How to Become a Diesel Mechanic: Qualifications & Requirements
Ever wonder what it takes to become a diesel mechanic? Learn about the qualifications and skills employers look for when hiring.
Do you love working on big equipment?
If the answer is yes, a career in the diesel industry may be a fit.
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. Diesel engines power a variety of different types of equipment, including:
Without them, so many of the conveniences we’re used to would simply not exist. They’re vital in keeping our country and economy moving forward.
So, how much do diesel mechanics make?
The answer: Diesel technician salaries vary based on many factors, including what equipment they work on, what industry they’re in and local wage trends.
To find out more about U.S. diesel mechanic salary trends according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2023, keep reading!
Skilled diesel technicians are in demand. In fact, there are more than 24,000 estimated average annual diesel technician job openings in the United States.43
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the United States was $54,360 in May 2022.29 This means half 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.
Read: How to Become a Diesel Mechanic
Diesel mechanics are paid based on a variety of factors such as local wage trends, prior experience, education, employer availability and much more. If you’re looking to improve your education and prepare for the field, you can start training in Universal Technical Institute’s 45-week Diesel Technology program!1,7
With our state-of-the-industry core diesel training, students can take diesel mechanic courses and learn how to diagnose, maintain and repair diesel technologies. By completing this program, graduates can prove to employers that they’ve developed in-demand industry skills.
Read: Is Becoming a Diesel Mechanic a Good Career Plan?
There are a variety of diesel mechanic careers to pursue, as specialized skills are valuable to multiple industries. A few common industries for diesel mechanics include:
As previously mentioned, the average salary for diesel mechanic roles can vary by experience, employer, demand and cost of living. To help you plan a potential career move, here's a look at how the top states rank in median wages for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists as reported by BLS.
Differences in state-by-state diesel mechanic salaries are due to factors such as local cost-of-living, the types of diesel facilities present in a region, the size of employers available in an area and local supply and demand.
Read: How to Train to Become a Bus Mechanic
Washington claims the top average diesel mechanic salary for 2021. The state 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.
The average diesel mechanic salaries in California, Hawaii and Massachusetts all tied for the second highest in 2021.
California’s economy is larger than entire countries like Mexico, Canada, Spain and South Korea. Major industries include agriculture, transportation, manufacturing and utilities. Diesel technicians are needed in the state to work on farm equipment, forestry equipment, ships, large trucks and more.
Hawai’i, the Aloha State, is home to several U.S. military bases for the Air Force, Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines. Hawai’i is also a major agricultural producer, exporting items like sugar cane, pineapple, coffee and macadamia nuts. These industries all rely on diesel equipment.
Manufacturing and fishing are two of the top industries in Massachusetts. Diesel technicians here work on ship equipment and in manufacturing sectors.
Alaska’s top economic industries include oil, fishing, timber, mining and agriculture. All of these industries use diesel-powered equipment. If you love the outdoors, you might consider pursuing a diesel career in Alaska.
Connecticut, the Constitution State, touts advanced manufacturing, bioscience and green technology among its top industries. The state is a manufacturer of jet engines, nuclear submarines, medical tools and green-energy technologies. Diesel equipment powers much of the work in these industries.
Five states tied for the fourth-highest median annual diesel mechanic salary for 2021.
Some of the biggest industries in Colorado include manufacturing, mining and agriculture. Within each of these sectors, diesel technicians may be able to find work.
New Jersey has diesel technician jobs for industries such as manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and pharmaceuticals. According to the state government website, New Jersey has been a top producer of pharmaceuticals and is the industry’s most strategically relevant manufacturing site .
New York has the third-largest economy in the U.S., Investopedia reports. The state is a major exporter of manufactured goods to other states and countries, and its role in technical manufacturing has risen in recent years.
According to World Atlas, approximately 90% of the land in North Dakota is devoted to farming. This means diesel technicians who can work on agricultural equipment are essential to the state’s economy.
