Automotive & Maintenance Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median diesel mechanic salary in Des Moines, IA is $50,968 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$50,968
vs State Avg
+$1,662
vs National
$-4,432
Cost of Living
92%

Diesel Mechanic Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median diesel mechanic salary of $50,968, which is $1,662 above the Iowa state average of $49,306. Compared to the national median of $55,400, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for diesel mechanics in Des Moines spans from $32,200 at the 10th percentile to $75,440 at the 90th percentile — a $43,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,040, while senior diesel mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $71,760. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level diesel mechanic earns around $34,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $71,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,040
$-2,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,520
$-4,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$71,760
$-6,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $32,200
25th Percentile $39,560
Median (50th) $50,968
75th Percentile $63,480
90th Percentile $75,440

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$52,630
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$48,752
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$47,644
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$46,536
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Des Moines

Education

Most diesel mechanic positions require a high school diploma. Des Moines 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 Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open diesel mechanic positions in Des Moines, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Diesel Mechanic Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Diesel Mechanic make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median diesel mechanic salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $50,968 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $55,400. Salaries range from $32,200 (10th percentile) to $75,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Diesel Mechanic make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,968, a diesel mechanic in Des Moines earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for diesel mechanic pay? ▼
Des Moines's median diesel mechanic salary of $50,968 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $49,306. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a diesel mechanic salary of $50,968 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a diesel mechanic in Des Moines? ▼
Most diesel mechanic positions in Des Moines 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.