Bus & Truck Mechanics

Career Opportunities for Bus & Truck Mechanics in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

If you enjoy working with your hands, you may find a career as a bus/truck mechanic incredibly fulfilling. To achieve this, there are many skills and techniques you must know and become comfortable with to efficiently work in the field. With the right education, you can aspire to a bus/truck mechanic career, including earning a stable income and having job stability.

Pennco Tech provides outstanding vocational programs at campuses in Bristol, PA, and Blackwood, NJ. We aim to give students the information and tools necessary through our Automotive Technology program and Diesel Technology program. Learn more about what a truck/bus mechanic does to see if this is the right career path for you.

What Does an Average Day Look Like for a Bus/Truck Mechanic?

Bus and truck mechanics are responsible for the maintenance of trucks and buses, working to efficiently diagnose and repair them. Those with a career as a bus/truck mechanic must also be familiar with diesel engines in vehicles. However, with additional training, they can choose to specialize in working on diesel engines in marine applications.

A fleet mechanic must also know how to use a variety of tools, such as hoists, pressure gauges, or welding equipment. This includes heavy-duty equipment like hydraulic tools, making it important for graduates to have extensive knowledge of best safety practices for operation.

Other tasks bus/truck mechanics often must complete include:

• Check wheel bearings
• Inspect steering mechanisms
• Maintain brake systems
• Communicate with clients, managers, and coworkers
• Complete fluid, oil, and filter changes
• Welding
• Tire repair and maintenance
• Part replacements
• Organize records for repair history
• Monitor vehicles for proper function

Where Bus/Truck Mechanics Work

Those who undertake a career as a bus/truck mechanic have many options when it comes to finding a place to work. Graduates can choose from the following and more:

• City transportation stations
• School districts
• Private bus companies
• Industrial services
• Wholesale trade companies
• Trucking services
• Government agencies
• Airports

Benefits of Being a Bus/Truck Mechanic

Gaining certification to become a bus/truck mechanic can lead to earning a comfortable income. Depending on your area and level of expertise, income can vary. Pennsylvania is a great place to find work as a bus/truck mechanic, as it’s one of the few states with the highest level of employment. The average annual earnings for bus/truck mechanics in PA is $53,680. New Jersey pay wells states for bus/truck mechanics, with the mean annual salary being $63,730.

Other advantages of becoming a bus/truck mechanic include:

Job Stability

The demand for educated bus/truck mechanics is everywhere, meaning you can easily find a job in the area where you’re located. This also means you can find a job if you decide to move elsewhere, giving you the freedom to live where you wish. Bus/truck mechanics can also find stability and freedom in their work hours, as they can choose to work days, nights, and weekends with opportunities for overtime.

Save Costs on Education

Because a bus/truck mechanic career doesn’t require a traditional two- or four-year degree, this can help save costs on education expenses. Instead, you can invest in schooling that can be completed in a few months. Not only can you enter the workforce faster, but you can also start earning income quicker than if you were to complete a traditional four-year degree program.

Beginning Your Career Journey at Pennco Tech

To attend Pennco Tech, you must first have a GED or high school diploma. We offer programs that can advance you in your journey to becoming a bus/truck mechanic. Our programs last approximately 39 weeks. In addition, the Automotive Technology program has options for both daytime and evening classes, allowing students to choose a schedule that works best for them. We also offer opportunities for financial aid and student loan counseling to make attending school easy*.

Following graduation, bus/truck mechanics may need additional licensing to start their careers. For example, because you are dealing with commercial vehicles, you should have your commercial driver’s license (CDL). This way, you can safely operate and move vehicles that need repair.

While candidates can start their way to a bus/truck mechanic career without enrolling in automotive school, graduating from Penno Tech puts you ahead of other potential candidates applying for the same job. Having the right certifications and licensing through a mechanic school can show future employers that you’re serious about your career and you have the knowledge to understand how to work in the field.

*Disclaimer: Financial aid is available only to those who qualify.

Enroll Today at Pennco Tech

Pennco Tech relies on our experienced instructors, hands-on learning practices, and accessible educational services to help students succeed in their careers. Contact us for more information on becoming a bus/truck mechanic or our academic programs at locations in Bristol, PA, and Blackwood, NJ. You can also apply online today.