Diesel Mechanic Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA: $48,752 (2026)

Diesel Mechanic Pay in Cedar Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Cedar Rapids offers a median diesel mechanic salary of $48,752, which is $554 below the Iowa state average of $49,306. Compared to the national median of $55,400, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $48,752 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,400 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for diesel mechanics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for diesel mechanics in Cedar Rapids spans from $30,800 at the 10th percentile to $72,160 at the 90th percentile — a $41,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,560, while senior diesel mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,640. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience

In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level diesel mechanic earns around $32,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$32,560

$-4,440 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$49,280

$-6,720 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$68,640

$-9,360 vs national

Percentile	Cedar Rapids	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$30,800	$31,150	$35,000
25th Percentile	$37,840	$38,270	$43,000
Median (50th)	$48,752	$49,306	$55,400
75th Percentile	$60,720	$61,410	$69,000
90th Percentile	$72,160	$72,980	$82,000

Percentile

Cedar Rapids

10th Percentile

$30,800

25th Percentile

$37,840

Median (50th)

$48,752

75th Percentile

$60,720

90th Percentile

$72,160

How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Cedar Rapids

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Diesel Mechanic Salary in Cedar Rapids

How much does a Diesel Mechanic make in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼

The median diesel mechanic salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is $48,752 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $55,400. Salaries range from $30,800 (10th percentile) to $72,160 (90th percentile).

How much does a Diesel Mechanic make per hour in Cedar Rapids? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $48,752, a diesel mechanic in Cedar Rapids earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Cedar Rapids compare to the Iowa state average for diesel mechanic pay? ▼

Cedar Rapids's median diesel mechanic salary of $48,752 is 1.1% below the Iowa state average of $49,306. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼

Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a diesel mechanic salary of $48,752 in Cedar Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a diesel mechanic in Cedar Rapids? ▼

Most diesel mechanic positions in Cedar Rapids 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.

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa