Diesel Mechanic Salary in Great Falls, MT: $48,752 (2026)

Diesel Mechanic Pay in Great Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Great Falls offers a median diesel mechanic salary of $48,752, which is $3,878 below the Montana state average of $52,630. Compared to the national median of $55,400, Great Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for diesel mechanics in Great Falls 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. Great Falls is a smaller market (pop. 60,442), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Great Falls by Experience

In Great Falls, 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	Great Falls	MT State	National
10th Percentile	$30,800	$33,250	$35,000
25th Percentile	$37,840	$40,850	$43,000
Median (50th)	$48,752	$52,630	$55,400
75th Percentile	$60,720	$65,550	$69,000
90th Percentile	$72,160	$77,900	$82,000

Percentile

Great Falls

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 Great Falls

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Diesel Mechanic Salary in Great Falls

How much does a Diesel Mechanic make in Great Falls, MT? ▼

The median diesel mechanic salary in Great Falls, Montana 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 Great Falls? ▼

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

How does Great Falls compare to the Montana state average for diesel mechanic pay? ▼

Great Falls's median diesel mechanic salary of $48,752 is 7.4% below the Montana state average of $52,630. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Great Falls, MT? ▼

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

What qualifications do I need to become a diesel mechanic in Great Falls? ▼

Most diesel mechanic positions in Great Falls 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 Great Falls, Montana