Employment of heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations.  

As the stock of heavy vehicles and mobile equipment continues to increase, more service technicians will be needed to maintain them. Growth rates will vary by specialty. 

Employment of farm equipment mechanics and service technicians is projected to grow 7 percent, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Demand for farm equipment repairers will be driven primarily by the need for agricultural products to feed a growing population. Demand for other products, such as biofuels, will also increase repairer employment. 

Employment of mobile heavy equipment mechanics is projected to grow 5 percent, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Population and business growth will result in the construction of more houses, office buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures, creating a steady demand for mobile heavy equipment mechanics.

Employment of rail car repairers is projected to grow 3 percent, slower than the average for all occupations. Rail car repairers will continue to be needed to repair rail cars used for freight shipping and transportation, as well as public transportation.

Job Prospects

Most job opportunities will come from the need to replace workers who retire or leave the occupation. Those who have completed formal postsecondary training programs should enjoy the best job prospects. Those without formal training or certification are likely to face strong competition for entry-level jobs.

The majority of job openings are expected to be in sectors that sell, rent, or lease heavy vehicles and mobile equipment, where a large proportion of service technicians are employed.

The construction and mining industries, which use large numbers of heavy equipment, are sensitive to fluctuations in the economy. As a result, job opportunities for service technicians in these sectors will vary with overall economic conditions.

Job opportunities for farm equipment mechanics are seasonal, and are generally best during warmer months.