Diesel Mechanic Salary Guide: How Much Can You Earn

As a diesel mechanic, you inspect, maintain, and repair diesel engines for vehicles like trucks, buses, and construction equipment. You have many responsibilities and perform a wide range of tasks including diagnostics, engine disassembly, fuel system servicing, and brake system repairs to ensure optimal performance and safety. But what can you earn at the job? Whether you are a newcomer to the trade or a seasoned technician, understanding the labor market, salary ranges across the country, and growth opportunities can help you decide if this is the career for you and where you may want to work.

This guide aims to provide a detailed breakdown of what you can expect for salary range, regional demand, the most sought-after skills in the trade, and potential growth opportunities as a diesel repair technician in the United States.

What is the Salary Range for Diesel mechanics in the United States?

The salary range for diesel mechanics in the United States varies based on your skills, experience, location, and specialization. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for diesel mechanics and service technicians was $58,970 as of May 2023¹. Entry-level technicians can expect to start around $39,000 annually, while experienced technicians with specialized skills can earn upwards of $82,000².

Additionally, factors such as overtime pay, bonuses, and benefits like health insurance and retirement plans can significantly impact your overall compensation. Your pay can be affected by other factors too, like where you decide to live, so it's important to know the cities and states that have higher earnings for diesel mechanics.

Where do Diesel Mechanics Earn the Most?

When it comes to diesel technician salaries, urban areas, and areas with a higher cost of living typically offer higher salaries for diesel mechanics compared to rural locations due to higher demand for services. According to BLS data, many urban areas project higher earnings than the national median salary^3a. Examples from both coasts include:

• San Francisco CA - up to $83,370 per year^3b
• New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA - $72,500^3b

Rural areas likely offer lower salaries, but there still may be benefits to the settings that can raise the strength of your take-home pay. These regions have lower costs of living and transportation prices, so it's important to consider what you value the most.

What Factors Affect Diesel Mechanic Salaries?

In addition to location, other factors can affect salary like the type of work you perform and the kinds of diesel engines or vehicles you work on. Working in government facilities, wholesale trade, fleet truck dealerships, and truck transportation services, can earn you a higher wage and are considered some of the top industries for diesel mechanics. Some companies will offer commission to diesel mechanics and overtime pay is common¹.

Where is the Most Demand for Diesel Repair Techs?

Although demand for diesel mechanics is expected to remain steady nationwide, some regions projecting will see more growth than others. States like Texas, California, Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania are among the states with the highest current employment level in the US⁴. Some other states like Colorado⁵, Connecticut⁶, Indiana⁷, New Jersey⁸, and Tennessee⁹ project growth rates over the decade that is well above the national average and should be on the list of places to consider if you want to enter this field. This growth is affected by factors like population growth, increased use of diesel engine vehicles, and higher needs for repair services. And some of the top cities/regions in those states include¹⁰:

• New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA
• Denver - Aurora - Lakewood, CO
• Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
• Hartford - West Hartford - East Hartford, CT
• Colorado Springs, CO

What Career Growth Is Available for Diesel mechanics?

While overtime compensation and commission can add to your salary, you can also receive a bump in pay as you learn more skills and obtain new certifications. Advancing to master technician roles or specializing in high-demand skillsets like electronic systems or alternative fuel vehicles can significantly enhance earning potential¹¹. With sufficient experience, you might consider managerial positions or even starting your own repair business someday.

What Certifications Do Diesel Mechanics Get?

If you want to be considered for managerial or higher earning positions, it's wise to look into certifications that can better validate your knowledge and credentials. You can earn certifications through the National Institute of Automotive Excellence (ASE). The ASE certifications show your potential employers that you have a dedication to the industry and want to continually increase your knowledge and skillset. There are more than 50 ASE certification tests that cover all you need to know about the auto repair and service industry. Among the certifications are:

• Medium-Heavy Truck
• Truck Equipment
• School & Transit Buses
• Auto & Truck Parts
• Military Tactical Wheeled Vehicles

What Technician Skills Will Add to Your Marketability?

As with other industries, there are many skills, abilities, and knowledge sets that are valued in diesel repair. You need technical and mechanical knowledge, but other sought-after qualities include customer service, computer systems and electronics, hydraulic and other systems knowledge, and critical thinking and quick problem solving¹². Your ability to perform the technical aspects of your job while also having good interpersonal skills can help you go far in your career.

Where Can You Work as a Diesel Mechanic?

Diesel mechanics are needed across the country in both rural and urban areas. You can look for positions at auto repair shops that specialize in diesel engine vehicles, marine diesel vehicles, truck and bus fleet dealerships, and even government facilities that have vehicles that require regular maintenance and repair. Once you gain enough skills and establish yourself in an area, you may even decide to consider self-employment.

What Are Common Perks and Benefits for Diesel Repair Techs?

Doing a job you love may be the most rewarding part of your career, but you can also look for additional benefits and perks. As you search for employment, ask about health and dental insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement for certification courses, tool allowances, and opportunities for career advancement through training programs. These benefits can enhance your overall compensation and contribute to job satisfaction and career longevity.

There's a lot you should consider about your future employer before you dive into a new role as a diesel mechanic. Much of your success will depend on your skills, credentials, passion for the profession and the amount of effort you put into your work. Do you have what it takes? Once you decide, consider everything in this guide as you make the decision on where you want to work as a diesel repair mechanic.

References:

¹ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024g, April 17). Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/diesel-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm#tab-5 Retrieved Aug 1, 2024

² U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024c, April 3). Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493031.htm#st:~:text=%24%2053%2C270-,Top%20paying%20states,-for%20Bus%20and Retrieved Aug 1, 2024

^3a National estimates for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493031.htm#st:~:text=(Median) Last updated on April 3, 2024. Retrieved on November 7, 2024.

^3b Top paying metropolitan areas for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493031.htm#st:~:text=Top%20Paying%20Metropolitan%20Areas Last updated on April 3, 2024. Retrieved on November 7, 2024.

⁴ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024c, April 3). Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493031.htm#st:~:text=States%20with%20the%20highest%20employment Retrieved Aug 1, 2024.

⁵ O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Local Salary Info: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Colorado. O*NET Resource Center. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/49-3031.00?st=CO Retrieved August 14, 2024

⁶ O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Local Salary Info: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Connecticut. O*NET Resource Center. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/49-3031.00?st=CT Retrieved August 14, 2024

⁷ O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Local Salary Info: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Indiana. O*NET Resource Center. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/49-3031.00?st=IN Retrieved August 14, 2024

⁸ O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Local Salary Info: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in New Jersey. O*NET Resource Center. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/49-3031.00?st=NJ Retrieved August 14, 2024

⁹ O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Local Salary Info: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Tennessee. O*NET Resource Center. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/49-3031.00?st=TN Retrieved August 14, 2024

¹⁰ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Automotive service technicians and mechanics: Occupational employment and wages, May 2022. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493031.htm#st:~:text=%24%2069%2C620-,Metropolitan%20areas,-with%20the%20highest Retrieved August 14, 2024

¹¹ 11 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Diesel service technicians and mechanics: Occupational outlook handbook. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/diesel-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm#tab-4:~:text=Licenses%2C%20Certifications%2C%20and%20Registrations Retrieved August 14, 2024.

¹² 12 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024j, April 17). Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/diesel-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm#tab-4:~:text=and%20large%20trucks.-,Important%20Qualities,-Customer%2Dservice%20skills Retrieved Aug 1, 2024.

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