A career in Diesel Mechanics is the best suited for you if you also love working with vehicles and their machinery. Plus, diesel mechanics are becoming more and more in demand.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, diesel mechanic jobs are expected to rise by 4% by the year 2031, which makes it an ideal career to pursue.
This article aims to relay everything you need to know about the salaries offered for Diesel Mechanics nationally, in Georgia, and their comparison with the salaries offered in other states and cities.
So how much does a Diesel Mechanic in Georgia earn?
The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) reports that the average annual wage of a Diesel Mechanic in Georgia is $47,980 or $23.07 per hour.
Diesel Mechanic Salary in Other States Compared to Georgia
The average salaries offered for diesel mechanics differ due to several factors. One such factor is the job location. This is also true for Diesel Mechanics.
Comparing the salaries offered in Georgia as compared to other high-paying states for Diesel Mechanics:
- Georgia- $47,980 annually or $23.07 hourly
- Washington- $63,760 annually or $30.65 hourly
- Alaska- $62,350 annually or $29.98 hourly
- Massachusetts- $62,500 annually or $30.05 hourly
- Connecticut- $61,890 annually or $29.76 hourly
- California- $61,040 annually or $29.35 hourly (Diesel Mechanic Salary California)
Now let’s compare the salaries offered in Georgia to that of other lower-paying states:
- Georgia- $47,980 annually or $23.07 hourly
- Arkansas- $43,710 annually or $21.02 hourly
- Alabama- $46,220 annually or $22.22 hourly
- Mississippi- $45,410 annually or $21.83 hourly
- South Carolina- $42,550 annually or $20.46 hourly
- West Virginia- $43,790 annually or $21.06 hourly
Even though the salary offered in Georgia for diesel mechanics is slightly lower than the national average, it is important to emphasize that Georgia has the highest employment rate in the country.
Plus, you should also bear in mind the costs of living within each state before you decide to move to a higher-paying state.
Salary in Other States
Diesel Mechanic Salary in Different Cities Within Georgia
As mentioned earlier, the salaries offered in different states for each profession are varied. This is also true for each city within each state. Let us see how the salaries offered for diesel mechanics differ within the major cities in Georgia, as reported by indeed.com-
- Atlanta- $29.12 hourly or $62,960 annually
- Savannah- $27.92 hourly or $60,373 annually
- Athens- $27.08 hourly or $58,562 annually
- Rome- $23.44 hourly or $50,686 annually
- Augusta- $24.98 hourly or $54,013 annually
- Macon- $27.99 hourly or $$60,516 annually
- Marietta- $27.13 hourly or $58,675 annually
How to Get a Higher Starting Salary as a Diesel Mechanic
For entering the field of diesel mechanics, you might also be interested to know how you can bag a higher-than-average salary as one.
If you’re just starting as a diesel mechanic, you can expect a lower salary to begin with. Although, as you grow in your career, you can earn more with relevant experience and knowledge.
Some diesel mechanics, however, earn more than others. This is because they work on developing all the relevant skills and educational requirements, which makes them shine more than others in front of employers.
If you also want to be a diesel mechanic with a higher-than-average salary starting out, here is how:
Complete an online training program
After you complete your high school diploma or a GED, it is required for you to enroll yourself in a diesel mechanic training program to learn the basics and complexities of this field.
Even though there are other methods available for completing your training, such as getting an associate’s diesel mechanic degree or enrolling yourself in a certification program, the most recommended option is completing an online training program.
This is because an online training program offers several advantages over the other two alternatives, such as-
- Completing your degree much faster, in as little as 6 months.
- Significantly lower tuition costs as compared to an associate’s degree or a certification program
- Getting to learn at your own pace and time schedule as opposed to scheduled classes
- Getting externship opportunities once you finish your course
Get externships
After you complete your training, you will need to apply for externships at a workshop or any other setting. Getting hands-on training is vital for diesel mechanics, as their day-to-day tasks include working with heavy and complex machinery and equipment.
Get your ASE certification
Once you are done with your diesel mechanic school, you will need to clear the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam. This will help you get licensed as a diesel mechanic.
There are many levels of ASE certification that you can clear, depending on your level of knowledge and skills. However, the G.1 certification is the most recommended and minimum requirement that employers look for while hiring diesel mechanics.
As you gain more experience, you can apply for specialized diesel mechanic certifications.
Learn additional skills
As a diesel mechanic, apart from theoretical and practical knowledge, incorporating additional skills will make you shine more in front of employers and will make you a valuable diesel mechanic.
Learning additional skills such as management, communication, and other soft skills will help you ease into additional responsibilities once you grow in your career as a diesel mechanic.
