A career in Diesel Mechanics is highly rewarding, and if you’re considering a career as one, you should know that the demand for the same has been on the rise recently.
What is a Diesel Mechanic?
Diesel Mechanics are technicians that identify, repair and maintain automobiles and equipment related to diesel engines. Their duties can range from changing oils and tires to replacing any defective parts or the whole engine.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in diesel mechanics, you might be wondering how much they earn.
Read on to know more about the average salary earned by diesel mechanics in Texas and these figures as compared to different states and cities within Texas.
So how much does a Diesel Mechanic in Texas make annually?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average annual wage of a Diesel Mechanic in Texas is $50,680 or $24.37 per hour.
The BLS further reported that the national average annual salary for diesel mechanics across the country was $53,020 or $25.49 per hour.
These figures show that the average salary offered in Texas is a little less than that offered throughout the country.
However, Texas is considered to be an ideal place to work as a diesel mechanic. Why?
Because every year, thousands of diesel mechanic jobs are added in Texas
Diesel Mechanic Salary in Other States
Like in any other profession, the average salaries offered for diesel mechanics differ due to several factors. One such factor is the job location.
Let us first compare the salaries offered in Texas as compared to other high-paying states for Diesel Mechanics:
- Texas- $50,680 annually or $24.37 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)
Even though the salary offered in Texas for diesel mechanics is lower, it is important to emphasize that Texas has the highest employment rate for diesel mechanics.
Plus, you should also bear in mind the costs of living within each state before you decide to move to a higher-paying state.
According to the BLS, the demand and job growth for diesel mechanics are also the highest in the state of Texas.
Now let’s compare the salaries offered in Texas to that of other lower-paying states:
- Texas- $50,680 annually or $24.37 hourly
- Ohio- $49,430 annually or $23.76 hourly
- Arkansas- $43,710 annually or $21.02 hourly
- Idaho- $48,530 annually or $23.33 hourly
- Indiana- $48,920 annually or $23.52 hourly
- Alabama- $46,220 annually or $22.22 hourly
Diesel Mechanic Salary in Different Cities Within Texas
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 Texas, as reported by indeed.com-
- Houston- $28.18 per hour or $60,926 per year
- Austin- $28.05 per hour, $60,662 per year
- Texas City- $25.96 per hour or $56,134 per year
- Dallas- $28.30 per hour or $61,194 per year
- San Antonio- $27.54 per hour or $59,542 per year
- El Paso- $27.05 per hour or $58,495 per year
- Arlington- $30.05 per hour or $64,980 per year
It is important to note here that the above-mentioned figures have been pulled from job board sites such as indeed.com since there was no government data available for the salaries offered within cities in Texas. These figures might be subject to change also.
Tips to Land a Higher Starting Salary as a Diesel Mechanic
If you’ve figured out how to become a diesel mechanic, you might 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. However, as you grow in your career, you can earn more with the relevant experience and knowledge.
If you also want to be a diesel mechanic with a higher-than-average salary starting out, here is how you can do that:
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
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.
Even though some programs offer externships once you finish their course, if you lack hands-on experience, an externship is necessary.
Get your ASE certification
Once you are done with your training program and externships, you will need to clear the entry-level Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam.
This will help you get certified as a diesel technician.
There are many levels of diesel mechanic certifications 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.
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.
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.
Here are salary figures in other states:
