Automotive & Maintenance Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median diesel mechanic salary in Chesapeake, VA is $54,292 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 5.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$54,292
vs State Avg
$-3,324
vs National
$-1,108
Cost of Living
98%

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

Chesapeake offers a median diesel mechanic salary of $54,292, which is $3,324 below the Virginia state average of $57,616. Compared to the national median of $55,400, Chesapeake pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% 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 Chesapeake spans from $34,300 at the 10th percentile to $80,360 at the 90th percentile — a $46,060 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,260, while senior diesel mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,440. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, an entry-level diesel mechanic earns around $36,260, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,260
$-740 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,880
$-1,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,440
$-1,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA

Percentile Chesapeake
10th Percentile $34,300
25th Percentile $42,140
Median (50th) $54,292
75th Percentile $67,620
90th Percentile $80,360

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$73,128
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$56,508
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$55,400
Pop. 226,610
Norfolk, VA
$53,184
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Chesapeake

Education

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

Find Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Chesapeake

Browse open diesel mechanic positions in Chesapeake, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Diesel Mechanic Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a Diesel Mechanic make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median diesel mechanic salary in Chesapeake, Virginia is $54,292 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $55,400. Salaries range from $34,300 (10th percentile) to $80,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Diesel Mechanic make per hour in Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,292, a diesel mechanic in Chesapeake earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for diesel mechanic pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median diesel mechanic salary of $54,292 is 5.8% below the Virginia state average of $57,616. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a diesel mechanic salary of $54,292 in Chesapeake has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a diesel mechanic in Chesapeake? ▼
Most diesel mechanic positions in Chesapeake 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.