Automotive & Maintenance Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median diesel mechanic salary in Lafayette, LA is $48,752 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$48,752
vs State Avg
$-1,662
vs National
$-6,648
Cost of Living
88%

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

Lafayette offers a median diesel mechanic salary of $48,752, which is $1,662 below the Louisiana state average of $50,414. Compared to the national median of $55,400, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette'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 Lafayette an attractive option for diesel mechanics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for diesel mechanics in Lafayette 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 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, 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

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $30,800
25th Percentile $37,840
Median (50th) $48,752
75th Percentile $60,720
90th Percentile $72,160

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$54,292
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$50,968
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$47,644
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$47,090
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open diesel mechanic positions in Lafayette, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Diesel Mechanic Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Diesel Mechanic make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median diesel mechanic salary in Lafayette, Louisiana 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 Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,752, a diesel mechanic in Lafayette earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for diesel mechanic pay? ▼
Lafayette's median diesel mechanic salary of $48,752 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $50,414. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a diesel mechanic salary of $48,752 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a diesel mechanic in Lafayette? ▼
Most diesel mechanic positions in Lafayette 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.