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PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONOffered 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 OPPORTUNITIESPenn College of Technology