Diesel mechanic salary
BLS occupation: Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists · Installation, maintenance and repair · data for May 2025
Median salary $61,770 a year, US
Median hourly pay $29.70 an hour
Middle half earn $50,540–$75,470 25th to 75th percentile
Diesel mechanics employed 289,960 +3.6% projected by 2035
How much does a diesel mechanic make?
- The median diesel mechanic salary in the US is $61,770 a year ($29.70 an hour): half of the 289,960 diesel mechanics BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $64,320.
- The middle half earn between $50,540 and $75,470. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $44,530 and the top 10% more than $88,740.
- That is 21% more than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- Hawaii pays diesel mechanics the most (median $80,080), followed by Washington ($77,900) and Alaska ($75,580). West Virginia pays the least ($46,610).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in North Dakota, where the median is worth $74,315 in typical US prices, then Alaska and Hawaii. Hawaii's higher pay is offset by its prices (110.0 vs a US average of 100).
- In 179 of the 379 metro areas with data, the median diesel mechanic salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of diesel mechanics to grow 3.6% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 24,400 openings a year. The typical entry education is a high school diploma or equivalent.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what diesel mechanics are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Diesel mechanic salary range
Half of diesel mechanics earn between $50,540 and $75,470 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $44,530
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $50,540
Median Yearly pay: $61,770
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $75,470
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $88,740
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $44,530 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $50,540 |
| Median | $61,770 |
| Top 25% earn over | $75,470 |
| Top 10% earn over | $88,740 |
Diesel mechanic salary by state
Hawaii pays diesel mechanics the most; West Virginia the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($61,770), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $80,080 median |
| Washington | $77,900 median |
| Alaska | $75,580 median |
| Maryland | $74,790 median |
| California | $73,950 median |
| Massachusetts | $73,270 median |
| New Jersey | $72,340 median |
| New Hampshire | $71,390 median |
| Colorado | $70,480 median |
| New York | $70,100 median |
| Nevada | $68,410 median |
| Connecticut | $67,300 median |
| Rhode Island | $67,270 median |
| Minnesota | $66,840 median |
| North Dakota | $66,110 median |
| District of Columbia | $65,200 median |
| Utah | $64,350 median |
| Illinois | $64,340 median |
| Oregon | $63,970 median |
| Delaware | $63,590 median |
| Wisconsin | $62,450 median |
| Pennsylvania | $61,740 median |
| Arizona | $61,680 median |
| Wyoming | $61,580 median |
| Michigan | $61,420 median |
| Georgia | $61,370 median |
| Virginia | $61,090 median |
| Maine | $60,850 median |
| Indiana | $60,610 median |
| Florida | $60,490 median |
| Ohio | $60,470 median |
| Montana | $59,990 median |
| Iowa | $59,680 median |
| Kansas | $59,460 median |
| Vermont | $59,390 median |
| Missouri | $59,360 median |
| South Carolina | $59,330 median |
| Idaho | $59,230 median |
| Tennessee | $59,190 median |
| Nebraska | $59,140 median |
| Texas | $58,810 median |
| Louisiana | $58,680 median |
| South Dakota | $58,120 median |
| North Carolina | $57,490 median |
| New Mexico | $55,910 median |
| Kentucky | $55,480 median |
| Oklahoma | $55,340 median |
| Mississippi | $54,360 median |
| Arkansas | $52,330 median |
| Alabama | $50,470 median |
| West Virginia | $46,610 median |
Where diesel mechanic pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Diesel mechanics' pay goes furthest in North Dakota once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| North Dakota | $74,315 |
