Automotive & Maintenance Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median diesel mechanic salary in Hilo, HI is $84,208 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$84,208
vs State Avg
$-9,972
vs National
+$28,808
Cost of Living
152%

Diesel Mechanic Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median diesel mechanic salary of $84,208, which is $9,972 below the Hawaii state average of $94,180. Compared to the national median of $55,400, Hilo pays above average for this role.

However, Hilo's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $84,208 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $55,400. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for diesel mechanics in Hilo spans from $53,200 at the 10th percentile to $124,640 at the 90th percentile — a $71,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,240, while senior diesel mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $118,560. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level diesel mechanic earns around $56,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,240
+$19,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,120
+$29,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,560
+$40,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $53,200
25th Percentile $65,360
Median (50th) $84,208
75th Percentile $104,880
90th Percentile $124,640

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$96,950
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$94,180
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$93,072
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$89,748
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Hilo

Education

Most diesel mechanic positions require a high school diploma. Hilo and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Diesel EnginesHydraulic SystemsElectrical DiagnosticsPreventive MaintenanceCDL KnowledgeWelding

Job Outlook

Nationally, diesel mechanic employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Hilo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Hilo

Browse open diesel mechanic positions in Hilo, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Diesel Mechanic Salary in Hilo

How much does a Diesel Mechanic make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median diesel mechanic salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $84,208 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $55,400. Salaries range from $53,200 (10th percentile) to $124,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Diesel Mechanic make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $84,208, a diesel mechanic in Hilo earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for diesel mechanic pay? ▼
Hilo's median diesel mechanic salary of $84,208 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $94,180. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Hilo, HI? ▼
Hilo has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a diesel mechanic salary of $84,208 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a diesel mechanic in Hilo? ▼
Most diesel mechanic positions in Hilo require a high school diploma. Key skills include Diesel Engines, Hydraulic Systems, Electrical Diagnostics, Preventive Maintenance. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.