Diesel Mechanic Training and Jobs
Schools and Degrees
Community colleges and trade and vocational schools offer programs for diesel mechanics. These programs lead to certificates or associate’s degrees and last from 6 months to 2 years. Some programs offer hands-on training with equipment. Certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is the recognized industry permit for diesel and other automotive service technicians and mechanics. For certification, a mechanic must pass one or more of the ASE-administered exams and present proof of 2 years of relevant work experience. To remain certified, technicians must be re-tested every 5 years.
Diesel mechanics receive formal training and are also taught to interpret technical manuals and communicate well with the co-workers and customers.
Training and Education
Expect to get long-term on-the-job training for this occupation. The share of diesel mechanics with a bachelor's degree or higher is 3%. About 35% of workers got additional education after high school, but did not have to get a college degree. There was no need to go beyond high school for 62% of employees.
Job Overview
Diesel mechanics repair and maintain diesel engines that power transportation equipment. Some of them work on other heavy vehicles and mobile equipment while some repair diesel-powered passenger automobiles, light trucks or boats. They use a variety of power tools such as pneumatic wrenches that remove bolts quickly; machine tools, such as lathes and grinding machines to rebuild brakes; welding and flame-cutting equipment to remove and repair exhaust systems; and jacks and hoists to lift and move large parts.
Job Requirements
Employers prefer diesel mechanics who are graduates in formal training programs. Courses in automotive repair, electronics, English, mathematics and physics help build a strong educational background for this career. Diesel mechanics should be at least 18 years old and be in good physical condition. Mechanical aptitude and strong problem-solving skills are also vital. They need to be versatile enough to adapt to customer needs and new technologies.
Nature of Work
Diesel maintenance is becoming increasingly difficult, as more electronic mechanism is used to control the operation of an engine. Diesel mechanics handle all kinds of repairs while working on a vehicle’s electrical system and major engine repairs. They use hand-held or laptop computers to diagnose problems and adjust engine functions.
Diesel mechanics work in well-lighted and ventilated areas. They usually work indoors, but might also have to repair vehicles on the road. They usually work in teams and are assisted by helpers for difficult jobs like removing engines and transmissions.
Area Job Conditions
Texarkana (Texas), Hinesville (Georgia), and Anniston (Alabama) boast the most diesel mechanics for their size population. Tallahassee (Florida), San Francisco (California), and Bridgeport (Connecticut) have the fewest.
The highest salaries for workers are in and around Ann Arbor (Michigan), Fairbanks (Alaska), and Anchorage (Alaska). The lowest-paying areas are Laredo (Texas), Pensacola (Florida), and Abilene (Texas).
Part-Time and Self Employment
It is estimated that 2% of diesel mechanics work less than full time. Self-employment is the choice of 5% of workers.
Career Videos
Diesel Mechanics by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)
In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.
