### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians imageHeavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians repair vehicles such as bulldozers and tractors.							
						Quick Facts:     Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians2023     Median Pay
            						$61,000     per year
										$29.33     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    High school diploma or equivalentWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    Long-term on-the-job trainingNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    234,800Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    6% (Faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    13,000What Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians Do
                                                
                        
                        
Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians inspect, maintain, and repair vehicles and machinery used in construction, farming, and other industries.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Service technicians usually work indoors in noisy repair shops. They often lift heavy parts and tools, handle greasy and dirty equipment, and stand or lie in uncomfortable positions. Most service technicians work full time, and many work evenings and weekends.
            
                                                How to Become a Heavy Vehicle or Mobile Equipment Service Technician
                                                
                        
Most heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians have a high school diploma or equivalent. Because vehicle and equipment technology is increasingly sophisticated and computerized, some employers prefer to hire service technicians who have completed a training program at a postsecondary institution.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians was $61,000 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians is projected to grow							 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 21,100 openings for heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians Do 
            

			Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service techniciansMechanics inspect, repair, and replace defective or worn parts.			
Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians, also called *mechanics*, inspect, maintain, and repair vehicles and machinery used in construction, farming, rail transportation, and other industries.
Duties
Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians typically do the following:
Consult equipment operating manuals, blueprints, and drawings
Perform scheduled maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating parts
Diagnose and identify malfunctions, using computerized tools and equipment
Inspect, repair, and replace defective or worn parts, such as bearings, pistons, and gears
Overhaul and test major components, such as engines, hydraulic systems, and electrical systems
Disassemble and reassemble heavy equipment and components
Travel to worksites to repair large equipment, such as cranes
Maintain logs of equipment condition and work performedHeavy vehicles and mobile equipment are critical to many industrial activities, including construction and railroad transportation. Various types of equipment, such as tractors, cranes, and bulldozers, are used to haul materials, till land, lift beams, and dig earth to pave the way for development and construction.
Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians repair and maintain engines, hydraulic systems, transmissions, and electrical systems of agricultural, industrial, construction, and rail equipment. They ensure the performance and safety of fuel lines, brakes, and other systems.
These service technicians use diagnostic computers and equipment to identify problems and make adjustments or repairs. For example, they may use an oscilloscope to observe the signals produced by electronic components. Service technicians also use many different power and machine tools, including pneumatic wrenches, lathes, and welding equipment. A pneumatic tool, such as an impact wrench, is a tool powered by compressed air.
Service technicians also use many different hand tools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches, to work on small parts and in hard-to-reach areas. They generally purchase these tools over the course of their careers, often investing thousands of dollars in their inventory.
After identifying malfunctioning equipment, service technicians repair, replace, and recalibrate components such as hydraulic pumps and spark plugs. Doing this may involve disassembling and reassembling major equipment or making adjustments through an onboard computer program.
The following are examples of types of heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians:
***Farm equipment mechanics and service technicians*** service and repair farm equipment, such as tractors and harvesters. They also work on smaller consumer-grade lawn and garden tractors. Most work for dealer repair shops, where farmers increasingly send their equipment for maintenance.
***Mobile heavy equipment mechanics*** repair and maintain construction and surface mining equipment, such as bulldozers, cranes, graders, and excavators. Most work for governments, equipment rental and leasing shops, and large construction and mining companies.
***Rail car repairers*** specialize in servicing railroad locomotives, subway cars, and other rolling stock. They usually work for railroads, public and private transit companies, and railcar manufacturers.
Mechanics who work primarily on automobiles are described in the profile on automotive service technicians and mechanics.
Mechanics who work primarily on large trucks and buses are described in the profile on diesel service technicians and mechanics.
Mechanics who work primarily on motorboats, motorcycles, and small all-terrain vehicles are described in the profile on small engine mechanics.
 Work Environment
			Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service techniciansSome service technicians travel to worksites to make repairs.			

	    
				
	
	    	    		Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians held about 234,800 jobs in 2022. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians was distributed as follows:
    	    	
    	Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
                169,100Farm equipment mechanics and service technicians
                45,600Rail car repairers
                20,100The largest employers of heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians were as follows:
        Farm and garden machinery and equipment merchant wholesalers
                10%Transportation and warehousing
                9Government
                8Heavy and civil engineering construction
                8Rental and leasing services
                7Although many service technicians work indoors in repair shops, some service technicians travel to worksites to make repairs because it is often too expensive to transport heavy or mobile equipment to a shop. Generally, more experienced service technicians specialize in field service. These workers drive trucks that are specially equipped with replacement parts and tools, and they spend considerable time outdoors and often drive long distances.
Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians frequently lift heavy parts and tools, handle greasy and dirty equipment, and stand or lie in awkward positions.
Injuries and Illnesses
Farm equipment mechanics and service technicians have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Farm equipment mechanics and service techs frequently work with heavy parts and tools. Common workplace injuries include small cuts, sprains, and bruises
Work Schedules
Most heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians work full time, and many work evenings or weekends. Overtime is common.
Farm equipment mechanics’ work varies by time of the year. During busy planting and harvesting seasons, for example, mechanics often work six or seven 12-hour days per week. In the winter months, however, they may work less than full time.
 How to Become a Heavy Vehicle or Mobile Equipment Service Technician

			Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service techniciansHeavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems.			
Most heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians have a high school diploma or equivalent. Because vehicle and equipment technology is increasingly sophisticated and computerized, some employers prefer to hire service technicians who have completed a formal training program at a postsecondary institution.
Education
Most heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians have a high school diploma or equivalent. High school courses in automotive repair, electronics, physics, and welding provide a strong foundation for a service technician’s career. However, high school graduates often need further training to become fully qualified.
Completing a vocational or other postsecondary training program in diesel technology or heavy equipment mechanics is increasingly considered the best preparation for some entry-level positions. Offered by vocational schools and community colleges, these programs cover the basics of diagnostic techniques, electronics, and other related subjects. Each program may last 1 to 2 years and lead to a certificate of completion. Other programs, which lead to associate’s degrees, generally take 2 years to complete.
Training
Entry-level workers with no formal background in heavy vehicle repair often receive a few months of on-the-job training before they begin performing routine service tasks and making minor repairs. Trainees advance to more complex work as they show competence, and they usually become fully qualified after 3 to 4 years of work.
Service technicians who have completed a postsecondary training program in diesel technology or heavy equipment mechanics typically require less on-the-job training.
Many employers send new service technicians to training sessions conducted by equipment manufacturers. Training sessions may focus on particular components and technologies or particular types of equipment.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Some manufacturers offer certification in specific repair methods or equipment. Although not required, certification can demonstrate a service technician’s competence and usually commands higher pay.
Important Qualities
***Dexterity.*** Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians must perform many tasks, such as disassembling engine parts, connecting or attaching components, and using hand tools, with a steady hand and good hand-eye coordination.
***Mechanical skills.*** Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other. They must often disassemble major parts for repairs and be able to reassemble them.
***Organizational skills.***Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians must maintain accurate service records and parts inventories.
***Physical strength.*** Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians must be able to lift and move heavy equipment, tools, and parts without risking injury.
***Troubleshooting skills.*** Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians must be familiar with diagnostic equipment to find the source of malfunctions.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service TechniciansMedian annual wages, May 2023Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanics$61,000  Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers$50,790  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians was $61,000 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $39,960, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $83,850.

			
                    	Median annual wages for heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians in May 2023 were as follows:
        Rail car repairers
		$65,030Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
		61,900Farm equipment mechanics and service technicians
		49,210In May 2023, the median annual wages for heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Government
                $66,310Transportation and warehousing
                65,390Rental and leasing services
                60,110Heavy and civil engineering construction
                60,000Farm and garden machinery and equipment merchant wholesalers
                49,920Most heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians work full time, and many work evenings or weekends. Overtime is common.
Farm equipment mechanics’ work varies by time of the year. During busy planting and harvesting seasons, for example, mechanics often work six or seven 12-hour days per week. In the winter months, however, they may work less than full time.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service TechniciansPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanics6%  Total, all occupations3%  Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers2%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians is projected to grow				 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 21,100 openings for heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
As the stock of heavy vehicles and mobile equipment continues to increase, more service technicians will be needed to maintain it. Projected employment of heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians varies by occupation (see table).
Agricultural production requires the use of increasingly complex software-driven farm equipment, which is expected to create demand for farm equipment mechanics and service technicians to maintain and to train customers in its use.
Population and business growth should result in greater demand for new houses, commercial real estate, bridges, and other structures, which in turn may require more mobile heavy equipment mechanics in the construction industry.
Rail car repairers will continue to be needed to service trains used for freight transportation. In addition, public transit agencies will rely on these workers to maintain their rail fleets.
			

                        Employment projections data for     heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanics**
			49-3040
			234,800
			247,800
			6
			13,000
			Get data**Farm equipment mechanics and service technicians**
			49-3041
			45,600
			49,300
			8
			3,700
			Get data**Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines**
			49-3042
			169,100
			177,600
			5
			8,600
			Get data**Rail car repairers**
			49-3043
			20,100
			20,800
			4
			700
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Farm equipment mechanics and service technicians
					Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
					Rail car repairers **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians**
            Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft.
            See How to Become One
            $75,400**Automotive Body and Glass Repairers**
            Automotive body and glass repairers restore, refinish, and replace vehicle bodies and frames, windshields, and window glass.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $48,450**Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics**
            Automotive service technicians and mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $47,770**Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics**
            Diesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair, and overhaul buses, trucks, or any vehicle with a diesel engine.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $58,970**Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights**
            Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights install, maintain, and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $61,170**Small Engine Mechanics**
            Small engine mechanics inspect, service, and repair motorized power equipment.
            See How to Become One
            $46,500**Water Transportation Workers**
            Water transportation workers operate and maintain vessels that take cargo and people over water.
            See How to Become One
            $64,930
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more details about job openings for heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians, consult local heavy and mobile equipment dealers and distributors, construction contractors, and government agencies. Local offices of the state employment service also may have information on job openings and training programs.
For more information about careers and training programs, visit
Associated Equipment Distributors
National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service TechniciansMobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except EnginesRail Car Repairers
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heavy-vehicle-and-mobile-equipment-service-technicians.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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