When combining the relatively low cost of living with an above average salary in the diesel industry, Rhode Island can be a great place to live and work. According to WorldAtlas, manufacturing is a top industry in the state, which means there are lots of machinery in need of diesel mechanics to help keep Rhode Island’s economy going.
According to World Atlas, Minnesota is another state with agriculture as a top industry, along with manufacturing and mining — all industries that need diesel mechanics to keep them running.
Also, agriculture isn’t just part of its economy. I t’s a way of life in Minnesota. Another staple in Minnesota is 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 large farms with other crops.
Maryland is also home to a bustling manufacturing industry. Both manufacturing and agriculture 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 where diesel technicians are in demand. Nevada is a great place for those who love the outdoors, 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 iconic 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. The state also has several historical attractions to explore.
More importantly for diesel technicians, New Hampshire relies on health care and high-technology manufacturing. They help keep these industries’ machinery running and delivered smoothly, the state needs local skilled diesel mechanics.
“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, diesel technicians in demand in this state.
Rank | State | Annual Median Wage |
---|---|---|
1 | WA | $60,780 |
2 | CA | $60,550 |
HI | $60,550 | |
MA | $60,550 | |
3 | AK | $60,270 |
CT | $60,270 | |
4 | CO | $59,770 |
ND | $59,770 | |
NJ | $59,770 | |
NY | $59,770 | |
RI | $59,770 | |
5 | MN | $59,250 |
6 | MD | $59,190 |
7 | NV | $59,130 |
8 | IL | $58,150 |
9 | NH | $54,140 |
10 | WI | $49,380 |
11 | UT | $49,240 |
12 | OR | $48,720 |
13 | VA | $48,630 |
WY | $48,630 | |
14 | AZ | $48,480 |
15 | DE | $48,390 |
16 | FL | $48,340 |
17 | LA | $48,210 |
18 | PA | $48,190 |
19 | IA | $48,050 |
20 | SD | $47,990 |
21 | KS | $47,870 |
22 | MI | $47,850 |
TX | $47,850 | |
23 | OH | $47,840 |
24 | NC | $47,600 |
25 | MT | $47,410 |
26 | IN | $47,400 |
VT | $47,400 | |
27 | GA | $47,310 |
NM | $47,310 | |
TN | $47,310 | |
28 | ID | $47,200 |
29 | ME | $47,160 |
30 | KY | $47,120 |
MO | $47,120 | |
NE | $47,120 | |
OK | $47,120 | |
31 | AL | $46,420 |
MS | $46,420 | |
32 | AR | $42,700 |
33 | SC | $40,220 |
34 | WV | $38,640 |
— | DC | N/A |
The BLS reports that diesel mechanics who work in scheduled air transportation are the highest paid.
The BLS reports that the median hourly wage for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the United States was $26.14 as of May 2022.
Diesel technician salary is determined by several factors, including experience, employer, demand and the cost of living in the area.
According to the BLS in May 2022, the median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the United States was $54,360 while the median annual salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the United States was $46,970.25
In addition to having a specific set of technician traits, such as analytical skills and the ability to think on your feet, becoming a diesel mechanic requires specific training. Some mechanics receive on-the-job training after graduating from high school. Professionals and aspiring technicians should also be taking the initiative to learn about new diesel technology within the field, even years after graduating.
However, completing a formal diesel training program can be a great place to learn how to become a diesel mechanic. Attending a technical school like UTI can provide you with hands-on training with the tools and machines that are used in the field.18
Read: What is a Heavy-Duty Diesel Mechanic?
Now that you have a better understanding of the annual average diesel mechanic salary, you may be interested in learning how to service large equipment that powers some of the world's biggest industries.
To learn more about UTI’s Diesel Technology training program, click the links below or call 1-800-834-7308 to connect with an Admissions Representative who can help you get started and answer any questions you may have!
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