Automotive & Maintenance
Diesel Mechanic Salary
Diesel mechanics inspect, repair, and overhaul diesel engines in trucks, buses, and heavy equipment.
Median Salary
$55,400
Mean Salary
$57,800
Total Employed
277,000
Job Growth
+5%
Diesel Mechanic Salary by Experience Level
Entry-level diesel mechanics earn around $37,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $56,000. Senior-level diesel mechanics can earn $78,000 or more.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,000 Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,000 Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,000 Salary Percentile Breakdown
The salary range for diesel mechanics varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $35,000, while the top 10% earn $82,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $35,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,000 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $55,400 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $82,000 |
Diesel Mechanic Salary by State
Diesel Mechanic salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $94,180, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $45,982.
| State | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Hawaii | $94,180 | Details → |
| #2 California | $76,452 | Details → |
| #3 Massachusetts | $74,790 | Details → |
| #4 Alaska | $68,696 | Details → |
| #5 New York | $67,588 | Details → |
| #6 New Jersey | $63,710 | Details → |
| #7 Washington | $63,710 | Details → |
| #8 Connecticut | $62,048 | Details → |
| #9 Maryland | $60,940 | Details → |
| #10 Oregon | $60,940 | Details → |
| #11 Colorado | $58,170 | Details → |
| #12 New Hampshire | $58,170 | Details → |
| #13 Rhode Island | $58,170 | Details → |
| #14 Virginia | $57,616 | Details → |
| #15 Delaware | $55,954 | Details → |
| #16 Vermont | $55,954 | Details → |
| #17 Florida | $54,292 | Details → |
| #18 Maine | $54,292 | Details → |
| #19 Arizona | $53,738 | Details → |
| #20 Minnesota | $53,738 | Details → |
| #21 Nevada | $53,738 | Details → |
| #22 Utah | $53,738 | Details → |
| #23 Pennsylvania | $53,184 | Details → |
| #24 Illinois | $52,630 | Details → |
| #25 Montana | $52,630 | Details → |
| #26 Idaho | $52,076 | Details → |
| #27 Georgia | $51,522 | Details → |
| #28 New Mexico | $51,522 | Details → |
| #29 North Carolina | $50,968 | Details → |
| #30 Texas | $50,968 | Details → |
| #31 Wisconsin | $50,968 | Details → |
| #32 Wyoming | $50,968 | Details → |
| #33 Louisiana | $50,414 | Details → |
| #34 Indiana | $49,860 | Details → |
| #35 Michigan | $49,860 | Details → |
| #36 Nebraska | $49,860 | Details → |
| #37 North Dakota | $49,860 | Details → |
| #38 Ohio | $49,860 | Details → |
| #39 Iowa | $49,306 | Details → |
| #40 South Carolina | $49,306 | Details → |
| #41 Tennessee | $49,306 | Details → |
| #42 Missouri | $48,752 | Details → |
| #43 South Dakota | $48,752 | Details → |
| #44 Alabama | $48,198 | Details → |
| #45 Kansas | $48,198 | Details → |
| #46 Kentucky | $48,198 | Details → |
| #47 Oklahoma | $47,644 | Details → |
| #48 Arkansas | $46,536 | Details → |
| #49 West Virginia | $46,536 | Details → |
| #50 Mississippi | $45,982 | Details → |
Key Responsibilities
- ● Diagnose diesel engine problems
- ● Perform scheduled maintenance
- ● Inspect diesel vehicles
- ● Replace transmissions and brakes
- ● Maintain service records
Top Skills
Diesel Engines Hydraulic Systems Electrical Diagnostics Preventive Maintenance CDL Knowledge Welding
Education Required
High school diploma
Job Outlook
Faster than average — projected 5% growth over the next decade