I'm going to school to become and diesel mechanic and I plan on getting my cdl also..from the research I've been doing I see that the drivers are making a lot more than the mechanics..especially driving in the oil industry...I'm not sure if I should go to school and become a diesel mechanic or just get my cdl and find a job..I feel I might be more valuable if I'm a diesel mechanic..and I'd like to know about the salaries too.
Being a diesel mechanic is good money, But you have to learn. On the trucking side you are most of the time away from home, if you don't like that stick with being a mechanic. It is also less of a head ache to be a mechanic. My dad drove truck for over 30 years and he fixes them even today. He owns his own shop works, makes good money and goes home every night to see his family. your choice
Youre not going to find a truckdriver that makes $22.00 an hour unless you look at the union Trucking companies.
The mechanic break down seems to 20% useless, 50% bolt pushers, 30% good mechanics. I went through mechanics school and the school you choose has a lot to do with the quality of work you will do. I was never shown how to gut and rebuild an engine. However, I would want a shop to do that anyway for the warranty. Same with transmission. I do all my own work other than that. Saves a lot of shop fees and labor. Wyo tech, Louisville, and UNO have excellent programs. Owens in Toledo used to have a CAT program as well.
Lots of money to be made driving tankers in the oil fields; here's an example: Some hire right out of CDL school. Now HIRING Crude Oil/Hazmat Drivers! P&B Transportation, is seeking Hazmat Company Drivers with Tanker/Hazmat Endorsement to haul crude oil in the Williston Basin/Bakken oilfield (ND, MT, SD, SK). Potentially earn $90,000 to $135,000! We pay a percentage of barrels hauled allowing the driver to influence how much he/she makes while still hauling legally and complying with DOT regulations. Hazmat Driver Requirements: 2 years minimum CDL experience Must have Hazmat & Tanker endorsements 1 year tanker experience and/or 6 month oilfield experience Must have 2 years minimum winter driving experience. Experience chaining up and unchaining your truck, sometimes multiple times a day Must have the ability to move up to 60lbs of 4 hose in challenging terrain Ability to repeatedly climb flights of stairs from ground to oil tanks, even in the winter months Must be able to read and write English Must have a clean driving record NO felonies within the past 10 years. Benefits: Company paid Medical, Dental, & Life for our employees 401k plan with 2% match after 1 year of employment Call Kayla Monday- Friday 8am-5pm for more information! About us: At the core of our operation are our drivers and owner-operators. Drivers and owner-operators are trained to provide the highest quality of transportation possible. P&B Transportation is an equal opportunity employer that implements strict guidelines for driver performance. If you are seeking career opportunities with a transportation company that cares about its employees and strives to provide a great benefits package and competitive pay, P&B may be your answer. View All P&B Transportation Jobs View Our Company Profile
I plan on going to uti after I graduate high school this June. I'm young and I Wana travel and make the money while I can. I was told North Dakota is the place to be it's just pretty rough up their. I'm willing to work my tail off and learn as much as possible..I hope to open my own business one day.
Hi Bub752, If you are in school, I think you should stay there. As some others say, diesel techs are in huge demand. Once you get your mechanic training, there will always be driving jobs, but your future could change (have a family) and that mechanic job will be mighty handy. I drove for 35 years, and now that I don't want to drive anymore, I wish I had more training in diesel mechanics, as the new trucks are so different than what I am used to. You might make more driving a truck right away, but look to the future. Take it from an old man, it goes by quick!
[QUOTE="semi" retired;3989824]Hi Bub752, If you are in school, I think you should stay there. As some others say, diesel techs are in huge demand. Once you get your mechanic training, there will always be driving jobs, but your future could change (have a family) and that mechanic job will be mighty handy. I drove for 35 years, and now that I don't want to drive anymore, I wish I had more training in diesel mechanics, as the new trucks are so different than what I am used to. You might make more driving a truck right away, but look to the future. Take it from an old man, it goes by quick![/QUOTE] Thanks for the advice! I'm looking forward to getting out their.
