Automotive & Maintenance Salem, OR Pop. 175,535

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Salem, Oregon

The median diesel mechanic salary in Salem, OR is $56,508 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.3% below the Oregon state average.

City Median
$56,508
vs State Avg
$-4,432
vs National
+$1,108
Cost of Living
102%

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

Salem offers a median diesel mechanic salary of $56,508, which is $4,432 below the Oregon state average of $60,940. Compared to the national median of $55,400, Salem pays above average for this role.

Salem's cost of living is 102% 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 Salem spans from $35,700 at the 10th percentile to $83,640 at the 90th percentile — a $47,940 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,740, while senior diesel mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,560. With a population of 175,535, Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Salem by Experience

In Salem, an entry-level diesel mechanic earns around $37,740, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,740
+$740 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,120
+$1,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,560
+$1,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Salem, OR

Percentile Salem
10th Percentile $35,700
25th Percentile $43,860
Median (50th) $56,508
75th Percentile $70,380
90th Percentile $83,640

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Other Oregon Cities

How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Salem

Education

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

Find Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Salem

Browse open diesel mechanic positions in Salem, OR:

Frequently Asked Questions: Diesel Mechanic Salary in Salem

How much does a Diesel Mechanic make in Salem, OR? ▼
The median diesel mechanic salary in Salem, Oregon is $56,508 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $55,400. Salaries range from $35,700 (10th percentile) to $83,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Diesel Mechanic make per hour in Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,508, a diesel mechanic in Salem earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salem compare to the Oregon state average for diesel mechanic pay? ▼
Salem's median diesel mechanic salary of $56,508 is 7.3% below the Oregon state average of $60,940. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salem, OR? ▼
Salem has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a diesel mechanic salary of $56,508 in Salem has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a diesel mechanic in Salem? ▼
Most diesel mechanic positions in Salem 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.