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Do you love working on big equipment? A career in the diesel industry may be the perfect fit. You might be wondering, “How much do diesel mechanics make?” The answer is that diesel technician salary varies based on a variety of factors, including what equipment they work on and the industry they’re in.
Diesel mechanics, also known as diesel technicians, get to work on some of the most heavy-duty equipment on the planet, from engines on ships to oil rig, mining and agricultural machinery. They play a vital role in keeping our country and our economy moving forward. Without them, so many of the conveniences we’re accustomed to would simply not exist.
Diesel engines power a variety of different types of equipment, including:
According to John Gerhard, national education director for Universal Technical Institute (UTI), learning in a diesel technician training program is beneficial because it gives students many different avenues to pursue.
“Anyone who would like to have a lifelong skill and a career that can be used anywhere in the world should consider a diesel career,”1 John says.
There is a high demand for those who can service and repair diesel equipment. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists was $48,690 in May 2021.29 This means half of diesel technicians earned more and half earned less.
Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area. To help you plan your next career move, here's a look at how the 50 states rank in salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists as reported by BLS (median wages reported in May 2021; no data available for the District of Columbia):
Washington serves the Pacific Northwest and beyond as a leader in agriculture and food manufacturing, green technology, forestry, military, defense, and maritime industries. Diesel technicians here are needed to work on ships, farming equipment, forestry equipment and more. They also work in manufacturing, including on machines producing life science and global health products.
California, Hawaii and Massachusetts all tie for the second highest median annual salary for a diesel technician in 2021. Here’s some info about each:
A number of states tied for the fourth-highest diesel technician annual median salary for 2021. Here’s some info about each state:
According to World Atlas, Minnesota is another state with agriculture as a top industry, along with manufacturing and mining — all industries that are in need of diesel mechanics to keep it running. Minnesota is the country’s 17th largest economy, and agriculture isn’t just part of the economy, it’s a way of life in Minnesota. Another staple of life in Minnesota are the county fairs, which often mean great food and tons of fun.
Heading back to the East Coast for sixth place, Maryland is one of the original 13 colonies, and its economy reflects that. Since the colonial period, Maryland has had large tobacco farms and a large percentage of crops. In addition to agriculture, Maryland has a lot of manufacturing, and both are industries that rely on big machines—and diesel mechanics—to keep them running. Plus, you can enjoy stunning natural landscapes and delicious blue crabs if you choose to live and work in Maryland.
The Silver State is known for its mining and cattle ranching, along with tourism: Nevada is home to Las Vegas. The most important mining exports are gold and silver, hence the state’s nickname. These are all industries that rely on diesel technicians, which puts them in demand. Nevada is a great place for the outdoorsman, with the Colorado River, ATV tours, Lake Tahoe and historic routes to drive and explore.
Illinois’ industrial output includes fruits and vegetables, machinery, food processing, electrical equipment, chemical products and more, according to Livability. These industries require large diesel machines to keep them running, which means diesel mechanics are needed. Plus, Illinois is home to Chicago, with its beautiful architecture and deep-dish pizza.
Another state on the East Coast, New Hampshire relies on tourism for its economy. Tourists flock to the Lakes Region, Seacoast and White Mountains to name a few, and it has several historical attractions to explore. But more importantly for diesel technicians, New Hampshire also relies on health care and high-technology manufacturing, which means diesel technicians are needed to help keep the machinery running and delivered smoothly.
Being “America’s Dairyland” is more than just a catchy slogan. Wisconsin produces about 26% of the nation’s cheese each year thanks to more than 1 million cows and 8,000 licensed dairy farms. With agriculture being a large part of Wisconsin’s economy comes large diesel machines, making diesel technicians in demand in this state.
Now that you have a better understanding of the average median diesel mechanic salary and if you’re interested in working on large equipment that powers some of the world's biggest industries, completing a formal diesel training program can be a great place to start.
According to the BLS, employers prefer applicants who have completed postsecondary training in diesel engine repair. At UTI, you can complete our Diesel Technology program in just 45 weeks. We also offer a variety of specialized training programs, which can help prepare you for a career in a particular industry or with a certain manufacturer.15
For example, the Fendt Technician Academy program is designed for those looking to start their career as an agricultural service technician. Over the course of just 12 weeks, you can learn how to work on tractors from Fendt — part of the AGCO Corporation. This could help give you a competitive advantage as you pursue employment in the agriculture industry.11
To learn more about UTI’s programs, request information today. We’ll connect you with an Admissions Representative who can help you get started and answer any questions you may have!
Ever wonder what it takes to become a diesel mechanic? Learn about the qualifications and skills employers look for when hiring.
You can train to be an agricultural mechanic with the manufacturer-paid Fendt Technician Academy at UTI. Find out more here.
Thinking about pursuing a career in the diesel industry? Click here to learn more about light-duty vs. heavy duty-diesel training.
1) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
11) See program details for eligibility requirements and conditions that may apply.
15) Manufacturer-paid advanced training programs are conducted by UTI on behalf of manufacturers who determine acceptance criteria and conditions. These programs are not part of UTI’s accreditation. Programs available at select locations.
29) UTI’s Diesel Technology Program prepares graduates for entry-level positions using the provided training, primarily as diesel technicians. Estimated annual salary shown above is for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists as published in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages. Entry-level salaries are lower for UTI graduates. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on economic factors, personal credentials, work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer, and their compensation programs. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than as diesel truck technicians, including in industries such as heavy equipment repair, power generation, and agriculture. Salary information for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: The average annual entry-level salary range for persons employed as Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists (49-3031) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is $32,360 to $94,400 (Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development, May 2020 data https://lmi.dua.eol.mass.gov/lmi/OccupationalEmploymentAndWageSpecificOccupations#). Salary information for North Carolina: The U.S. Department of Labor estimates the hourly median wage for skilled diesel technicians in North Carolina is $22.89 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists). The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish entry-level salary data. However, the 25th and 10th percentile of hourly earnings in North Carolina are $18.59 and $17.03, respectively.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
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