A Diesel Technician inspects and repairs diesel engines within a variety of automotive vehicles. The main duties of a Diesel Technician involve handling routine checkups and repairs, such as changing tires or oil.
If you are interested in Trades and want to pursue a career as a Diesel Mechanic (also known as Diesel Technician), you would want to know more about their salary.
Read on to find out the salary figures for Diesel Technicians and how these figures differ between each state and profession.
Diesel Technician Salary: An Overview
As per the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), the median salary for Diesel Technicians is $23.41 per hour or $48,690 per year. Apart from the salary, diesel mechanics are entitled to several benefits like 401k.
Diesel Technicians who are just starting their careers can expect an average annual salary ranging from $35,350 – $45,000. You can still bag a higher starting salary if you gain relevant diesel mechanic certifications or have some experience. These salary figures can also vary according to the city you live in.
The job outlook for Diesel Techs is also promising, with an expected growth rate of 4% till 2031. This is almost at par with the average job growth in other professions.
Related: Diesel Mechanic Jobs
Diesel Technician Salary by State
As mentioned earlier, the average salaries offered for Diesel Technicians differ between each state. Let us take a look at the figures from the top 20 highest-paying states for Diesel Technicians, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics-
| Ranking | City | Average Annual Salary |
| 1 | Washington | $63,760 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $62,500 |
| 3 | Alaska | $62,350 |
| 4 | Connecticut | $61,890 |
| 5 | Diesel Mechanic Salary California | $61,040 |
| 6 | New Jersey | $59,890 |
| 7 | Hawaii | $59,340 |
| 8 | Colorado | $58,410 |
| 9 | North Dakota | $57,000 |
| 10 | Minnesota | $57,570 |
| 11 | Maryland | $56,620 |
| 12 | Nevada | $56,570 |
| 13 | Illinois | $56,430 |
| 14 | Wyoming | $55,060 |
| 15 | New Hampshire | $54,410 |
| 16 | Virginia | $52,430 |
| 17 | Oregon | $52,390 |
| 18 | Diesel Mechanic Salary Florida | $52,160 |
| 19 | Delaware | $51,170 |
| 20 | Pennsylvania | $50,640 |
Diesel Mechanic Salary Georgia
Diesel Technician Salary by City
In every profession, the salary figures vary not only between each state but also within each city. Let’s look further at the salary figures seen in different cities across the country.
Here are the top 10 highest-paying cities in the USA for diesel technicians, according to the BLS-
| Ranking | City | Average Annual Salary |
| 1 | San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $75,900 |
| 2 | San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $73,400 |
| 3 | Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT | $70,480 |
| 4 | Bremerton-Silverdale, WA | $69,380 |
| 5 | Seattle-Takoma-Bellevue, WA | $68,760 |
| 6 | Napa, CA | $65,780 |
| 7 | Boulder, CO | $65,440 |
| 8 | San Diego-Carlsband, CA | $65,170 |
| 9 | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA | $65,050 |
| 10 | New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $64,790 |
Source: BLS
It is important to note that the above-mentioned figures have been taken from the government data that was available for the job role of ‘Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists’ in general.
Certified Diesel Technician vs. Uncertified Diesel Technician: Salary Comparison
It is important for Diesel Technicians to have as many Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications as possible, and it is also highly preferred by employers.
To become a certified diesel technician, you must clear a certification exam. As you gain experience, you can sit for different certification exams.
For beginners, the G.1 certification is recommended.
It has been seen that Certified diesel technicians are paid significantly more than uncertified ones. (Read More: How to Become a Diesel Technician)
How Much Does Diesel Technician Training Cost?
Becoming a Diesel Technician is relatively easy. You will first need to find an appropriate diesel mechanic school that is best suited to you.
There are three main types of diesel mechanic training available, which include getting an associate’s degree, a diploma program, or an online certification program.
Here are some basic details about these types of diesel technician training –
Associate’s Degree
- Duration: Up to 2 years
- Cost: $10,000 to $30,000 Per Year
A diesel mechanic degree is offered by various technical universities across the country for Diesel Technicians. Completing and getting an associate’s degree may take you 1 to 2 years, and the cost for the same ranges from $10,000 to $30,000 per year.
Even though getting an associate’s degree has been popular among Diesel technicians, the high costs and lengthy duration might be disadvantageous.
Diploma Programs
- Duration: Up to a year
- Cost: $13,000 to $25,000
Diploma programs are offered by various trade schools and community colleges for Diesel Technicians. Most certification programs take a year to complete, and the average cost for the same can go as high as $25,000.
Online Programs (Recommended)
- Timeline: 6-12 Months
- Cost: $3,000 to $5,000
Online training programs are highly recommended if you want to start your career as a Diesel Technician as quickly as possible. Online programs cost less than an associate’s degree or a diploma from a community college. In addition, online programs allow you to learn at your own pace and your own schedule.
Choosing an accredited online training program is important, as most of these also prepare you for entry-level ASE certification exams.
Also, choosing a program with an externship opportunity can help you gain relevant hands-on training, especially if you’re just starting out.
Related: how long is diesel mechanic school
How Can You Increase Your Chances of Earning a Better Salary as a Diesel Technician?
Get Your ASE Certification
Employers want technicians who can be trusted with repairs and other diesel engine issues. If you have the appropriate certifications, that builds your credibility.
ASE offers many certifications, and the more certifications you have, the better. You can start with their entry-level certifications (like the G.1 Certification) if you’re just starting out.
Get Your Commercial Drivers License (CDL)
As a Diesel Technician, you’re required to operate heavy-duty machines & vehicles. In many cases, you will be required to drive these vehicles. Therefore, a commercial driver’s license might be a requirement for employers.
Learning A Second Language
Depending on where you work, you will come across clients with different ethnic backgrounds as a diesel technician. Learning a second language can be useful and will allow you to communicate better.
Staying Updated With Technologies
The automobile sector is constantly evolving. Also, with increasing environmental regulations, manufacturers must update diesel engines to stay compliant regularly.
As a Diesel Technician, it is important for you to stay updated with any new technology or procedure being introduced within your field.
Completing a Management Course
As you gain more experience, you might be asked to handle additional responsibilities and management roles where different technicians will be working under your supervision. Taking a course in management & administration will help you handle these responsibilities better and become an inspiring manager.
Related Guides
- What is a Diesel Mechanic
- What Does a Diesel Mechanic Do
- Diesel Mechanic Job Description
- Diesel Mechanic Requirements
- Diesel Mechanic Resume