| Alaska | $73,838 |
| Hawaii | $72,832 |
| Washington | $72,795 |
| Maryland | $71,256 |
| Massachusetts | $69,281 |
| New Hampshire | $68,535 |
| Nevada | $68,424 |
| Colorado | $68,393 |
| Iowa | $68,002 |
Diesel mechanic pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $80,080 | $38.50 | $54,330 | $100,540 | 690 | $72,832 |
| Washington | $77,900 | $37.45 | $54,720 | $102,800 | 7,410 | $72,795 |
| Alaska | $75,580 | $36.34 | $52,000 | $98,610 | 860 | $73,838 |
| Maryland | $74,790 | $35.96 | $50,010 | $97,800 | 3,030 | $71,256 |
| California | $73,950 | $35.55 | $47,180 | $96,730 | 20,940 | $66,790 |
| Massachusetts | $73,270 | $35.23 | $49,400 | $99,460 | 4,870 | $69,281 |
| New Jersey | $72,340 | $34.78 | $49,140 | $94,150 | 8,160 | $66,486 |
| New Hampshire | $71,390 | $34.32 | $52,730 | $99,590 | 1,040 | $68,535 |
| Colorado | $70,480 | $33.88 | $47,450 | $96,450 | 4,600 | $68,393 |
| New York | $70,100 | $33.70 | $48,360 | $90,090 | 13,230 | $64,955 |
| Nevada | $68,410 | $32.89 | $48,770 | $97,720 | 1,990 | $68,424 |
| Connecticut | $67,300 | $32.36 | $45,260 | $97,220 | 2,860 | $64,955 |
| Rhode Island | $67,270 | $32.34 | $51,020 | $85,420 | 350 | $65,770 |
| Minnesota | $66,840 | $32.13 | $49,810 | $90,520 | 7,300 | $67,775 |
| North Dakota | $66,110 | $31.78 | $46,790 | $91,520 | 1,790 | $74,315 |
| District of Columbia | $65,200 | $31.35 | $49,930 | $93,040 | 110 | $59,326 |
| Utah | $64,350 | $30.94 | $46,970 | $83,140 | 2,690 | $65,089 |
| Illinois | $64,340 | $30.93 | $44,760 | $97,670 | 11,320 | $64,367 |
| Oregon | $63,970 | $30.75 | $47,690 | $90,700 | 3,770 | $61,890 |
| Delaware | $63,590 | $30.57 | $49,250 | $82,650 | 670 | $63,712 |
| Wisconsin | $62,450 | $30.02 | $45,250 | $82,210 | 6,750 | $66,369 |
| Pennsylvania | $61,740 | $29.68 | $45,910 | $80,440 | 12,630 | $63,276 |
| Arizona | $61,680 | $29.65 | $45,460 | $84,350 | 5,140 | $61,265 |
| Wyoming | $61,580 | $29.61 | $45,140 | $80,400 | 1,100 | $66,436 |
| Michigan | $61,420 | $29.53 | $45,240 | $81,010 | 9,020 | $63,835 |
| Georgia | $61,370 | $29.50 | $45,890 | $85,260 | 10,910 | $63,733 |
| Virginia | $61,090 | $29.37 | $45,250 | $79,150 | 8,070 | $60,423 |
| Maine | $60,850 | $29.25 | $45,760 | $79,450 | 1,380 | $62,700 |
| Indiana | $60,610 | $29.14 | $44,160 | $79,730 | 8,840 | $64,942 |
| Florida | $60,490 | $29.08 | $44,300 | $79,210 | 14,900 | $58,493 |
| Ohio | $60,470 | $29.07 | $44,860 | $78,120 | 14,240 | $65,180 |
| Montana | $59,990 | $28.84 | $44,880 | $77,700 | 1,230 | $63,384 |
| Iowa | $59,680 | $28.69 | $43,710 | $80,080 | 4,140 | $68,002 |
| Kansas | $59,460 | $28.59 | $43,610 | $81,000 | 3,300 | $66,017 |
| Vermont | $59,390 | $28.55 | $46,380 | $84,060 | 550 | $60,628 |
| Missouri | $59,360 | $28.54 | $41,170 | $82,480 | 6,780 | $65,362 |
| South Carolina | $59,330 | $28.52 | $41,440 | $76,670 | 3,360 | $63,286 |
| Idaho | $59,230 | $28.48 | $45,960 | $77,800 | 1,930 | $62,025 |
| Tennessee | $59,190 | $28.46 | $40,450 | $80,580 | 5,720 | $64,428 |
| Nebraska | $59,140 | $28.43 | $44,010 | $79,400 | 2,720 | $65,636 |
| Texas | $58,810 | $28.27 | $40,930 | $81,660 | 29,870 | $60,593 |
| Louisiana | $58,680 | $28.21 | $38,900 | $79,160 | 3,270 | $66,525 |
| South Dakota | $58,120 | $27.94 | $45,500 | $78,810 | 1,340 | $65,609 |
| North Carolina | $57,490 | $27.64 | $39,890 | $76,240 | 11,070 | $60,948 |
| New Mexico | $55,910 | $26.88 | $37,860 | $83,260 | 1,740 | $60,632 |
| Kentucky | $55,480 | $26.67 | $38,250 | $80,500 | 3,890 | $61,536 |
| Oklahoma | $55,340 | $26.61 | $37,250 | $76,130 | 3,970 | $62,999 |
| Mississippi | $54,360 | $26.13 | $37,390 | $82,020 | 3,140 | $62,517 |
| Arkansas | $52,330 | $25.16 | $38,620 | $69,260 | 4,090 | $60,193 |
| Alabama | $50,470 | $24.26 | $37,470 | $75,660 | 6,130 | $56,821 |
| West Virginia | $46,610 | $22.41 | $35,350 | $78,460 | 1,040 | $52,080 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Diesel mechanic salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes diesel mechanic pay: 383 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- San Jose, CA $88,980
- Honolulu, HI $85,040
- Seattle, WA $82,330
- San Francisco, CA $82,100
- Bremerton, WA $80,450
- Boulder, CO $79,030
- Olympia, WA $78,960
- Paducah, KY $78,900
- Bellingham, WA $78,330
- Napa, CA $78,070
Where the pay goes furthest
- Paducah, KY $91,655
- Minot, ND $83,651
- San Jose, CA $80,581
- Duluth, MN $76,875
- Honolulu, HI $76,640
- Longview, WA $76,631
- Savannah, GA $76,434
- Bremerton, WA $76,179
- Olympia, WA $76,165
- Bellingham, WA $75,803
All 383 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $88,980 | 720 | $80,581 | 51% |
| Honolulu, HI | $85,040 | 540 | $76,640 | 43% |
| Seattle, WA | $82,330 | 3,740 | $74,082 | 33% |
| San Francisco, CA | $82,100 | 1,730 | $71,013 | 50% |
| Bremerton, WA | $80,450 | 160 | $76,179 | 31% |
| Boulder, CO | $79,030 | 150 | $75,122 | 33% |
| Olympia, WA | $78,960 | 260 | $76,165 | 31% |
| Paducah, KY | $78,900 | 190 | $91,655 | 18% |
| Bellingham, WA | $78,330 | 220 | $75,803 | 30% |
| Napa, CA | $78,070 | 60 | $69,362 | 45% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $77,460 | 170 | $75,613 | 34% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $77,380 | 6,520 | $68,137 | 45% |
| Modesto, CA | $76,640 | 420 | $73,616 | 32% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $75,940 | 420 | $71,062 | 46% |
| New York, NY | $75,780 | 12,430 | $67,322 | 56% |
| Boston, MA | $75,770 | 3,110 | $69,985 | 47% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $75,670 | 90 | $68,856 | 55% |
| Vallejo, CA | $75,500 | 200 | $69,599 | 39% |
| San Diego, CA | $75,070 | 1,430 | $67,094 | 47% |
| Longview, WA | $74,750 | 120 | $76,631 | 23% |
| Oxnard, CA | $74,730 | 350 | $67,608 | 47% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $74,620 | 120 | $68,713 | 45% |
| Anchorage, AK | $74,480 | 410 | $70,651 | 30% |
| Baltimore, MD | $74,470 | 1,670 | $71,272 | 31% |
| Reno, NV | $74,110 | 470 | $73,366 | 34% |
| Manchester, NH | $73,890 | 280 | $69,934 | 35% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $73,730 | 4,290 | $70,338 | 28% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $72,970 | 130 | $70,702 | 30% |
| Denver, CO | $72,800 | 2,770 | $68,821 | 31% |
| Minot, ND | $72,800 | 160 | $83,651 | 21% |
| Savannah, GA | $72,770 | 1,260 | $76,434 | 29% |
| Sacramento, CA | $72,660 | 1,190 | $68,117 | 37% |
| Kahului, HI | $72,630 | 60 | $66,394 | 53% |
| Washington, DC | $72,580 | 2,910 | $66,658 | 40% |
| Portland, OR | $71,990 | 2,330 | $68,288 | 30% |
| Worcester, MA | $71,780 | 660 | $70,014 | 35% |
| Riverside, CA | $71,300 | 3,400 | $66,985 | 43% |
| Barnstable, MA | $70,770 | 140 | $71,957 | 44% |
| Stockton, CA | $70,410 | 760 | $67,000 | 41% |
| El Centro, CA | $70,360 | 140 | $73,928 | 31% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $70,060 | 210 | $64,395 | 56% |
| Kennewick, WA | $69,750 | 250 | $69,695 | 29% |
| Trenton, NJ | $69,480 | 280 | $67,339 | 44% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $68,690 | 100 | $66,140 | 31% |
| Reading, PA | $68,640 | 710 | $70,719 | 27% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $68,410 | 240 | $63,470 | 47% |
| Duluth, MN | $68,240 | 370 | $76,875 | 23% |
| Walla Walla, WA | $67,310 | 50 | $68,322 | 26% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $67,270 | 280 | $68,048 | 37% |
| Janesville, WI | $67,140 | 240 | $71,652 | 23% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $66,770 | 1,290 | $66,627 | 31% |
| Norwich, CT | $66,700 | 190 | $66,404 | 38% |
| Visalia, CA | $66,610 | 240 | $66,727 | 31% |
| Topeka, KS | $66,500 | 290 | $74,871 | 23% |
| Portland, ME | $66,100 | 590 | $64,894 | 42% |
| Casper, WY | $65,780 | 170 | $70,106 | 26% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $65,770 | 220 | $65,196 | 35% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $65,760 | 240 | $69,830 | 29% |
| Redding, CA | $65,710 | 100 | $65,264 | 30% |
| Chicago, IL | $65,680 | 8,660 | $63,401 | 40% |
| Providence, RI | $65,620 | 820 | $64,477 | 40% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $65,400 | 260 | $70,376 | 23% |
| Fresno, CA | $65,210 | 720 | $63,832 | 38% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $65,200 | 1,500 | $64,639 | 30% |
| Springfield, MA | $65,200 | 410 | $67,874 | 36% |
| New Haven, CT | $65,140 | 520 | $62,300 | 38% |
| Vineland, NJ | $64,990 | 150 | $67,720 | 30% |
| Spokane, WA | $64,860 | 780 | $64,636 | 28% |
| Racine, WI | $64,770 | 290 | $67,496 | 27% |
| Syracuse, NY | $64,770 | 670 | $67,651 | 30% |
| Bend, OR | $64,620 | 190 | $62,370 | 41% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $64,550 | 4,490 | $62,942 | 35% |
| Hartford, CT | $64,530 | 1,310 | $62,805 | 37% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $64,410 | 330 | $73,501 | 23% |
| Fargo, ND | $64,370 | 500 | $70,837 | 21% |
| Provo, UT | $64,350 | 240 | $65,508 | 33% |
| Naples, FL | $64,260 | 110 | $62,267 | 49% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $64,220 | 170 | $74,103 | 21% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $64,160 | 170 | $63,444 | 37% |
| Allentown, PA | $64,110 | 880 | $64,131 | 34% |
| Helena, MT | $64,110 | 60 | $67,008 | 31% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $64,010 | 1,120 | $64,886 | 28% |
| Yakima, WA | $63,990 | 260 | $66,974 | 26% |
| Bismarck, ND | $63,950 | 230 | $70,256 | 24% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $63,950 | 650 | $58,443 | 42% |
| Rochester, MN | $63,950 | 350 | $70,413 | 30% |
| Bozeman, MT | $63,910 | 120 | $62,345 | 41% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $63,910 | 310 | $63,461 | 33% |
| Appleton, WI | $63,860 | 270 | $69,098 | 22% |
| Albany, NY | $63,850 | 780 | $64,128 | 32% |
| Madison, WI | $63,850 | 840 | $65,631 | 33% |
| Peoria, IL | $63,850 | 250 | $69,987 | 22% |
| Salinas, CA | $63,840 | 200 | $58,546 | 52% |
| Logan, UT | $63,600 | 50 | $66,300 | 27% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $63,520 | 860 | $62,962 | 34% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $63,510 | 180 | $65,820 | 29% |
| Lancaster, PA | $63,510 | 820 | $64,637 | 30% |
| Detroit, MI | $63,360 | 3,820 | $63,172 | 29% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $63,360 | 100 | $66,620 | 33% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $63,330 | 3,550 | $61,297 | 33% |
| Buffalo, NY | $63,270 | 1,020 | $66,014 | 28% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $63,260 | 110 | $63,107 | – |
| Waterbury, CT | $63,250 | 220 | $63,391 | – |
| Traverse City, MI | $63,240 | 150 | $67,729 | 35% |
| Jackson, MI | $63,030 | 90 | $68,676 | 23% |
| Merced, CA | $62,970 | 120 | $64,075 | 39% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $62,950 | 40 | $62,475 | 39% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $62,920 | 1,380 | $64,908 | 30% |
| Greeley, CO | $62,850 | 350 | $62,740 | 32% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $62,830 | 40 | $64,270 | 30% |
| Decatur, IL | $62,790 | 110 | $71,012 | 20% |
| Dayton, OH | $62,730 | 810 | $67,674 | 25% |
| Rapid City, SD | $62,700 | 160 | $70,323 | 28% |
| York, PA | $62,700 | 500 | $65,313 | 26% |
| Cleveland, OH | $62,690 | 1,970 | $66,746 | 28% |
| Lewiston, ID | $62,670 | 70 | $68,747 | 28% |
| Scranton, PA | $62,580 | 760 | $66,890 | 26% |
| Kansas City, MO | $62,570 | 2,890 | $67,612 | 29% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $62,560 | 120 | $68,265 | 22% |
| Corvallis, OR | $62,460 | 40 | $60,048 | 35% |
| Lima, OH | $62,450 | 210 | $69,645 | 23% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $62,400 | 2,300 | $65,429 | 29% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $62,400 | 270 | $67,244 | 22% |
| St. Louis, MO | $62,280 | 2,610 | $65,497 | 27% |
| Atlanta, GA | $62,270 | 5,940 | $62,234 | 36% |
| North Port, FL | $62,260 | 410 | $60,791 | 41% |
| Columbus, OH | $62,190 | 2,690 | $65,142 | 29% |
| Staunton, VA | $62,190 | 160 | $68,245 | 28% |
| Champaign, IL | $62,180 | 160 | $67,074 | 27% |
| Salem, OR | $62,180 | 310 | $59,991 | 32% |
| Mankato, MN | $62,170 | 180 | $68,352 | 24% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $62,090 | 110 | $63,168 | 35% |
