Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians essential career information:
- 2012 median pay: $46,050
- 2012, number of jobs: 110,200
- Employment growth forecast, 2010-2020: 16 percent
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians; what they do:
A heavy vehicle service technician career appeals to people interested in mechanics, construction and farming equipment and diagnosing and repairing heavy vehicles. It’s a physically demanding career.
Mobile equipment service technicians diagnose, overhaul and repair mobile hydraulic, mechanical, and pneumatic equipment such as bulldozers and cranes.
A typical workday for a mobile heavy equipment mechanic involves travelling to different worksites to inspect, overhaul and repair large equipment such as bulldozers. They review operating schematics, drawings, and manuals.
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics maintain equipment by cleaning and oiling parts, identifying malfunctions, repairing worn parts such as gears and bearings, inspecting and overhauling large components such as engines and electrical equipment as well as ensuring the safety of brakes, transmissions and other parts.
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Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians job titles:
- Rail Car Repairers
- Vehicle Service Technician
- Heavy Equipment Mechanic
- Heavy Equipment Technician
- Farm Equipment Mechanic
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic
- Diesel Mechanic
- Construction Equipment Mechanic
- Heavy Vehicle Service Technician
- Mobile Equipment Service Technician
Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians Education, Certification and License Requirements
Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians typically need a high school diploma and informal on-the-job training to begin a career in the field. However, employers look favorably upon candidates who completed a diesel technology program or a heavy equipment mechanics program offered through trade schools and equipment manufacturers that last from 1 to 2 years.
During training, a mobile heavy equipment mechanic works with experienced mechanics to learn basic tasks. In time, trainees learn to complete more difficult tasks, such as engine overhauls. This whole process can take from several months to four years. Although not required, certification demonstrates competency in specific areas of mechanical service.
Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians programs cover subjects such as:
- Hydraulics
- Diesel engine service
- Welding
- Air brake service
- Electrical engine controls
- Electrical diagnosis
- Truck electronics and component overhaul
- Basic truck suspension and steering systems
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Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians Job Outlook
Forecast: 16 percent employment growth for heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians between 2010 and 2020. The demand for heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians has increased due to increased sales of agricultural, construction, mining and energy exploration vehicles and equipment.
Other retail areas expected to continue to employ mobile heavy equipment mechanics include dealers who lease or rent heavy vehicles and equipment such as farming machinery and cranes. Retiring service technicians increase the job growth of heavy vehicle and equipment mechanics.
Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians Salary
- 2012 median annual wage: $46,050
- 2012 workers at the 75th percentile annual wage: $55,840
- 2012, workers at the 25th percentile annual wage: $37,290
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Major Employers
- Mining
- Merchant wholesalers
- Rail transportation
- Heavy and civil engineering construction
- Rental and leasing services
