Diesel Mechanic Salary in Iowa City, IA: $52,630 (2026)

Diesel Mechanic Pay in Iowa City: What to Expect (2026)

Iowa City offers a median diesel mechanic salary of $52,630, which is $3,324 above the Iowa state average of $49,306. Compared to the national median of $55,400, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City's cost of living is 95% 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 Iowa City spans from $33,250 at the 10th percentile to $77,900 at the 90th percentile — a $44,650 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,150, while senior diesel mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $74,100. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, an entry-level diesel mechanic earns around $35,150, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$35,150

$-1,850 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$53,200

$-2,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$74,100

$-3,900 vs national

Percentile	Iowa City	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$33,250	$31,150	$35,000
25th Percentile	$40,850	$38,270	$43,000
Median (50th)	$52,630	$49,306	$55,400
75th Percentile	$65,550	$61,410	$69,000
90th Percentile	$77,900	$72,980	$82,000

Percentile

Iowa City

10th Percentile

$33,250

25th Percentile

$40,850

Median (50th)

$52,630

75th Percentile

$65,550

90th Percentile

$77,900

How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Iowa City

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Diesel Mechanic Salary in Iowa City

How much does a Diesel Mechanic make in Iowa City, IA? ▼

The median diesel mechanic salary in Iowa City, Iowa is $52,630 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $55,400. Salaries range from $33,250 (10th percentile) to $77,900 (90th percentile).

How much does a Diesel Mechanic make per hour in Iowa City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $52,630, a diesel mechanic in Iowa City earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Iowa City's median diesel mechanic salary of $52,630 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $49,306. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼

Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a diesel mechanic salary of $52,630 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a diesel mechanic in Iowa City? ▼

Most diesel mechanic positions in Iowa City 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 Iowa City, Iowa