Diesel mechanics are the backbone of the trucking industry. They work on diesel engines and drive trains, maintaining them and repairing them as needed. They are responsible for keeping engines in good working order and preventing malfunctions from occurring.
Diesel mechanics are also responsible for maintaining a clean work environment and making sure that their area is safe for others to be around. This can include ensuring that all tools are organized, that there is no combustible material nearby, and that there are no hazards present in any way.
Diesel mechanics typically have a high school diploma or GED equivalent and may receive additional training through vocational schools or apprenticeships. They may also be required to pass an exam before they can become licensed mechanics who work on trucks or other vehicles with diesel engines.
The median income for diesel mechanics in the United States was $37,750 per year as of 2015, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10 percent earned $23,370 or less per year while the highest 10 percent took home more than $65,020 per year.
Diesel Mechanic Highest Salary
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:
- Power generators
- Locomotives
- Construction equipment
- Large trucks
- Farm equipment
- Forestry equipment
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.
How Much Does a Diesel Mechanic Make?
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 $50,200 in May 2020.29 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 and District of Columbia rank in salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists as reported by BLS (median wages reported in May 2020):
Top 10 Annual Average Diesel Mechanics Salary:
1. Alaska: $62,820
Top economic industries in Alaska include oil, fishing, timber, mining and agriculture. All of these industries use diesel-powered equipment. If you love the outdoors, you might consider a diesel career here.
2. Connecticut: $60,200
Connecticut has named advanced manufacturing, bioscience and green technology among its top five 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.
3. Massachusetts: $60,150
Manufacturing and fishing have been two of the top industries in Massachusetts. The state’s manufacturing industry produces many products, including computer and electronic equipment such as microchips, automation products, and military communication devices. Fish is a significant export for the state, and food processing and storage is also prominent in the Massachusetts economy. Diesel technicians here work on ship equipment and in manufacturing sectors.
4. Hawaii: $60,020
Hawaii is home to several U.S. military bases, spanning Air Force, Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines. Hawaii is also a major agricultural producer, exporting items such as sugar cane, pineapple, coffee and macadamia nuts. Manufacturing is another prominent industry in Hawaii, which is a significant producer of cotton-based products. These industries all rely on diesel equipment.
5. Washington: $59,500
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.
6. New Jersey: $59,030
The state of 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 most strategically relevant manufacturing location. Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean makes it a key gateway for exporting.
7. California: $58,980
California’s economy is larger than entire countries such as 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.
8. District of Columbia: $58,480
Construction is one of the fastest-growing industries in Washington, D.C., especially home construction. The Washingtonian reports the number of jobs in construction is expected to jump from 147,000 jobs in 2014 to 264,000 jobs in 2044. This means more diesel technicians who can work on construction machinery will likely be needed as well.
9. North Dakota: $56,990
Agriculture, oil and gas, and mining are among some of the top industries in North Dakota. According to World Atlas, approximately 90% of the land in North Dakota is devoted to farming, covering an area of 27.5 million acres, which is the third-largest cropland in the country. This means diesel technicians who can work on agricultural equipment are essential to the state’s economy.
10. New York: $56,320
The state of New York has the third-largest economy in the United States, Investopedia reports, and if the state were a country, it would rank around 15th in the world in economic size. Top economic sectors in New York include retail and manufacturing. New York is a major exporter of manufactured goods to other states and countries, and its role in technical manufacturing has risen in recent years.
Ranking All 50 States and the District of Columbia
| Rank | State | Annual Median Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $62,820 |
| 2 | Connecticut | $60,200 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $60,150 |
| 4 | Hawaii | $60,020 |
| 5 | Washington | $59,500 |
| 6 | New Jersey | $59,030 |
| 7 | California | $58,980 |
| 8 | District of Columbia | $58,480 |
| 9 | North Dakota | $56,990 |
| 10 | New York | $56,320 |
| 11 | Maryland | $55,180 |
| 12 | Rhode Island | $54,540 |
| 13 | Colorado | $54,120 |
| 14 | New Hampshire | $54,070 |
| 15 | Nevada | $53,420 |
| 16 | Wyoming | $52,870 |
| 17 | Minnesota | $52,580 |
| 18 | Louisiana | $52,510 |
| 19 | Oregon | $51,640 |
| 20 | Montana | $51,140 |
