• PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
    Offered for 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders, the Diesel Technology offers training for employment as an entry-level diesel technician or a strong foundation for continuing into post-secondary education. Classroom instruction is reinforced with hands-on experience working on medium/heavy duty truck systems and engines. Coursework includes instruction in brake systems, steering and suspension systems, engines, fuel systems, coolant systems, electrical systems, and drive-trains. Students will also utilize math and writing skills throughout the coursework.

    Diesel is more than just trucks - it's what makes the world go round. Think about all the vehicles and equipment powered by diesel engines - oil rigs, power generation systems, hydraulic systems, locomotives, farming equipment, construction vehicles, mining equipment, boats and ships, and of course diesel trucks.

    At Western Montgomery Career & Technology Center, students will get hands-on experience with a variety of diesel engines and power systems.

    The Diesel Technology program includes courses in:

    • Preventative Maintenance & Inspections
    • Electrical Systems
    • Engines
    • Vehicle Systems

    You'll study diesel engine theory and design, safety, shop maintenance, engine maintenance, engine rebuilding, cooling systems, lubrication systems, intake, exhaust and after-treatment systems, , charging systems, heavy-duty torque converters, power train principles, steering and suspension systems, heavy-duty clutches, brake systems, and much more.

    OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION
    Diesel Technicians inspect, maintain, overhaul, and repair any and all vehicles and equipment that are powered by a diesel engine. 

    WORKING CONDITIONS
    Diesel Technicians normally work in well lit and ventilated areas, that can be noisy. Some Diesel Technicians work outdoors, depending on the type of vehicle or equipment they are repairing.  Some technicians may need to occasionally repair a vehicle on the road or at a job site. Most Diesel Technicians work 40 hours per week. However, some may work longer hours.  A growing number of shops have been increasing their hours due to customer convenience. Some truck and bus shops provide 24 hour service and weekend hours. Diesel technicians have their own set of basic hand tools, while the employer usually provides a lot of the larger shop and specialty tools.

    CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
    Graduates of our diesel technology program may seek careers in:

    • Heavy Equipment Maintenance
    • Locomotive Maintenance
    • Over-the-road truck maintenance
    • Fleet maintenance
    • Dealership service

    PROJECTED SALARIES
    Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists:
    Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines. 

     
     
    Location Pay Period 2017
    Low Median High
    United States Hourly $13.79 $21.40 $32.18
      Yearly $28,680 $44,520 $66,940
    Pennsylvania Hourly $13.86 $20.62 $29.32
      Yearly $28,830 $42,890 $60,970
    Newark-Union, NJ-PA Metropolitan Division Hourly $20.63 $28.37 $37.57
      Yearly $42,910 $59,010 $78,140
    Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA MSA Hourly $15.67 $22.66 $29.81
      Yearly $32,600 $47,140 $61,990
    Philadelphia, PA Metropolitan Division Hourly $16.15 $22.58 $33.92
      Yearly $33,590 $46,960 $70,560
    Reading, PA MSA Hourly $15.48 $21.96 $30.54
      Yearly $32,200 $45,670 $63,520
    Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ MSA Hourly $15.45 $21.61 $29.24
      Yearly $32,130 $44,940 $60,820
    Lebanon, PA MSA Hourly $15.29 $21.14 $31.00
      Yearly $31,800 $43,970 $64,480
    Pittsburgh, PA MSA Hourly $14.56 $20.89 $29.09
      Yearly $30,280 $43,450 $60,510
    Lancaster, PA MSA Hourly $15.22 $20.67 $28.99
      Yearly $31,650 $42,990 $60,310
    York-Hanover, PA MSA Hourly $14.31 $20.08 $27.64
      Yearly $29,770 $41,760 $57,500
    Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA MSA Hourly $12.57 $19.80 $27.58
      Yearly $26,150 $41,190 $57,360
    Williamsport, PA MSA Hourly $13.71 $19.79 $28.09
      Yearly $28,510 $41,160 $58,420
    Northeastern Pennsylvania BOS Hourly $11.10 $19.47 $27.72
      Yearly $23,080 $40,490 $57,650
    Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA MSA Hourly $14.37 $19.37 $27.93
      Yearly $29,900 $40,290 $58,090
    Erie, PA MSA Hourly $13.34 $18.80 $26.26
      Yearly $27,760 $39,090 $54,620
    Altoona, PA MSA Hourly $9.28 $18.41 $26.77
      Yearly $19,310 $38,300 $55,690
    Far Western Pennsylvania BOS Hourly $12.91 $18.15 $24.24
      Yearly $26,850 $37,740 $50,410
    Johnstown, PA MSA Hourly $12.11 $18.07 $27.62
      Yearly $25,190 $37,580 $57,460
    State College, PA MSA Hourly $11.20 $17.19 $23.84
      Yearly $23,290 $35,750 $49,580
    West Central Pennsylvania BOS Hourly $12.62 $17.02 $23.72
      Yearly $26,240 $35,400 $49,330
    East Central Pennsylvania BOS Hourly No Data Available No Data Available No Data Available
      Yearly No Data Available No Data Available No Data Available
     
    COLLEGE OPPORTUNITIES
    Penn College of Technology