Alabama
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anniston | $46,000 | 880 | +2888% |
| Auburn | $31,000 | 40 | +41% |
| Birmingham | $43,000 | 740 | +103% |
| Decatur | $37,000 | 70 | +100% |
| Dothan | $37,000 | 50 | +30% |
| Florence | $33,000 | 70 | +106% |
| Huntsville | $42,000 | 140 | -6% |
| Mobile | $38,000 | 330 | +162% |
| Montgomery | $45,000 | 170 | +46% |
| Tuscaloosa | $40,000 | 150 | +143% |
Alaska
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | $67,000 | 290 | +143% |
| Fairbanks | $71,000 | 140 | +599% |
Arizona
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flagstaff | $45,000 | 30 | -19% |
| Kingman | $43,000 | 70 | +129% |
| Phoenix | $50,000 | 1,380 | +5% |
| Prescott | $42,000 | 100 | +183% |
| Tucson | $45,000 | 440 | +76% |
| Yuma | $50,000 | 130 | +257% |
Arkansas
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville | $34,000 | 80 | -45% |
| Fort Smith | $42,000 | 140 | +63% |
| Little Rock | $39,000 | 390 | +54% |
| Pine Bluff | $35,000 | 40 | +114% |
California
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield | $54,000 | 460 | +143% |
| Chico | $47,000 | 100 | +114% |
| El Centro | $45,000 | 150 | +364% |
| Fresno | $50,000 | 380 | +63% |
| Los Angeles | $62,000 | 3,000 | -1% |
| Modesto | $47,000 | 150 | +36% |
| Napa | $61,000 | 60 | +44% |
| Oakland | $60,000 | 1,120 | +51% |
| Oxnard | $54,000 | 230 | +6% |
| Redding | $48,000 | 110 | +178% |
| Riverside | $50,000 | 1,400 | +56% |
| Sacramento | $54,000 | 820 | +27% |
| Salinas | $50,000 | 160 | +41% |
| San Diego | $53,000 | 670 | -31% |
| San Francisco | $53,000 | 230 | -69% |
| San Jose | $62,000 | 300 | -55% |
| San Luis Obispo | $59,000 | 90 | +41% |
| Santa Ana | $56,000 | 500 | -54% |
| Santa Barbara | $51,000 | 180 | +51% |
| Santa Cruz | $61,000 | 30 | -50% |
| Santa Rosa | $61,000 | 140 | +13% |
| Stockton | $52,000 | 270 | +79% |
| Vallejo | $53,000 | 170 | +103% |
| Visalia | $49,000 | 70 | -26% |
Colorado
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder | $49,000 | 100 | -8% |
| Colorado Springs | $51,000 | 280 | +53% |
| Denver | $50,000 | 1,470 | +58% |
| Fort Collins | $46,000 | 80 | -9% |
| Grand Junction | $42,000 | 190 | +407% |
| Greeley | $43,000 | 90 | +84% |
| Pueblo | $40,000 | 80 | +114% |
Connecticut
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport | $58,000 | 90 | -71% |
| Hartford | $61,000 | 280 | -34% |
| New Haven | $47,000 | 260 | +31% |
| Norwich | $52,000 | 30 | -65% |
Delaware
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover | $44,000 | 70 | +109% |
| Wilmington | $48,000 | 300 | +26% |
District of Columbia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $52,000 | 950 | -48% |
Florida
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral | $43,000 | 130 | -6% |
| Deltona | $39,000 | 100 | -8% |
| Fort Lauderdale | $48,000 | 330 | -36% |
| Fort Walton Beach | $49,000 | 50 | -3% |
| Jacksonville | $40,000 | 530 | +19% |
| Miami | $47,000 | 660 | -10% |
| Naples | $34,000 | 30 | -61% |
| Ocala | $38,000 | 160 | +167% |
| Orlando | $42,000 | 450 | -41% |
| Palm Bay | $45,000 | 120 | -15% |
| Panama City | $39,000 | 70 | +52% |
| Pensacola | $38,000 | 80 | -24% |
| Port St Lucie | $34,000 | 60 | -28% |
| Sarasota | $34,000 | 100 | -44% |
| Tallahassee | $37,000 | 80 | -30% |
| Tampa | $44,000 | 670 | -21% |
| West Palm Beach | $37,000 | 160 | -58% |
Georgia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | $50,000 | 460 | +1023% |