| Yuba City, CA | $62,080 | 100 | $59,559 | 39% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $62,060 | 130 | $62,595 | 39% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $62,010 | 470 | $60,587 | 35% |
| Springfield, IL | $62,000 | 130 | $66,850 | 23% |
| Eugene, OR | $61,930 | 360 | $60,974 | 34% |
| Dover, DE | $61,820 | 120 | $63,401 | 34% |
| Midland, TX | $61,810 | 580 | $64,531 | 30% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $61,800 | 240 | $61,659 | 45% |
| Flint, MI | $61,780 | 170 | $66,406 | 20% |
| Lansing, MI | $61,740 | 400 | $64,996 | 25% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $61,710 | 2,850 | $64,485 | 30% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $61,700 | 620 | $68,078 | 25% |
| Des Moines, IA | $61,630 | 1,050 | $67,208 | 25% |
| Kingston, NY | $61,620 | 110 | $61,186 | 39% |
| Odessa, TX | $61,560 | 420 | $65,562 | 31% |
| Ithaca, NY | $61,500 | 70 | $59,526 | 39% |
| Bloomington, IL | $61,470 | 130 | $65,717 | 25% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $61,470 | 1,640 | $61,789 | 33% |
| Richmond, VA | $61,390 | 1,400 | $62,734 | 33% |
| Midland, MI | $61,380 | 40 | $66,775 | 27% |
| Missoula, MT | $61,380 | 140 | $63,642 | 32% |
| Ames, IA | $61,360 | 80 | $69,076 | 23% |
| Memphis, TN | $61,360 | 1,240 | $66,566 | 27% |
| Miami, FL | $61,340 | 4,240 | $53,734 | 52% |
| Louisville, KY | $61,310 | 1,480 | $65,872 | 26% |
| Davenport, IA | $61,270 | 520 | $68,782 | 20% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $61,240 | 1,550 | $64,095 | 32% |
| Rochester, NY | $61,240 | 870 | $63,111 | 30% |
| Billings, MT | $61,210 | 380 | $65,447 | 27% |
| Burlington, VT | $61,170 | 210 | $60,595 | 51% |
| La Crosse, WI | $61,100 | 260 | $66,580 | 27% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $61,100 | 70 | $60,781 | 36% |
| Austin, TX | $61,070 | 1,560 | $62,274 | 31% |
| Tampa, FL | $61,060 | 1,910 | $60,521 | 39% |
| Rockford, IL | $61,020 | 310 | $66,215 | 26% |
| Akron, OH | $61,010 | 790 | $65,342 | 26% |
| Charleston, SC | $61,000 | 540 | $60,419 | 40% |
| Pueblo, CO | $60,990 | 90 | $66,465 | 26% |
| Omaha, NE | $60,960 | 1,120 | $66,325 | 28% |
| Hanford, CA | $60,940 | 110 | $59,973 | 38% |
| Green Bay, WI | $60,860 | 430 | $65,380 | 22% |
| Medford, OR | $60,860 | 220 | $60,000 | 36% |
| Houston, TX | $60,770 | 7,410 | $61,615 | 32% |
| Nashville, TN | $60,760 | 1,780 | $63,070 | 36% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $60,750 | 370 | $66,721 | 29% |
| Morristown, TN | $60,700 | 130 | $70,284 | 31% |
| Burlington, NC | $60,680 | 180 | $65,110 | 26% |
| Lewiston, ME | $60,680 | 130 | $64,052 | 31% |
| Toledo, OH | $60,680 | 770 | $66,350 | 25% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $60,630 | 50 | $63,567 | 27% |
| Sioux City, IA | $60,600 | 180 | $70,095 | 26% |
| Lebanon, PA | $60,570 | 170 | $64,980 | 29% |
| Durham, NC | $60,540 | 370 | $62,046 | 33% |
| Bay City, MI | $60,530 | 90 | $65,850 | 20% |
| Sebastian, FL | $60,530 | 50 | $61,572 | 42% |
| Shreveport, LA | $60,490 | 440 | $71,361 | 25% |
| New Orleans, LA | $60,460 | 710 | $65,294 | 31% |
| Elmira, NY | $60,450 | 70 | $64,037 | 23% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $60,450 | 250 | $63,704 | 34% |
| Albany, GA | $60,420 | 130 | $68,918 | 21% |
| Dallas, TX | $60,390 | 7,940 | $58,580 | 33% |
| Tucson, AZ | $60,370 | 580 | $62,304 | 30% |
| Boise, ID | $60,340 | 730 | $61,327 | 38% |
| Columbia, SC | $60,320 | 520 | $64,402 | 31% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $60,310 | 160 | $63,168 | 34% |
| Raleigh, NC | $60,310 | 1,070 | $61,442 | 33% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $60,300 | 640 | $66,424 | 27% |
| Charlotte, NC | $60,300 | 3,350 | $61,943 | 35% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $60,290 | 100 | $60,095 | 42% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $60,280 | 2,070 | $63,673 | 29% |
| Gainesville, FL | $60,260 | 150 | $62,295 | 33% |
| Orlando, FL | $60,240 | 1,960 | $59,398 | 38% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $60,210 | 780 | $65,041 | 25% |
