Automotive & Maintenance Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median diesel mechanic salary in Tacoma, WA is $60,940 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$60,940
vs State Avg
$-2,770
vs National
+$5,540
Cost of Living
110%

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

Tacoma offers a median diesel mechanic salary of $60,940, which is $2,770 below the Washington state average of $63,710. Compared to the national median of $55,400, Tacoma pays above average for this role.

Tacoma's cost of living is 110% 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 Tacoma spans from $38,500 at the 10th percentile to $90,200 at the 90th percentile — a $51,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,700, while senior diesel mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,800. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level diesel mechanic earns around $40,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,700
+$3,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,600
+$5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,800
+$7,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $38,500
25th Percentile $47,300
Median (50th) $60,940
75th Percentile $75,900
90th Percentile $90,200

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Tacoma

Education

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

Find Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open diesel mechanic positions in Tacoma, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Diesel Mechanic Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Diesel Mechanic make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median diesel mechanic salary in Tacoma, Washington is $60,940 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $55,400. Salaries range from $38,500 (10th percentile) to $90,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Diesel Mechanic make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,940, a diesel mechanic in Tacoma earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for diesel mechanic pay? ▼
Tacoma's median diesel mechanic salary of $60,940 is 4.3% below the Washington state average of $63,710. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a diesel mechanic salary of $60,940 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a diesel mechanic in Tacoma? ▼
Most diesel mechanic positions in Tacoma 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.