Diesel Mechanic Salary in 2026
Diesel mechanics inspect, repair, and maintain diesel engines in trucks, buses, construction equipment, and generators. They diagnose mechanical and electronic issues.
Median Salary
$56,000
$4,667/mo
Entry Level
$36,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$75,000
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
Diesel Mechanic Overview
Diesel mechanics inspect, repair, and maintain diesel engines in trucks, buses, construction equipment, and generators. They diagnose mechanical and electronic issues.
Education
Trade School Certificate
Experience
1-3 years
Industry
Transportation
Total Jobs (US)
290K
5-Year Growth
+12%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$26.92/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,667
Diesel Mechanic Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Diesel Mechanic salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Diesel Mechanic Salary
$62,000
$5,167/month · $2,385/biweekly · $29.81/hr
Diesel Mechanic Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Diesel Mechanic field.
Entry-level Diesel Mechanics earn around $36,000, while the top 10% earn $83,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Diesel Mechanics
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $66,000 | +$10,000 |
| Illinois | $58,000 | +$2,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $56,000 | $0 |
| Texas | $55,000 | $-1,000 |
| Ohio | $53,000 | $-3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Diesel Mechanics
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $63,000 | +$7,000 |
| Chicago | $59,000 | +$3,000 |
| Philadelphia | $57,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $55,000 | $-1,000 |
| Columbus | $53,000 | $-3,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Diesel Mechanic Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Diesel Mechanic from entry level to expert.
$36,000
0-2 years
$56,000
3-7 years
$75,000
8-14 years
$91,000
15+ years
Related Trades Jobs
Diesel Mechanic Salary FAQ
Explore More Job Salaries
Compare salary data for hundreds of jobs across all industries. Find out what you should be earning.