| Watertown, NY | $60,210 | 80 | $68,662 | 30% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $60,200 | 230 | $70,101 | 25% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $60,200 | 230 | $63,475 | 26% |
| Lafayette, IN | $60,200 | 210 | $64,433 | 29% |
| Albany, OR | $60,190 | 130 | $58,952 | 33% |
| Winchester, VA | $60,190 | 190 | $62,405 | 36% |
| Iowa City, IA | $60,150 | 120 | $65,731 | 35% |
| Elkhart, IN | $60,130 | 430 | $66,571 | 24% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $60,130 | 70 | $61,347 | 39% |
| Springfield, OH | $60,040 | 170 | $66,356 | 24% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $60,010 | 490 | $67,455 | 25% |
| Sandusky, OH | $59,950 | 80 | $67,148 | 36% |
| Kenosha, WI | $59,940 | 190 | $59,277 | – |
| South Bend, IN | $59,910 | 350 | $64,518 | 25% |
| Houma, LA | $59,820 | 190 | $70,291 | 26% |
| Lakeland, FL | $59,780 | 790 | $61,539 | 36% |
| Binghamton, NY | $59,760 | 230 | $64,353 | 32% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $59,760 | 110 | $63,565 | 27% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $59,680 | 50 | $63,851 | 35% |
| Niles, MI | $59,590 | 90 | $64,512 | 28% |
| Lincoln, NE | $59,570 | 410 | $65,046 | 26% |
| Ogden, UT | $59,550 | 410 | $59,343 | 33% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $59,500 | 370 | $66,582 | 26% |
| Grand Island, NE | $59,490 | 160 | $68,650 | 27% |
| St. George, UT | $59,490 | 90 | $61,128 | 37% |
| Jackson, MS | $59,420 | 840 | $66,728 | 30% |
| Wausau, WI | $59,350 | 280 | $64,058 | 19% |
| Michigan City, IN | $59,340 | 110 | $64,724 | 24% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $59,320 | 160 | $63,348 | 35% |
| Canton, OH | $59,310 | 470 | $66,338 | 23% |
| Macon, GA | $59,270 | 160 | $66,951 | 25% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $59,220 | 190 | $62,573 | 27% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $59,200 | 1,360 | $60,445 | 38% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $59,140 | 630 | $61,897 | 30% |
| Slidell, LA | $59,130 | 90 | $63,769 | – |
| Saginaw, MI | $59,000 | 190 | $64,913 | 21% |
| Utica, NY | $58,970 | 240 | $63,629 | 29% |
| The Villages, FL | $58,940 | 100 | $68,997 | 35% |
| Ocala, FL | $58,900 | 360 | $61,848 | 32% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $58,880 | 220 | $62,365 | 29% |
| Springfield, MO | $58,840 | 830 | $66,422 | 26% |
| Dalton, GA | $58,820 | 280 | $65,469 | 29% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $58,810 | 130 | $64,954 | 23% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $58,760 | 60 | $61,940 | 29% |
| State College, PA | $58,760 | 120 | $60,726 | 40% |
| Pensacola, FL | $58,750 | 290 | $60,123 | 35% |
| San Antonio, TX | $58,620 | 2,160 | $61,890 | 29% |
| Muncie, IN | $58,510 | 100 | $66,377 | 21% |
| Greenville, SC | $58,480 | 610 | $62,706 | 32% |
| Bangor, ME | $58,470 | 220 | $60,586 | 31% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $58,440 | 110 | $67,653 | 21% |
| Salisbury, MD | $58,370 | 60 | $61,046 | 40% |
| Deltona, FL | $58,320 | 290 | $58,692 | 36% |
| Monroe, MI | $58,240 | 160 | $62,294 | 26% |
| Roanoke, VA | $58,240 | 420 | $62,210 | 29% |
| Kankakee, IL | $58,230 | 110 | $60,408 | 27% |
| Greensboro, NC | $58,190 | 970 | $62,661 | 29% |
| Sherman, TX | $58,190 | 70 | $62,055 | 28% |
| Waterloo, IA | $58,190 | 150 | $66,841 | 21% |
| Youngstown, OH | $58,190 | 420 | $66,584 | 22% |
| Williamsport, PA | $58,170 | 120 | $62,989 | 22% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $58,100 | 580 | $63,123 | 32% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $58,050 | 840 | $63,545 | 32% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $58,030 | 170 | $66,219 | 27% |
| Knoxville, TN | $58,010 | 910 | $62,667 | 36% |
| Yuma, AZ | $57,950 | 150 | $62,509 | 29% |
| Waco, TX | $57,900 | 300 | $62,561 | 29% |
| Wheeling, WV | $57,840 | 140 | $65,487 | 18% |
| Evansville, IN | $57,820 | 330 | $63,172 | 23% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $57,790 | 200 | $62,742 | 32% |