| Athens | $40,000 | 40 | -16% |
| Atlanta | $45,000 | 1,240 | -28% |
| Augusta | $45,000 | 150 | +1% |
| Brunswick | $41,000 | 70 | +168% |
| Columbus | $38,000 | 220 | +186% |
| Dalton | $41,000 | 120 | +164% |
| Macon | $44,000 | 120 | +93% |
| Savannah | $43,000 | 170 | +61% |
Hawaii
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | $64,000 | 210 | -35% |
Idaho
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise | $41,000 | 240 | +26% |
| Coeur Dalene | $45,000 | 40 | +21% |
| Lewiston | $47,000 | 50 | +260% |
| Pocatello | $45,000 | 70 | +276% |
Illinois
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $55,000 | 2,340 | -17% |
| Peoria | $52,000 | 110 | -10% |
| Rockford | $47,000 | 60 | -40% |
Indiana
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elkhart | $33,000 | 30 | -60% |
| Evansville | $43,000 | 450 | +268% |
| Fort Wayne | $43,000 | 190 | +29% |
| Gary | $55,000 | 210 | +7% |
| Indianapolis | $44,000 | 700 | +5% |
Iowa
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids | $52,000 | 60 | -39% |
| Davenport | $46,000 | 320 | +139% |
| Des Moines | $47,000 | 280 | +16% |
| Dubuque | $42,000 | 70 | +100% |
| Sioux City | $45,000 | 80 | +63% |
| Waterloo | $47,000 | 70 | +20% |
Kansas
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manhattan | $42,000 | 130 | +282% |
| Topeka | $42,000 | 130 | +69% |
| Wichita | $46,000 | 240 | +14% |
Kentucky
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green | $43,000 | 60 | +64% |
| Elizabethtown | $48,000 | 110 | +286% |
| Lexington | $36,000 | 150 | -14% |
| Louisville | $40,000 | 680 | +51% |
Louisiana
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria | $41,000 | 60 | +40% |
| Houma | $41,000 | 530 | +711% |
| Lafayette | $42,000 | 500 | +395% |
| Monroe | $46,000 | 90 | +74% |
| New Orleans | $40,000 | 1,070 | +173% |
| Shreveport | $42,000 | 220 | +71% |
Maine
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor | $40,000 | 200 | +392% |
| Lewiston | $41,000 | 60 | +83% |
| Portland | $47,000 | 200 | +38% |
Maryland
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | $48,000 | 1,130 | +16% |
| Bethesda | $46,000 | 210 | -51% |
| Hagerstown | $48,000 | 50 | -25% |
| Salisbury | $55,000 | 40 | +14% |
Massachusetts
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town | $54,000 | 40 | -42% |
| Boston | $53,000 | 370 | -72% |
| Brockton | $51,000 | 50 | -19% |
| Framingham | $45,000 | 50 | -57% |
| Lawrence | $47,000 | 50 | +27% |
| Lowell | $48,000 | 30 | -64% |
| Springfield | $51,000 | 100 | -54% |
| Worcester | $48,000 | 140 | -23% |
Michigan
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | $44,000 | 330 | -34% |
| Grand Rapids | $39,000 | 150 | -46% |
| Holland | $41,000 | 40 | -40% |
| Kalamazoo | $42,000 | 60 | -37% |
| Lansing | $44,000 | 80 | -44% |
| Monroe | $41,000 | 30 | +31% |
| Saginaw | $37,000 | 70 | +25% |
| Warren | $50,000 | 690 | -14% |
Minnesota
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth | $48,000 | 470 | +414% |
| Mankato | $53,000 | 30 | -19% |
| Minneapolis | $52,000 | 1,360 | +2% |
| Rochester | $47,000 | 60 | -16% |
| St Cloud | $49,000 | 110 | +67% |
Mississippi
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport | $42,000 | 160 | +114% |
| Hattiesburg | $30,000 | 60 | +59% |
| Jackson | $38,000 | 320 | +74% |
| Pascagoula | $39,000 | 60 | +101% |
Missouri
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia | $44,000 | 80 | +47% |
