Diesel Mechanic Salary in Knoxville, TN: $48,752 (2026)

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

Knoxville offers a median diesel mechanic salary of $48,752, which is $554 below the Tennessee state average of $49,306. Compared to the national median of $55,400, Knoxville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for diesel mechanics in Knoxville 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 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, 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	Knoxville	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$30,800	$31,150	$35,000
25th Percentile	$37,840	$38,270	$43,000
Median (50th)	$48,752	$49,306	$55,400
75th Percentile	$60,720	$61,410	$69,000
90th Percentile	$72,160	$72,980	$82,000

Percentile

Knoxville

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 Knoxville

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Diesel Mechanic Salary in Knoxville

How much does a Diesel Mechanic make in Knoxville, TN? ▼

The median diesel mechanic salary in Knoxville, Tennessee 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 Knoxville? ▼

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

How does Knoxville compare to the Tennessee state average for diesel mechanic pay? ▼

Knoxville's median diesel mechanic salary of $48,752 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $49,306. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Knoxville, TN? ▼

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

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

Most diesel mechanic positions in Knoxville 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 Knoxville, Tennessee