-job training.
Do I need my own tools?
Auto technicians typically own their hand tools, and employers usually provide the computerized diagnostic tools and power tools. Ask any shop or school about the tool list and the cost.
What about electric vehicles?
Some technicians now focus on them. BLS says that work includes routine maintenance and identifying problems with battery performance, regenerative braking and electric motor efficiency, and that technicians must follow safety procedures for high-voltage systems.