Whether it’s a national trucking company or a local delivery service, all kinds of businesses own and manage a fleet of vehicles. To make sure each vehicle is in good working order, these companies rely on fleet maintenance technicians and managers. NYADI The College of Transportation Technology serves students in Jamaica, NY, and the surrounding area. Here, we provide some insights into the career paths of fleet management and maintenance.

What Does a Fleet Maintenance Technician Do?

Fleet technicians are responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing vehicles. Depending on their work environment, they may service diesel engines or gasoline engines. For example, many trucking companies employ fleet technicians to ensure that tractor-trailers can safely transport goods. However, fleet technicians are also needed at companies like car rental agencies and taxi services.

Fleet maintenance technicians work in a fast-paced environment, and their tasks may vary from day to day. In general, they will work on:

• Diagnosing vehicle issues
• Performing repairs
• Documenting repairs in a service log
• Communicating with a fleet manager

Technicians may perform repairs at their job site, or they may need to travel if an offsite vehicle needs service. Both automotive and diesel technicians enjoy competitive pay: according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for diesel service technicians was $48,690 in 2021.  The median annual wage for automotive service technicians was $46,880.

What Does a Fleet Manager Do?

Like technicians, fleet managers are also responsible for caring for a commercial vehicle fleet. But while they may also assist with preventative maintenance and repairs, they have more management and oversight responsibilities. They often supervise maintenance technicians and may document the repairs that they perform. They are also often tasked with inspecting vehicles that have been returned to a fleet garage or running diagnostic checks before a vehicle goes into the field.

As part of their management role, these professionals often create and implement schedules, assigning vehicles and routes to specific drivers. They may also plan schedules for ongoing vehicle maintenance. Additionally, some fleet managers take on financial duties, such as purchasing new vehicles or arranging for the disposal of old or out-of-date vehicles. They may also create budgets for maintenance, driver staffing, and major capital purchases.

Because they are typically in more senior roles than fleet maintenance technicians, fleet managers enjoy high wages on average. According to the data reported by Indeed, the average salary for a fleet manager is $65,116 per year.

Preparing for a Career in Fleet Management or Maintenance

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in fleet maintenance or management, enrolling in technical college is a great way to prepare. Technical colleges and trade schools provide job-focused training, helping students build foundational knowledge in their field of study. Many technical colleges offer 2-year degrees or certificates, so students can enter the workforce as soon as possible.

Students who are interested in becoming fleet managers or fleet maintenance technicians will often focus on automotive and diesel technology. Because trade schools provide hands-on education, students will not only study vehicle maintenance and fleet logistics in the classroom – they’ll also get real-life experience working on vehicle diagnostics and repairs.

If you aren’t sure which particular career path you want to pursue, technical colleges and trade schools like NYADI offer career services. This department can help students learn about potential job opportunities after graduation. The career services department also can:

• Connect students with prospective employers and upcoming job fairs
• Help students create resumes and cover letters
• Assist students with preparing for interviews

Choose Career-Ready Education at NYADI

Are you passionate about finding a job as a fleet technician or manager? Get the training and skills you need at NYADI The College of Transportation Technology. Located in Jamaica, NY, and serving the surrounding areas, NYADI prepares students for rewarding careers in the automotive industry. Our academic programs include:

• Associate of Occupational Studies in Automotive Technology
• Associate of Occupational Studies in Automotive and Diesel Technology
• Certificate in Truck and Diesel Service Technology
• Certificate in Automotive Service Technology
• Certificate in Collision Repair Technology

To learn more about enrolling at NYADI or to sign up for an information session, contact an admissions representative today.