| Jefferson City | $42,000 | 80 | +60% |
| Joplin | $38,000 | 40 | -25% |
| Kansas City | $47,000 | 1,000 | +32% |
| Springfield | $44,000 | 160 | +17% |
| St Joseph | $47,000 | 40 | +21% |
| St Louis | $45,000 | 660 | -34% |
Montana
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | $44,000 | 170 | +196% |
| Great Falls | $48,000 | 80 | +247% |
| Missoula | $47,000 | 140 | +309% |
Nebraska
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln | $43,000 | 90 | -21% |
| Omaha | $41,000 | 430 | +24% |
Nevada
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas | $59,000 | 490 | -22% |
| Reno | $51,000 | 190 | +38% |
New Hampshire
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashua | $47,000 | 80 | -17% |
| Portsmouth | $53,000 | 50 | +32% |
New Jersey
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camden | $46,000 | 540 | +39% |
| Edison | $51,000 | 700 | -9% |
| Newark | $54,000 | 410 | -45% |
| Trenton | $52,000 | 30 | -82% |
| Vineland | $40,000 | 40 | +1% |
New Mexico
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $44,000 | 290 | +2% |
| Farmington | $48,000 | 380 | +1080% |
| Las Cruces | $39,000 | 40 | -6% |
New York
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | $53,000 | 350 | +5% |
| Binghamton | $42,000 | 70 | -11% |
| Buffalo | $49,000 | 340 | -17% |
| Nassau | $58,000 | 240 | -75% |
| New York | $63,000 | 850 | -78% |
| Poughkeepsie | $50,000 | 90 | -50% |
| Rochester | $45,000 | 270 | -28% |
| Syracuse | $48,000 | 310 | +35% |
| Utica | $35,000 | 70 | -20% |
North Carolina
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville | $39,000 | 80 | -37% |
| Burlington | $40,000 | 40 | +7% |
| Charlotte | $40,000 | 700 | +10% |
| Durham | $39,000 | 50 | -75% |
| Fayetteville | $45,000 | 110 | +24% |
| Greensboro | $40,000 | 200 | -24% |
| Hickory | $40,000 | 60 | -43% |
| Jacksonville | $46,000 | 60 | +120% |
| Raleigh | $41,000 | 450 | +18% |
| Rocky Mount | $35,000 | 30 | -21% |
| Wilmington | $41,000 | 110 | +14% |
| Winston Salem | $36,000 | 80 | -47% |
North Dakota
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck | $45,000 | 120 | +175% |
| Fargo | $45,000 | 230 | +169% |
| Grand Forks | $47,000 | 80 | +156% |
Ohio
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akron | $43,000 | 300 | +27% |
| Canton | $43,000 | 80 | -33% |
| Cincinnati | $42,000 | 650 | -14% |
| Cleveland | $47,000 | 440 | -42% |
| Columbus | $47,000 | 310 | -55% |
| Dayton | $48,000 | 80 | -72% |
| Lima | $41,000 | 40 | +17% |
| Springfield | $46,000 | 40 | +29% |
| Steubenville | $42,000 | 50 | +89% |
| Toledo | $63,000 | 170 | -21% |
| Youngstown | $39,000 | 190 | +16% |
Oklahoma
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | $40,000 | 410 | -4% |
| Tulsa | $39,000 | 460 | +45% |
Oregon
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bend | $44,000 | 100 | +138% |
| Eugene | $47,000 | 110 | +10% |
| Medford | $47,000 | 70 | +33% |
| Portland | $46,000 | 1,000 | +31% |
| Salem | $48,000 | 150 | +42% |
Pennsylvania
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown | $47,000 | 180 | -29% |
| Altoona | $35,000 | 30 | -26% |
| Erie | $36,000 | 70 | -23% |
| Harrisburg | $47,000 | 180 | -23% |
| Johnstown | $39,000 | 30 | -19% |
| Lancaster | $45,000 | 130 | -24% |
| Lebanon | $46,000 | 50 | +71% |
| Philadelphia | $48,000 | 850 | -40% |
| Pittsburgh | $45,000 | 1,080 | +26% |
| Reading | $47,000 | 160 | +34% |
| Scranton | $39,000 | 150 | -21% |
| State College | $39,000 | 50 | +20% |