| Tulsa, OK | $57,730 | 980 | $64,710 | 29% |
| Erie, PA | $57,720 | 180 | $63,463 | 23% |
| Altoona, PA | $57,650 | 220 | $64,408 | 21% |
| Mansfield, OH | $57,650 | 100 | $64,869 | 19% |
| Dubuque, IA | $57,630 | 170 | $65,993 | 22% |
| Kingsport, TN | $57,630 | 290 | $66,665 | 28% |
| Lawrence, KS | $57,590 | 30 | $63,817 | 33% |
| Lexington, KY | $57,470 | 390 | $61,870 | 33% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $57,450 | 480 | $62,812 | 32% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $57,410 | 140 | $66,871 | 28% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $57,390 | 170 | $65,367 | 20% |
| Little Rock, AR | $57,300 | 950 | $64,120 | 26% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $57,270 | 1,510 | $63,346 | 29% |
| Asheville, NC | $57,170 | 320 | $59,240 | 36% |
| Gainesville, GA | $57,100 | 250 | $59,008 | 36% |
| Bloomington, IN | $57,080 | 80 | $60,031 | 37% |
| Wichita, KS | $57,080 | 610 | $64,174 | 25% |
| Beaumont, TX | $57,050 | 340 | $63,357 | 28% |
| Amarillo, TX | $57,040 | 350 | $62,122 | 28% |
| Sumter, SC | $57,000 | 40 | $64,758 | 31% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $56,990 | 250 | $56,987 | 40% |
| Clarksville, TN | $56,940 | 120 | $62,608 | 28% |
| Augusta, GA | $56,920 | 310 | $61,935 | 31% |
| Gulfport, MS | $56,830 | 300 | $63,140 | 30% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $56,740 | 200 | $57,748 | 40% |
| Kokomo, IN | $56,690 | 60 | $63,236 | 23% |
| Abilene, TX | $56,610 | 210 | $62,647 | 42% |
| Joplin, MO | $56,580 | 360 | $66,007 | 26% |
| Pocatello, ID | $56,290 | 70 | $63,314 | 23% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $56,200 | 200 | $59,725 | 33% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $55,890 | 130 | $63,503 | 27% |
| College Station, TX | $55,870 | 210 | $61,429 | 32% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $55,800 | 40 | $63,168 | 40% |
| Chico, CA | $55,770 | 100 | $55,110 | 33% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $55,770 | 270 | $60,634 | 31% |
| Muskegon, MI | $55,700 | 100 | $60,204 | 28% |
| Jackson, TN | $55,690 | 210 | $65,118 | 30% |
| Wilmington, NC | $55,560 | 360 | $57,622 | 38% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $55,540 | 210 | $59,136 | 32% |
| Columbus, IN | $55,470 | 80 | $59,643 | 30% |
| Great Falls, MT | $55,420 | 70 | $57,225 | 31% |
| Lafayette, LA | $55,290 | 270 | $63,399 | 30% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $55,180 | 60 | $61,831 | 28% |
| Huntsville, AL | $55,110 | 490 | $59,212 | 30% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $55,100 | 60 | $55,788 | 43% |
| Birmingham, AL | $55,040 | 1,590 | $60,058 | 31% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $54,730 | 80 | $61,142 | 29% |
| Johnstown, PA | $54,540 | 160 | $63,471 | 19% |
| Hickory, NC | $54,480 | 410 | $61,569 | 35% |
| Tyler, TX | $54,460 | 260 | $59,095 | 29% |
| Killeen, TX | $54,400 | 360 | $59,694 | 29% |
| Valdosta, GA | $54,330 | 90 | $61,549 | 29% |
| Manhattan, KS | $54,010 | 70 | $59,903 | 28% |
| Columbia, MO | $53,980 | 130 | $60,355 | 32% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $53,980 | 80 | $61,021 | 34% |
| Brunswick, GA | $53,530 | 90 | $61,032 | 38% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $53,290 | 130 | $58,837 | 29% |
| Johnson City, TN | $53,290 | 60 | $60,606 | 34% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $53,220 | 430 | $57,429 | 32% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $53,170 | 120 | $60,438 | 23% |
| Owensboro, KY | $53,040 | 60 | $59,858 | 28% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $52,710 | 100 | $57,241 | 36% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $52,480 | 380 | $61,103 | 25% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $52,370 | 50 | $61,087 | 28% |
| Decatur, AL | $52,250 | 150 | $59,911 | 25% |
| Montgomery, AL | $52,190 | 420 | $58,195 | 32% |
| Weirton, WV | $52,170 | 90 | $58,602 | 19% |
| Rome, GA | $52,160 | 80 | $57,852 | 29% |
| Longview, TX | $52,090 | 350 | $58,211 | 26% |
