Automotive & Maintenance Gulfport, MS Pop. 72,926

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Gulfport, Mississippi

The median diesel mechanic salary in Gulfport, MS is $45,428 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 1.2% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$45,428
vs State Avg
$-554
vs National
$-9,972
Cost of Living
82%

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

Gulfport offers a median diesel mechanic salary of $45,428, which is $554 below the Mississippi state average of $45,982. Compared to the national median of $55,400, Gulfport pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for diesel mechanics in Gulfport 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. Gulfport is a smaller market (pop. 72,926), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Gulfport by Experience

In Gulfport, 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 Gulfport, MS

Percentile Gulfport
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 Mississippi Cities

How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Gulfport

Education

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

Find Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Gulfport

Browse open diesel mechanic positions in Gulfport, MS:

Frequently Asked Questions: Diesel Mechanic Salary in Gulfport

How much does a Diesel Mechanic make in Gulfport, MS? ▼
The median diesel mechanic salary in Gulfport, Mississippi 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 Gulfport? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,428, a diesel mechanic in Gulfport earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Gulfport compare to the Mississippi state average for diesel mechanic pay? ▼
Gulfport's median diesel mechanic salary of $45,428 is 1.2% below the Mississippi state average of $45,982. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Gulfport, MS? ▼
Gulfport has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a diesel mechanic salary of $45,428 in Gulfport has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a diesel mechanic in Gulfport? ▼
Most diesel mechanic positions in Gulfport 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.