Automotive & Maintenance Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median diesel mechanic salary in Durham, NC is $52,630 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$52,630
vs State Avg
+$1,662
vs National
$-2,770
Cost of Living
95%

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

Durham offers a median diesel mechanic salary of $52,630, which is $1,662 above the North Carolina state average of $50,968. Compared to the national median of $55,400, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham'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 Durham 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. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, 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

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $33,250
25th Percentile $40,850
Median (50th) $52,630
75th Percentile $65,550
90th Percentile $77,900

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Durham

Education

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

Find Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Durham

Browse open diesel mechanic positions in Durham, NC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Diesel Mechanic Salary in Durham

How much does a Diesel Mechanic make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median diesel mechanic salary in Durham, North Carolina 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 Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,630, a diesel mechanic in Durham earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for diesel mechanic pay? ▼
Durham's median diesel mechanic salary of $52,630 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $50,968. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a diesel mechanic salary of $52,630 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a diesel mechanic in Durham? ▼
Most diesel mechanic positions in Durham 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.