Transportation, Distribution, & LogisticsTennessee

Diesel and Heavy Equipment Maintenance in Tennessee

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Tennessee's Diesel and Heavy Equipment Maintenance pathway trains students for careers servicing and repairing diesel engines and heavy equipment. Construction, agriculture, and transportation sectors rely on heavy equipment, creating strong demand for maintenance technicians.

Students develop competencies in diesel engine operation and maintenance, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and diagnostic procedures. Hands-on experience includes engine service, equipment inspection, and troubleshooting.

Graduates work as diesel mechanics, equipment technicians, or maintenance supervisors. Strong demand and wages ($40,000-$70,000+) make this pathway attractive.

Diesel and Heavy Equipment Maintenance at a Glance

4

Courses

8

Credentials

4

Career Paths

State Standards & Framework

Tennessee's diesel standards align with National Institute for Diesel and Heavy Equipment (NIDHE) standards. The state emphasizes safety and technical competency.

Students complete engine service projects and equipment maintenance exercises. Assessment includes diesel knowledge and hands-on maintenance demonstrations.

View Tennessee CTE Framework →

Typical Course Sequence

Course
Introduction to Transportation
Diesel Equipment I
Diesel Equipment II
Heavy Equipment Operations

View Tennessee course standards →

Industry Certifications & Credentials

Career Opportunities

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.

Diesel Mechanic

Entry Level
$48,410in Tennessee
National: $49,240-2%

Salary range: $48,410 - $71,290

Adjusted for cost of living: $52,324

-1.8% growth10,100 openings/yr
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Equipment Technician

Experienced
$45,760in Tennessee
National: $48,640-6%

Salary range: $38,410 - $57,340

Adjusted for cost of living: $49,460

-3.6% growth7,900 openings/yr
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Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Experienced
$59,380in Tennessee
National: $63,980-7%

Salary range: $50,110 - $68,690

Adjusted for cost of living: $64,181

-0.3% growth8,400 openings/yr
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Service Manager

Experienced
$61,000in Tennessee
National: $65,310-7%

Salary range: $46,640 - $77,490

Adjusted for cost of living: $65,932

+3% growth600 openings/yr
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Work-Based Learning Opportunities

Students intern at equipment dealers, construction companies, agricultural operations, and heavy equipment service centers.

Career & Technical Student Organization

Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.

How Sage Helps Tennessee CTE Programs

AI-Powered Curriculum

Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months

Tennessee Standards Built In

Pre-loaded with Tennessee's CTE standards and frameworks

Teacher Customization

Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment

Ongoing Updates

Curriculum stays current as Tennessee standards and industry needs evolve

Related Pathways in Tennessee

Automotive Technology

Tennessee's Automotive Technology pathway provides comprehensive training for careers in automotive service, repair, diagnostics, and related transportation fields. This program prepares students to service increasingly complex modern vehicles equipped with advanced electronics, computerized systems, hybrid/electric powertrains, and driver assistance technologies. With Tennessee's automotive manufacturing presence including Nissan, General Motors, and Volkswagen, plus extensive dealership and service networks, skilled automotive technicians are consistently in demand throughout the state. The pathway follows a progressive sequence building from fundamental automotive systems through advanced diagnostics and specialized repair procedures. Students work with modern diagnostic equipment, manufacturer-specific tools, and actual vehicles in fully equipped automotive laboratories. The curriculum aligns with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and prepares students for ASE certifications recognized by Tennessee automotive employers. Safety, professionalism, and customer service skills are emphasized throughout the program. Tennessee's Automotive Technology programs emphasize both traditional mechanical systems and emerging automotive technologies including hybrid and electric vehicle systems, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), connected vehicle technologies, and alternative fuels. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are prepared for careers servicing current vehicles while adapting to the rapidly evolving automotive industry. Strong partnerships with Tennessee dealerships and automotive businesses provide work-based learning and employment opportunities.

Transportation

Industrial Maintenance Technology

Tennessee's Industrial Maintenance Technology pathway equips students for careers maintaining and repairing industrial equipment in manufacturing facilities throughout the state. As manufacturing modernizes, demand grows for technicians who understand electrical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and predictive maintenance technologies. Students develop competencies in troubleshooting mechanical and electrical systems, reading equipment schematics, using diagnostic instruments, and performing preventive maintenance. Laboratory work includes hands-on experience with motors, compressors, conveyors, and control systems. Graduates work as maintenance technicians, equipment specialists, predictive maintenance analysts, or shift supervisors at factories, power plants, and industrial complexes across Tennessee. Competitive wages ($45,000-$65,000) and strong job security make this a highly desirable pathway.

Advanced Manufacturing

Welding

Tennessee's Welding pathway provides comprehensive training for one of the state's most consistently in-demand skilled trades. This specialized manufacturing program prepares students for careers in construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, pipeline construction, and industrial maintenance. Tennessee's diverse industrial base—including automotive manufacturing, construction, and infrastructure maintenance—creates continuous demand for certified welders throughout the state. The pathway progresses through sequential courses building foundational skills in welding safety, oxyfuel cutting and welding, shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (MIG), and gas tungsten arc welding (TIG). Students gain extensive hands-on experience in modern welding laboratories equipped with industry-standard equipment, learning blueprint reading, welding metallurgy, weld quality inspection, and professional welding practices. The curriculum prepares students for American Welding Society (AWS) certifications recognized by Tennessee employers. Tennessee's Welding programs emphasize both traditional welding techniques and contemporary welding technologies including robotic welding systems and advanced welding processes. Strong industry partnerships throughout Tennessee provide students with apprenticeship opportunities, mentorship from master welders, and direct employment pathways. Graduates are prepared for immediate employment as entry-level welders, pursuit of advanced welding certifications, or continuation to welding technology degree programs.

Advanced Manufacturing

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