| Farmington, NM | $52,000 | 200 | $59,288 | 32% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $51,920 | 200 | $57,574 | 28% |
| Beckley, WV | $51,860 | 90 | $58,686 | 24% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $51,730 | 230 | $58,970 | 39% |
| Victoria, TX | $51,520 | 70 | $57,347 | 27% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $51,260 | 90 | $59,551 | 24% |
| San Angelo, TX | $51,250 | 80 | $55,434 | 31% |
| Crestview, FL | $51,130 | 110 | $52,694 | 46% |
| Huntington, WV | $51,130 | 250 | $57,825 | 25% |
| Panama City, FL | $51,020 | 170 | $52,438 | 41% |
| Athens, GA | $50,820 | 100 | $54,444 | 42% |
| Brownsville, TX | $50,540 | 380 | $58,785 | 36% |
| Daphne, AL | $50,530 | 150 | $53,364 | 40% |
| Alexandria, LA | $50,520 | 90 | $58,959 | 24% |
| Dothan, AL | $50,500 | 270 | $60,239 | 29% |
| Florence, AL | $50,410 | 130 | $59,434 | 26% |
| Columbus, GA | $50,380 | 160 | $56,419 | 32% |
| Charleston, WV | $50,350 | 120 | $56,753 | 29% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $50,330 | 190 | $53,663 | 36% |
| Florence, SC | $49,990 | 190 | $57,609 | 36% |
| Lubbock, TX | $49,900 | 340 | $54,645 | 32% |
| Mobile, AL | $49,880 | 560 | $56,619 | 31% |
| Greenville, NC | $49,850 | 160 | $56,390 | 35% |
| Monroe, LA | $49,770 | 190 | $59,536 | 28% |
| Hammond, LA | $49,600 | 90 | $58,726 | 32% |
| Anniston, AL | $49,550 | 90 | $57,650 | 23% |
| Cleveland, TN | $49,050 | 90 | $55,688 | 34% |
| Enid, OK | $49,030 | 80 | $58,183 | 27% |
| Lawton, OK | $48,310 | 70 | $56,213 | 28% |
| Laredo, TX | $48,270 | 760 | $55,511 | 28% |
| Auburn, AL | $47,900 | 120 | $54,473 | 40% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $47,800 | 160 | $52,986 | 37% |
| El Paso, TX | $47,520 | 1,090 | $52,852 | 38% |
| McAllen, TX | $47,500 | 650 | $55,300 | 28% |
| Texarkana, TX | $47,400 | 180 | $56,421 | 32% |
| Gadsden, AL | $46,740 | 110 | $54,569 | 28% |
| Sebring, FL | $46,650 | 50 | $50,449 | 39% |
| Morgantown, WV | $44,220 | 50 | $47,384 | 37% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $43,680 | 60 | $50,169 | 29% |
What the median diesel mechanic salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $61,770 |
| Month | $5,148 |
| Every two weeks | $2,376 |
| Week | $1,188 |
| Hour | $29.70 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a diesel mechanic: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +3.6% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 24,400 |
| Self-employed | 5.9% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC technician | $61,010 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Lineman | $95,320 | High school diploma |
| Aircraft mechanic | $79,870 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Maintenance technician | $49,590 | High school diploma |
| Auto mechanic | $50,620 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Millwright | $65,700 | High school diploma |
| Locksmith | $51,320 | High school diploma |
Questions about diesel mechanic pay
How much does a diesel mechanic make an hour?
The median is $29.70 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $21.41 and the top 10% over $42.66.
How much does a diesel mechanic make a month?
About $5,148 a month before taxes at the median salary of $61,770, or $2,376 every two weeks.
What state pays diesel mechanics the most?
Hawaii, with a median of $80,080. Washington ($77,900), Alaska ($75,580), Maryland ($74,790) and California ($73,950) follow.
Where do diesel mechanics make the most after cost of living?
North Dakota: its median of $66,110 is worth $74,315 at typical US prices. Alaska, Hawaii and Washington come next.
How much do entry-level diesel mechanics make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of diesel mechanics earn under $44,530 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $50,540, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a diesel mechanic?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: long-term on-the-job training.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 49-3031 (Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.