| York | $45,000 | 160 | +27% |
Rhode Island
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providence | $52,000 | 210 | -49% |
South Carolina
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | $44,000 | 270 | +28% |
| Columbia | $40,000 | 240 | -7% |
| Florence | $34,000 | 40 | -26% |
| Greenville | $39,000 | 170 | -22% |
| Myrtle Beach | $36,000 | 40 | -47% |
| Spartanburg | $42,000 | 90 | +12% |
South Dakota
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City | $44,000 | 110 | +159% |
| Sioux Falls | $43,000 | 210 | +113% |
Tennessee
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga | $41,000 | 380 | +130% |
| Clarksville | $42,000 | 110 | +107% |
| Kingsport | $40,000 | 210 | +147% |
| Knoxville | $39,000 | 330 | +35% |
| Memphis | $44,000 | 510 | +11% |
| Morristown | $37,000 | 50 | +70% |
| Nashville | $36,000 | 580 | +5% |
Texas
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amarillo | $40,000 | 160 | +116% |
| Austin | $42,000 | 370 | -37% |
| Beaumont | $43,000 | 130 | +13% |
| Brownsville | $41,000 | 40 | -56% |
| College Station | $37,000 | 60 | -5% |
| Corpus Christi | $39,000 | 330 | +158% |
| Dallas | $41,000 | 990 | -37% |
| El Paso | $34,000 | 110 | -45% |
| Fort Worth | $41,000 | 550 | -15% |
| Houston | $40,000 | 3,270 | +66% |
| Killeen | $42,000 | 130 | +44% |
| Laredo | $30,000 | 30 | -44% |
| Longview | $30,000 | 370 | +461% |
| Lubbock | $39,000 | 90 | +2% |
| Mcallen | $30,000 | 130 | -22% |
| Midland | $43,000 | 100 | +138% |
| Odessa | $43,000 | 330 | +784% |
| San Angelo | $40,000 | 60 | +127% |
| San Antonio | $41,000 | 720 | +11% |
| Texarkana | $46,000 | 1,270 | +3459% |
| Tyler | $42,000 | 50 | -19% |
| Victoria | $42,000 | 90 | +190% |
| Waco | $38,000 | 80 | +16% |
Utah
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ogden | $54,000 | 160 | +11% |
| Provo | $45,000 | 90 | -26% |
| Salt Lake City | $48,000 | 750 | +66% |
Vermont
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | $44,000 | 70 | -10% |
Virginia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville | $43,000 | 50 | -16% |
| Harrisonburg | $33,000 | 40 | +8% |
| Lynchburg | $37,000 | 60 | -12% |
| Richmond | $42,000 | 550 | +20% |
| Roanoke | $40,000 | 130 | +17% |
| Virginia Beach | $45,000 | 710 | +26% |
| Winchester | $34,000 | 50 | +55% |
Washington
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellingham | $46,000 | 90 | +81% |
| Bremerton | $57,000 | 170 | +200% |
| Kennewick | $53,000 | 170 | +145% |
| Mount Vernon | $46,000 | 30 | +5% |
| Olympia | $53,000 | 30 | -56% |
| Seattle | $60,000 | 1,040 | -1% |
| Spokane | $46,000 | 210 | +42% |
| Tacoma | $60,000 | 370 | +92% |
| Wenatchee | $39,000 | 40 | +63% |
| Yakima | $48,000 | 60 | +5% |
West Virginia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | $46,000 | 460 | +346% |
| Huntington | $40,000 | 180 | +126% |
| Morgantown | $33,000 | 60 | +72% |
| Parkersburg | $38,000 | 50 | +9% |
| Wheeling | $39,000 | 150 | +246% |
Wisconsin
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appleton | $45,000 | 150 | +87% |
| Eau Claire | $42,000 | 80 | +60% |
| Green Bay | $47,000 | 110 | -9% |
| Janesville | $46,000 | 60 | +43% |
| La Crosse | $40,000 | 50 | +3% |
| Madison | $46,000 | 200 | -20% |
| Milwaukee | $47,000 | 810 | +31% |
| Wausau | $44,000 | 50 | +13% |
Wyoming
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casper | $46,000 | 80 | +250% |
| Cheyenne | $49,000 | 60 | +121% |