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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 which 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 having 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.1
“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,” John says.
There is a demand for those who can service and repair diesel equipment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports 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.
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 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 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 salary in California, Hawaii and Massachusetts all tied for the second highest in 2021. Here’s some info about each:
Five states tied for the fourth-highest median annual diesel mechanic 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 need diesel mechanics to keep them 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 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 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 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 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 the state has several historical attractions to explore. But more importantly for diesel technicians, New Hampshire 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.
According to the BLS, diesel mechanics who work in the natural gas distribution industry are among the highest paid.
Diesel mechanic skills are in demand because they’re vital to some of society’s most important industries, including mining, agriculture, construction, transportation and manufacturing. According to the BLS, there are more than 28,000 estimated average annual diesel technician job openings in the U.S.43
In addition to having a specific set of 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. However, 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 Doing so can help ease the transition into the workforce.1
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. Completing a formal diesel training program can be a great place to learn how to become a diesel mechanic.
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.7 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 pursue a career as an agricultural service technician. Over the course of just eight weeks, you can learn how to work on tractors from Fendt, which is part of the AGCO Corporation. This could help you as you pursue employment in the agriculture industry.
To learn more about UTI’s programs and Diesel program locations, 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.
7) Some programs may require longer than one year to complete.
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.
18) UTI now offers all of its automotive, diesel, motorcycle and marine technician training in a blended learning format consisting of online lecture courses along with in-person, hands-on lab training.
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 2022 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 $24.18 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, May 2022 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 $20.56 and $17.49, respectively.
43) For Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an annual average of 28,500 job openings between 2021 and 2031. Job openings include openings due to net employment changes and net replacements. See Table 1.10 Occupational separations and openings, projected 2021-31, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, viewed October 13, 2022. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
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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