Automotive & Maintenance Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median diesel mechanic salary in Rockford, IL is $45,428 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$45,428
vs State Avg
$-7,202
vs National
$-9,972
Cost of Living
82%

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

Rockford offers a median diesel mechanic salary of $45,428, which is $7,202 below the Illinois state average of $52,630. Compared to the national median of $55,400, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $45,428 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,400 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for diesel mechanics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for diesel mechanics in Rockford spans from $28,700 at the 10th percentile to $67,240 at the 90th percentile — a $38,540 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,340, while senior diesel mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $63,960. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level diesel mechanic earns around $30,340, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,340
$-6,660 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,920
$-10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,960
$-14,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $28,700
25th Percentile $35,260
Median (50th) $45,428
75th Percentile $56,580
90th Percentile $67,240

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$59,832
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$59,278
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$52,630
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$47,090
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Rockford

Education

Most diesel mechanic positions require a high school diploma. Rockford and the surrounding Illinois 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 Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Rockford

Browse open diesel mechanic positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Diesel Mechanic Salary in Rockford

How much does a Diesel Mechanic make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median diesel mechanic salary in Rockford, Illinois is $45,428 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $55,400. Salaries range from $28,700 (10th percentile) to $67,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Diesel Mechanic make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,428, a diesel mechanic in Rockford earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for diesel mechanic pay? ▼
Rockford's median diesel mechanic salary of $45,428 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $52,630. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a diesel mechanic salary of $45,428 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a diesel mechanic in Rockford? ▼
Most diesel mechanic positions in Rockford 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.